Companies should keep in mind that their reaction to and handling of employee complaints can make all the difference in avoiding a costly legal battle.
An effective workplace investigation can mean the difference between effective resolution and unwanted litigation. Moreover, in the current business environment, how employers investigate potential misconduct can affect that company’s reputation almost as much as the alleged conduct itself. These are the steps to take to lay the groundwork for a proper investigation.
Your company just received a notice from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stating that a charge of discrimination and/or harassment has been filed against the company. What do you do next?
‘Til it happens to you, you don’t know how it feels ‘Til it happens to you, you won’t know, it won’t be real. – Lady Gaga
With a near-daily barrage of media reports about high-profile workplace harassment allegations, it is important to remember what “harassment” is, what it isn’t, and what employers must do when faced with employee harassment complaints.