Press Releases

July 16, 2003

Powell's Books Addresses Workplace Harassment Issues with Corporate Culture-Oriented Online Training Developed by Planet Productions

Planet Productions, a custom eLearning company, has completed an online course for Powell's Books designed to heighten awareness among employees about the nature of harassment and to reduce the number of potential harassment incidents occurring in the workplace.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Powell's “City of Books” is one of the largest independent new and used bookstores, and online book sites, in the world. Powell's offers readers four full-service bookstores and three specialty stores throughout the Portland area, in addition to the store website. Known for its progressive workplace environment, Powell's employs over 500 people and intends the training to support a respectful work environment.

Offered via the Internet, the interactive harassment training is simultaneously available to hundreds of workers in multiple locations, without interruption of services provided to Powell's customers. Initially, the course outlines the many possible forms of workplace harassment, followed by exercises that enable employees to practice identifying and reacting to various harassment situations. Information is presented in a non-offending way and creatively communicates key points in a lighthearted, yet meaningful program that reflects the unique company culture. The course encourages employees to report harassment incidents and also prepares managers for the classroom training that follows the eLearning. The classroom training helps managers learn how to handle harassment incidents, should they arise.

The workplace harassment course is the first of many online courses planned to bolster workplace skills for Powell's diverse audience of employees. The training format was developed as a reusable course shell, designed as a template framework that can be re-purposed for future online learning offerings with minimal cost and effort.

About Planet Productions

Planet Productions develops custom eLearning programs to address business challenges through a creative, collaborative and flexible design process. Established in 1991, Planet Productions is based in Portland, Oregon. For more information, visit www.planetproductions.com, or by telephone at 503-241-1644.

About Powell's Books

Powell's “City of Books” is one of the largest new and used bookstores, and online booksites, in the world. Founded in 1971 in Portland, Oregon, Powell's unique bookstore format combines used and new books, hardcover and paperback, all on the same shelf. Open 365 days a year, Powell's is staffed by a unique team of knowledgeable and dedicated book lovers. Powell's.com went online in 1994, providing readers worldwide with access to the store's entire inventory of books. For more information visit www.powells.com.

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