How to handle a sexual harrasment complaint

May 25, 8:41 PMSan Diego Human Resources ExaminerSabrina Siracusa

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It is very important for an employer to remain neutral when an employee complains of sexual harassment. The employer's main concern should be to objectively document the circumstances surrounding the complaint. Great care must be taken to consider the feelings of the person making the complaint while not being accusatory towards the alleged harasser. These complaints can be emotionally charged but it is important for an employer to remain calm and objective.

In order to effectively conduct a sexual harassment investigation an employer needs to:

• objectively listen and document the comments from the employee making the claim of sexual harassment and the alleged harasser
• if possible, get eyewitness testimony

Once both sides have been heard, an objective report should be made. If it is found that sexual harassment in fact has occurred, any and all employees who participated in this manner should be be disciplined. The severity of the sexual harassment will help determine the appropriate action.

Regardless of the outcome in any sexual harassment complain, it is important for an employer to carefully document and record the complaint and investigation. This may be helpful in the event of a lawsuit or possible complaints of sexual harassment against the same employee in the future.