Checklist Investigating Complaints of Harassment

This checklist investigating complaints of harassment template has 2 pages and is a MS Word file type listed under our human resources documents.

Sample of our checklist investigating complaints of harassment template:

CHECKLIST INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS OF HARASSMENT OR DISCRIMINATION In most countries, the law requires a company to promptly and thoroughly investigate claims of harassment or discrimination. Remember that if a lawsuit is filed, many courts will require you to fully disclose your investigation. So don't rush through it! Depending on the individual situation, most or all of the following should be considered during an investigation. Remember your focus is to gather facts and commit to legal compliance. Be sure to understand that harassment and discrimination are very often about power, ignorance and fear. Address the psychological needs of those involved. Don't begin by telling the claimant they have no claim. Keep matters confidential but don't promise absolute confidentiality because of your need to investigate, communicate, discipline and terminate. Contact your attorney if you think the matter could possibly lead to a claim. Get the complete story from the claimant in writing. Keep all interview notes, forms, etc. in a separate file, not part of the personnel file and limit access on a need to know basis only. Mark all documents "CONFIDENTIAL." Don't spread rumors about the employee or the complaint. Resist the temptation to gossip about these matters. Share any information on a need to know basis only. Don't leap to conclusions! Perform a complete investigation. Interview the employee complaining, the person accused and any witnesses named by either. Take good notes. Make sure to ask for all facts, documents and witnesses supporting any claims made.