The 5th and last part of this week's series on sexual harassment investigations is about disciplinary action.
Focus on the following:
-Ensuring the Level of Disciplinary Action Coincides with the Level of Offense: Progressive discipline involves tailoring the response to the severity of the offense. It ensures that individuals responsible for sexual harassment face appropriate consequences, discouraging such behavior while also offering a chance for remediation when possible.
-Communicate the Status of the Investigation to Key Employees: During the investigative process, open communication is vital. Progressive discipline includes keeping key employees, including the victim and any witnesses, informed about the status of the investigation. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to addressing the issue seriously.
-File the Report: Proper documentation is essential in any workplace investigation. Filing a comprehensive report of the investigation, including findings and disciplinary actions, creates a clear record of the incident and the organization's response. This documentation can be valuable in legal proceedings and helps ensure accountability.
