After receiving a complaint of sexual harassment on their watch, it’s easy to imagine that most business owners, leaders, or HR managers would feel a sense of uneasiness. Most are aware of the damaging impact this kind of misconduct can have. However, most do not fully conceive how to navigate a complaint, and the decisions around mounting a sexual harassment investigation must be made cautiously. Unfortunately, across the United States, sexual harassment work statistics continue to escalate. Between FY 2018 and FY 2021 alone, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reveals that 27,291 charges alleging sexual harassment were brought, and those numbers don’t reflect the reality that almost three quarters of sexual harassment claims in the workplace go unreported. Corporate investigations can assist in achieving resolution in the workplace and justice for potential victims. With this in mind, we at Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami, FL would like to discuss ways to respectfully conduct sexual harassment investigations in the workplace.
Take Action Immediately
It is essential to take prompt action as soon as a sexual harassment complaint is received. To those relevant in the chain of command and the human resources department, you need to report the complaint. You put the victim and other employees in danger of further abuse with any delay in doing the process of corporate investigations, as they must begin right away. If the accused is later found to have acted irresponsibly, your slow response may steer an organization towards a lawsuit or fines.
Care for Your Team
It is important to demonstrate how seriously the complaint is being taken while safeguarding the employees involved even though you don’t yet have all the facts. To ensure they feel protected, this early step of a sexual harassment investigation calls for collaborating with the complainant; either by moving them to a new workstation or changing their scheduled hours. You may decide it is most appropriate to put the accused individual on paid leave until the matter is resolved, alternatively.
Why is it Important to Maintain Confidentiality During an Investigation?
If not handled with care, a sexual harassment investigation can turn the lives of those in its orbit upside down. Confidentiality and discretion are necessary for every aspect of the investigation. The investigation must also be free from bias. As members of different departmental teams often socialize together, this can be particularly challenging in any workplace setting. A person that does not have a relationship with the complainant employee, the individual subject to the allegation, or any witnesses should lead the investigation. Any indications of bias can leave the legal standing of the conclusion of the investigation and any resulting action taken can be overturned. Ultimately, it is always better to bring an external corporate investigator in to oversee the process.
Private Investigator & Security Services in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach & Miami Gardens Florida
Being expertly trained to navigate sensitive corporate investigations with compassion, diligence, and professionalism, Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami, FL can spearhead a sexual harassment investigation in the workplace. While protecting both employees and the business from future harm, working with our specialist investigators will ensure swift resolution. Call us today to get started!
