State workers will be required to take a new live training program as a way to guard against discrimination and harassment in New York's state government, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced in a video released by her office. 

Hochul, meanwhile, will also retain an independent law firm to investigate claims of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation in the governor's office without interference from officials, she said. 

The actions come two months after Hochul took office in the wake of the resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo amid allegations he sexually harassed or acted inappropriately with 11 women as outlined in a report released in August by state Attorney General Letitia James. 

But the allegations leveled against Cuomo were also said to be of a larger piece of how the governor's office was known by current and former staffers as a toxic work environment, known for bullying and intimidation. Hochul after being sworn in as governor had vowed to change the workplace culture. 

"From the moment I took office, I've made it a priority to radically change the culture in Albany politics and promote a respectful and collaborative environment as we serve the people of New York," Hochul said. "Everyone has the right to a workplace completely free of unlawful discrimination or harassment. The new measures we are implementing in the Executive Chamber and across State government mark a major step forward in ensuring New Yorkers get the leadership they deserve from public servants at the highest levels."

Hochul also announced Monday mandatory in-person training for all staff in the governor's office as well as a new human resources department. About 200 newly hired and veteran employees have received ethics training for financial disclosure, standards of conduct and the public officers law.