What if the investigation shows that harassment has occurred?
A. The employer must take “immediate and appropriate corrective action,” which means doing whatever is necessary to put a stop to the harassment. Depending on the severity of the harassment, appropriate corrective action could include any of the following: verbal or written warning; counseling; suspension; sensitivity training or education on harassment laws and appropriate workplace conduct; reassignment of workers to different locations or shifts; or dismissal of the harasser. Q. Roseanne, an employee of mine, used to delight in telling off-color and sexually explicit jokes, but has now joined a new church and is strongly objecting when other employees tell such jokes. Is the company obligated to take any action? A. Yes. Even though Roseanne previously consented to and even actively participated in the conduct, the company must act if she communicates that she now finds it offensive. Sexual jokes or conversations in the workplace can form the basis of a hostile environment claim, and
Related Questions
- What will happen if further investigation/design work shows that a cost-effective measure is no longer cost-effective, practical or feasible?
- What if I am treated badly for making a complaint of sexual harassment or discrimination, or for participating in an investigation?
- What if the investigation shows that harassment has occurred?
