Subtle and overt language, joking, off-handed comments, and offensive comments and gestures can lead to a hostile work environment. And that includes ill-advised, even if not ill-intentioned, phrases such as “hold down the fort” and “low man on the totem pole.” Being a respectful communicator means more than just not …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
February 5Each presidential administration brings its own priorities and policies to the White House, but the speed with which the Trump Administration has issued Executive Orders regarding the Federal workplace is unprecedented. In this 60-minute review, FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will provide up to-minute guidance on what each of the …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Litigation & Advocacy, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
February 11A joke. A threat. A slap. A social media post. These could all possibly lead to viable claims of a hostile work environment harassment. But then again, they may not. Claims of harassment and more specifically, hostile work environment, continue to soar in the Federal workplace, along with confusion about …
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EEO Training, Litigation & AdvocacyAvailable:
February 19This week of FELTG training focuses on conducting administrative investigations in the Federal workplace with an emphasis on employee misconduct, including workplace harassment. Workplace Investigations Week always includes the most up-to-date information on the skills, trends, and cases, including OPM’s regulations on investigative leave. February 24: Administrative Investigations: The Substantive …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Workplace InvestigationsAvailable:
February 24“Who wrote this statute? Somebody who takes pleasure in pulling wings off flies?” The process for handling mixed cases has confused and frustrated many EEO practitioners, HR professionals, agency attorneys, and aggrieved employees – not to mention Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, author of the aforementioned quote. In this 60-minute …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Litigation & AdvocacyAvailable:
March 13EEOC Law Week – March 24-28, 2025
Let’s face it: EEO is complex. Not only do you have several different laws and the growing caselaw to keep up with, but many areas, such as contractor complaints and mixed cases, are flat out confusing as heck. The increasing reasonable accommodation requests based on religion, disability, and pregnancy and …
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EEO Training, Litigation & AdvocacyAvailable:
March 24Investigating harassment in your agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. This course provides a successful and effective approach to conducting legally sufficient harassment investigations that gives the agency the information it needs, while withstanding third-party scrutiny. Tuesday, April 29: …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Workplace Investigations, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
April 29Whether you’re an HR professional, Employee Relations practitioner, EEO specialist, supervisor, or agency counsel, you have undoubtedly faced a leave-related challenge or two. And chances are, you may have struggled with some of the more complicated scenarios. Leave and medical issues create a complex and seemingly burdensome issue, one often …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Litigation & Advocacy, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
June 2Most Federal agencies settle employment disputes — whether they initiate as grievances, EEO complaints, or as appeals of agency disciplinary actions. While it’s common to assume that settlement means the agency has a flaw in its case, it has no direct tie to liability or admissions of wrongdoing. Often, it’s …
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July 9When EEO challenges arise, they rarely show up as run-of-the-mill simple scenarios you’ve worked through in a training class. Are you an EEO professional, attorney or advisor eager to learn how to more effectively manage the unexpected EEO issues? This in-depth, highly interactive training will give you the necessary tools …
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July 15Reasonable Accommodation in the Workplace: 5-part Training Series – July 17 – August 14, 2025
A request to telework due to disability? An appeal to skip mandatory training due to religious beliefs? A request for leave due to prenatal appointments and medical incapacitation? With back-to-the-office plans in effect, new and changing laws, and a growing push for religious expression, it’s expected that requests for reasonable …
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July 17This year, it is more important than ever for agency supervisors, reasonable accommodation coordinators, EEO specialists, LR/ER specialists, attorneys, and union reps to understand the process for determining when an employee is entitled to an accommodation, whether the request is related to an individual’s disability, religious beliefs, or pregnancy status. …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
July 17Potential reasonable accommodations should be discussed by the employee and the agency, through what the EEOC refers to as “the interactive process.” So, what exactly does the interactive process involve? And when is it required? This course explains what agencies need to know when they work with employees on reasonable …
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EEO Training, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
July 24Barking Up the Wrong Tree? Service and Emotional Support Animals in the Workspace – July 31, 2025
Most of us know something about service animals, but what about emotional support animals, comfort animals, and the like? Are they permitted in the workplace? The EEOC’s stance that an emotional support animal may be a required reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual with a disability, even if it is not a …
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EEO Training, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
July 31With agencies mandating employees to return to the physical office space, you can expect more reasonable accommodation requests for telework. If someone has successfully teleworked already and is a qualified individual with a disability, must you grant the requested accommodation? This course will detail the required three-step process for agencies …
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EEO Training, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
August 7This week of FELTG training focuses on conducting administrative investigations in the Federal workplace with an emphasis on employee misconduct, including workplace harassment. Workplace Investigations Week always includes the most up-to-date information on the skills, trends, and cases, including OPM’s regulations on investigative leave. Monday, August 11: Administrative Investigations: The …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Workplace InvestigationsAvailable:
