what to do when an employee reports harassment

Report Immediately When an employee comes to you with a harassment complaint, taking quick action is key. Inform the reporter that you are obligated to involve HR. Whether or not the employee is in danger, immediate reporting of the allegation protects them and your organization.

1. What happens when harassment is reported?
2. How should an employer investigate a harassment complaint?
3. How do you handle allegations of harassment?
4. What will police do about harassment?
5. What are the 3 types of harassment?
6. How do you investigate a complaint?
7. How long does a harassment investigation last?
8. How does HR handle harassment?
9. How do you handle an anonymous harassment complaint?
10. How do you defend yourself against false harassment charges?
11. What does harassment include?

What happens when harassment is reported?

A lawsuit could seek damages from your employer for harassment, discrimination and/or retaliation. Damages refer to compensation for related losses, such as job termination, lost wages and emotional distress. Use a lawyer to help you seek money damages through a lawsuit if you experienced harassment in California.

How should an employer investigate a harassment complaint?

Here are some guidelines for conducting a comprehensive investigation:

1. Take all complaints seriously. ...
2. Launch a prompt investigation. ...
3. Protect confidentiality to the extent possible. ...
4. Create an investigation file. ...
5. Take steps to prevent retaliation. ...
6. Prepare to interview appropriate parties. ...
7. Interview the complainant.

How do you handle allegations of harassment?

Ten Vital steps to deal with harassment claims

1. Gather information: Find out the specifics - times, dates, places and what actually happened.
2. Make detailed notes of what was said, done or implied.
3. Determine who was present when the alleged misconduct occurred.
4. Determine whether other similar behaviour has occurred - if so, how many times and when?

What will police do about harassment?

What Can The Police Do About Harassment? If you feel as if you're being harassed or stalked, you can report it to the police or apply for an injunction through civil court. It is a criminal offence for someone to harass you or to put you in fear of violence.

What are the 3 types of harassment?

Discriminatory harassment

• Harassment based on race. ...
• Harassment based on gender. ...
• Harassment based on religion. ...
• Harassment based on disability. ...
• Harassment based on sexual orientation. ...
• Age-related harassment. ...
• Sexual harassment. ...
• Quid pro quo sexual harassment.

How do you investigate a complaint?

Make sure you:

1. Listen carefully. ...
2. Ask the complainant what they want to achieve. ...
3. If appropriate, manage expectations and explain what is possible.
4. Explain how long the process is likely to take. ...
5. Agree how to keep the complainant updated and involved, and how often.
6. Explain what will happen next.

How long does a harassment investigation last?

Depending on how many witnesses are involved and how many people need to be interviewed, an investigation should take 24-72 hours.

How does HR handle harassment?

Take every harassment complaint seriously. Treat the complainant with both respect and compassion. Don't brush off their complaint or downplay it. Showing that you are open and receptive to complaints encourages employees to come forward when they experience harassment at work.

How do you handle an anonymous harassment complaint?

Dismiss complaints just because the anonymity of the reporter makes it more difficult to investigate. Assume the complaint is valid or invalid before doing preliminary research. Retaliate against the suspected complainant or witnesses. Discuss the matter with anyone who is not relevant to the investigation.

How do you defend yourself against false harassment charges?

Here are some ways that you can protect yourself in this situation:

1. Realize the seriousness of the accusations. ...
2. Understand the cost of a defense. ...
3. Intervene before charges. ...
4. Take no action. ...
5. Gather any physical evidence and documents. ...
6. Obtain witness contact information. ...
7. Investigation. ...
8. Plea bargain.

What does harassment include?

The civil harassment laws say “harassment” is: Unlawful violence, like assault or battery or stalking, OR. A credible threat of violence, AND. The violence or threats seriously scare, annoy, or harass someone and there is no valid reason for it.