5 Tips for Conducting an Effective Sexual Harassment Investigation

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Sexual harassment claims can be powder kegs waiting to explode, so it's critically important that you take the right actions as soon as you're delivered a complaint. Here are just five things that you need to know if you're about to head or host a sexual harassment investigation.

1. Document Everything

Paperwork is king when it comes to "he said, she said" situations. Since you usually can't prove whether or not the incidents actually happened, you'll have to rely on things like written complaints, formal warnings, dismissal notices, manager memos, witness statements and court filings. Assume that every scrap of documentation will be picked through with a fine-toothed comb and organize it accordingly.

2. Follow Established Protocols

Don't jump the gun when it comes to interviewing victims or writing up supervisors. Most companies have protocols in place for sexual harassment claims, and even if yours doesn't, there are guidelines that you can find online from organizations like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). They clearly outline the right legal steps to take when confronted with a sexual harassment charge.

3. Beware Retaliation

"Retaliation" refers to discrimination or harassment against the employee who filed the sexual harassment claim. This can get your company into huge trouble if you're seen as punishing the victim for coming forward. Make sure that everyone is minding their manners, following company protocols and not altering the whistle blower's salary or workload in any way.

4. Don't Delay

Not only will this put your company through unnecessary, drawn-out stress, but it can also come back to haunt you if the alleged victim is able to successfully argue in court that you dragged your feet. Start your investigation as soon as you receive a sexual harassment complaint. If certain delays are unavoidable, make sure that they're documented and explained in no uncertain terms.

5. Get Legal Assistance

There are lawyers who specialize in sexual harassment cases that can walk you through the process of opening, conducting, reviewing or mediating an investigation. If you work for a large company, there are probably in-house lawyers already on the payroll; if you're running your own business, you can bring in outside experts. Having a legal professional on your side is your best chance of clearing everything up in an effective way.

These are just a few tips for investigation into a sexual harassment claim. It's never an easy task, but if you follow these guidelines and respond appropriately, it can at least be a successful one.

Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband. Dixie recommends contacting a sexual crime lawyer if you need help or information about the legal aspects of a case.

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Tresha Moreland

Tresha Moreland is a 30-year organizational effectiveness and strategic workforce planning expert. She partners with business leaders to develop workplace strategies that achieve best-in-class results. She has held key organizational leadership roles in multiple industries such as manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Tresha is the founder and principal consultant of HR C-Suite, LLC (www.hrcsuite.com). HR C-Suite is a results-based HR strategy resource dedicated to connecting HR with business results. She has received a master’s degree in human resource management (MS) and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). She has also earned a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Six Sigma Black Belt Professional (SSBBP) Certification. She is also recognized as a Fellow with the American College Healthcare Executives with a FACHE designation.