Handling Harassment (or Similar Types of) Complaints

Whether it's an employee complaining of a hostile work environment, unwanted sexual advances by a co-worker, bullying in the workplace, or any other type of harassing behavior, ignoring such employee claims can be costly for employers. Harassment complaints that are not investigated, documented or handled correctly can lead to on-the-job performance issues with the complaining employee or — even worse — lawsuits that often include a claim of wrongful discharge or retaliation. So what's an employer to do?

Presented by EmployerLINC.com and the law firm of McAfee & Taft, this complimentary, one-hour webinar features employment attorneys Kathy Neal and Sharolyn Whiting-Ralston discussing practical tips for properly investigating a harassment complaint, dealing with the complaining employee going forward, and avoiding costly litigation.

Topics include:
  • The benefits of investigating complaints (and the dangers of not doing so)
  • The objectives of an investigation
  • Selecting the investigator(s)
  • Conducting employee interviews
  • Preparing the final report
  • Communicating the results, including any disciplinary action
  • Dealing with the complaining employee once the investigation is over
  • Dealing with performance issues
  • Handling additional complaints of harassment or retaliation

(Originally broadcast July 18, 2012)