Workplace Investigations
Employers are required to promptly investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination or sexual harassment. Failing to do so risks lawsuits or investigations by agencies such as the EEOC. To protect our clients, we offer the following services:
- Sexual harassment and personnel policy development
- Management training and awareness program
- Investigations of complaints by certified investigators
- When required, we can also testify to the results of the investigation and the process undertaken to reach a resolution of the original complaint
We have seen that most sexual harassment or discrimination complaints can be properly investigated and effectively resolved. When conducting these investigations we strive to achieve positive outcomes for the company, the accused and the person who files the complaint alleging harassment.
Employees continue to file sexual harassment or discrimination lawsuits. Even a chance remark may leave an employee feeling harassed and result in a lawsuit. Managers who allow sexual harassment or discrimination in their departments can create tremendous liabilities for a company - whether or not the company is aware of the behaviors. In addition to possible lawsuits, such managers typically experience high turnover, low productivity and low morale.
A competent investigation offers the company a number of benefits:
- Harassed employees have an opportunity to be heard.
- Confidential investigations do not spread through the workplace.
- Effective remedies can be devised - ranging from disciplinary action to educating the parties involved about appropriate professional behavior at work.
- Management training can address lapses in management behavior and judgment.
The Supreme Court has held that an employer can defend against a lawsuit by publishing and enforcing an effective policy prohibiting harassment. For more information about how certain state agencies handle these issues, see the following link from the state of Texas:
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/efte/workplace_investigations_basics.html
Our services are also useful to attorneys as we can testify to the investigatory process without creating a conflict of interest for the company attorney. If you would like to learn more about these services, contact us at your convenience.
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