August 11When faced with a particularly challenging request for a reasonable accommodation, you may want to claim it’s an undue hardship. Don’t. Undue hardship is an important concept in terms of reasonable accommodation, but one that differs depending on whether accommodation is for disability, religious, or pregnancy-related reasons. This class will …
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August 14Whether you’re representing your agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there is one ultimate goal: Win the case. This interactive course will prepare you for these kinds of hearings. Wednesday, August 27: Developing a Theory In this session, you’ll learn strategies for developing …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Litigation & AdvocacyAvailable:
August 27EEOC Law Week – September 15-19, 2025
Let’s face it: EEO is complex. Not only do you have several different laws and the growing caselaw to keep up with, but many areas, such as contractor complaints and mixed cases, are flat out confusing as heck. The increasing reasonable accommodation requests based on religion, disability, and pregnancy and …
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EEO Training, Litigation & AdvocacyAvailable:
September 15Whether you’re an HR professional, Employee Relations practitioner, EEO specialist, supervisor, or agency counsel, you have undoubtedly faced a leave-related challenge or two. And chances are, you may have struggled with some of the more complicated scenarios. Leave and medical issues create a complex and seemingly burdensome issue, one often …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Litigation & Advocacy, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
September 22Sexual harassment is a term of art that while easy to allege, isn’t always easy to prove. However, just because something may not rise to the level of Title VII sexual harassment, doesn’t mean it’s not inappropriate or that it should be tolerated in the workplace. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins, …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor TrainingA reference to dinosaurs, a joke about retirement, or a snide “OK Boomer” – nothing wrong with that if it’s just in fun, right? Wrong! And if you think those are the only actions that’ll lead to an age discrimination claim, you’re wrong again. Join Attorney and FELTG Instructor Meghan …
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EEO Training, Supervisor TrainingFor many, it’s the most difficult and unpredictable part of the workplace investigation — conducting the interview. This is especially the case when the witness has suffered trauma. And it’s likely to happen, considering these sobering statistics: Seven to eight percent will have PTSD at some point in their lifetimes. …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Workplace Investigations, Supervisor TrainingDamages and Remedies in Federal Sector EEO Cases
A principal rule in findings of discrimination is to, as nearly as possible, place the victim in the position that person would have occupied but for the discrimination. This is easier said than done, because there’s no way to undo the harm caused by illegal employment discrimination. Even still, damages and remedies …
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EEO Training, Litigation & AdvocacyWinning EEO Cases Through Summary Judgment
The EEOC allows parties to file motions for summary judgment, potentially eliminating the need for a time-consuming, expensive, and risky hearing. Yet, many agencies fail to take advantage of this opportunity. During this 60-minute webinar, FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson explains the importance of the Report of Investigation and thorough discovery, …
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EEO Training, Litigation & AdvocacyAvoiding Mistakes in Selection and Promotion Cases
The selection and promotion process is an emotional one, especially for those who aren’t selected. If you’re a federal EEO practitioner or supervisor, chances are you’ve had a case where an employee alleges that she was not selected or promoted because of something other than job qualifications – race, sex, …
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EEO Training, Litigation & Advocacy, Supervisor TrainingAntisemitism is never acceptable. However, recent remarks by celebrities, athletes, and news networks have made antisemitism seem more commonplace, in all facets of life, including the workplace. Title VII makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on, among other things, religion. However, this is one of the protected categories …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor TrainingAvoiding Pitfalls: Advice from an EEOC AJ
Be prepared. Be on time. Be civil. These are fairly basic expectations. Yet, they’re often forgotten once parties enter the EEO process. And once in the process, the potential pitfalls only increase. EEOC Administrative Judge Meghan Droste discusses the common mistakes agencies make, from missing important deadlines to missing the …
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EEO Training, Litigation & Advocacy, Supervisor TrainingAvoid the Pitfalls of EEO Reprisal
When a complaint is filed with your agency’s EEO office, it’s possible that something very wrong has happened. Yet, how agency officials respond to that complaint could go a long way toward not only resolving the complaint, but ensuring that you don’t make matters even worse than they are. Too …
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EEO Training, Litigation & Advocacy, Supervisor TrainingHas your agency received any Pregnant Workers Fairness Act claims? Are you even aware of your responsibilities under the PWFA? Does the act create a new EEO category? How do pregnancy protections under the PWFA differ from those under Title VII or the Americans with Disabilities Act? This training will …
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EEO Training, Litigation & Advocacy, Supervisor TrainingWouldn’t it be great if your first reaction to a reasonable accommodation request didn’t involve increased heartbeat, immediate beads of sweat, or fear? It doesn’t have to be that way. You can be the supervisor (or advisor) who sees the benefit of the interactive process and confidently navigates it to find a …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor TrainingWriting Final Agency Decisions, Part I
A Final Agency Decision is appealable, by the complainant, to the EEOC. And EEOC case law is filled with reversals of agency FADs that found no discrimination. This class will teach you how to write an effective and defensible FAD, which requires thorough knowledge and understanding of discrimination law, as …
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EEO Training, Litigation & AdvocacyWriting Final Agency Decisions, Part II
A Final Agency Decision is appealable, by the complainant, to the EEOC. And EEOC case law is filled with reversals of agency FADs that found no discrimination. This class will teach you how to write an effective and defensible FAD, which requires thorough knowledge and understanding of discrimination law, as …
