Phase 3 of 3 · Hard Conversations
Harassment investigation
A prompt, impartial inquiry into a workplace complaint that gathers facts, documents steps, and leads to a reasoned decision.
Prompt, impartial, documented. If you cannot be all three, bring in someone who can.
In plain English
A harassment investigation is a fact gathering process with a start, a record, and an ending, not a hallway poll.
- What it looks like in business
- The owner is the accused person's friend, so a consultant interviews, writes what each person said, and recommends action the owner can defend.
- Why it matters
- In a small shop the owner is often too close to both people, and the perception of bias does as much damage as bias itself.
Reading it once is not the same as knowing it. Put this term in the daily rotation and let the quiz come back for it.
Study this termWhere this comes from
EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace
This is HR guidance, not legal advice, and rules change. Check the current text and your own facts before you act on it. When a situation needs a lawyer, Jennifer will say so.
Where it sits
Phase 3: Hard Conversations
A fair process for performance, complaints, accommodations, and exits so the owner is not both the boss and the only adult in the room.