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EEO Training, Litigation & AdvocacyA surprisingly large number of agency dismissals are overturned by the EEOC each year – and a remand years after the events in question can equal big problems when it comes to the investigation. This class covers all you need to know on when to accept, dismiss, and how to …
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EEO Training, Litigation & AdvocacyA surprisingly large number of agency dismissals are overturned by the EEOC each year – and a remand years after the events in question can equal big problems when it comes to the investigation. This class covers all you need to know on when to accept, dismiss, and how to …
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EEO Training, Litigation & AdvocacyThere used to be a time when work was a respite from whatever else was going on in the world. Not anymore — and especially not in the Federal workplace. For starters, a good portion of employees are working from their homes, where many are inundated all day with news …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor TrainingThese are the Cases You Really Should Settle
We get it. You don’t want to look like you did something wrong. But here’s the thing: Settling a case does not mean there were flaws in your case, nor is it an admittance of liability or wrongdoing. This training will explain why so many disputes are settled and why …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Litigation & AdvocacyWhether it’s a disgruntled employee or customer, or a domestic issue that follows an employee to work, workplaces are at a distinct risk of violent incidents. And that risk may be heightened when it’s a Federal workplace. How do you prepare yourself to protect the lives of those around you? …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor Training, Private Sector TrainingHelping Supervisors Navigate the EEO Process
Your heart suddenly beats faster, and your blood pressure rises exponentially. It could be a health issue. Or possibly, you may have heard your name mentioned in connection with “an EEO case.” As the much-repeated saying goes: We fear what we don’t understand. This class aims to lessen the fear …
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By AppointmentWith more Federal employees working remotely, the nature of the Federal workplace has changed. This class will help you design work structures for wellbeing while cultivating a culture of civility and respect. This workshop will provide you with practical, easy-to-implement data-driven insights plus tools and resources that empower high-performing, engaged …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor Training, Employee Training, Private Sector TrainingAvailable:
By AppointmentMisconduct Investigations: Get Them Right From the Start
Any effective misconduct investigation starts with a solid foundation of the law and an understanding of the full scope of your investigation. This class explains the principles that underpin a successful investigation of Federal employee misconduct, including harassment. You’ll leave with guidance on developing the investigation, from creating a plan …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Workplace Investigations, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
By AppointmentEEOC Counselor 32-hour Initial Training
FELTG’s 32-hour EEO counselor training provides the mandatory initial training for new counselors that’s required by EEOC, and much more. The course is taught over four 8-hour days but can also be taught over five days or in other iterations. Our experienced instructors will explain the latest in EEO law …
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EEO TrainingAvailable:
By AppointmentThis workshop-based program will provide you with the skills and confidence to be more effective in writing reports of investigation and Final Agency Decisions that will withstand third-party scrutiny. Choose to bring one or both topics to your agency. Part 1: Writing a Report of Investigation Learn how to organize …
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By AppointmentEEO Counselor and Investigator Refresher Training
Are you looking for a convenient and engaging way to pick up your mandatory annual refresher training hours? Are you interested in useful, timely, and up-to-date guidance where you can ask your questions, and get answers in real time? As an EEO counselor or investigator, you are required by the …
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EEO TrainingAvailable:
By AppointmentHow do you determine if an employee has a disability? What does qualified individual mean? What exactly is the interactive process? Do you have to approve telework as an accommodation? What if an employee’s disability is invisible? And how do the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Amendments Act, and the …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
By AppointmentWhether you’re representing your agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there is one ultimate goal: Win the case. This interactive course will prepare you for these kinds of hearings. Part 1: Developing a Theory In this session you’ll learn strategies for developing a …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Litigation & AdvocacyAvailable:
By AppointmentWith some people working remotely and others onsite, how do you ensure that you hold all employees accountable for performance – and how do you ensure that it’s done fairly? And how do you handle the increasing number of requests to telework, especially those citing the request as an accommodation …
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By AppointmentAn employee requested telework as a reasonable accommodation. As the employee’s supervisor, you reviewed the request and denied it. Now the employee has claimed discrimination. What do you do next? This class will discuss the aforementioned scenario and several others, as we explain the supervisor’s role in the EEO counseling …
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EEO Training, Supervisor TrainingAvailable:
By AppointmentManaging a Potentially Suicidal Employee
As suicide rates rise across the country, the impact is being felt in the workplace. Learning how to correctly manage an employee’s suicidal crisis and ideations is increasingly important. Knowing what to do, and when, might save an employee’s life. This training provides an overview of suicidal ideation in this …
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EEO Training, Employee Relations, Supervisor Training, Private Sector TrainingAvailable:
By AppointmentTelework as a Reasonable Accommodation
This training focuses on one of the most commonly requested accommodations for individuals with physical and mental disabilities – telework. It turns out telework may also be one of the most effective accommodations, but it’s not for everybody. This course offers a discussion on recent and relevant EEO cases – …
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