How to record Workplace Harassment?

Most businesses have written policies on discrimination and harassment. Unfortunately, not all companies follow their own policies, leaving workers in the lurch, such that they have to take care of themselves.

If your company isn’t doing anything to stop or prevent harassment and doesn’t even take your complaints seriously, you need to protect yourself. Filing a formal complaint or a lawsuit will need evidence of the harassment and the fact that you complained to the right authorities. Proper documentation can help you establish workplace harassment and any behavior that makes your workplace less equitable.

Maintain copies of digital records

Sometimes, employees encounter harassment and discrimination as direct communication. Whether you receive text messages or inappropriate emails that, keep copies of all that content. Forward those emails to your private email or you could take screenshots of the same and keep those. Another option is to transfer everything to a thumb drive.

Keep notes of what and when

Keep a written record of physical or verbal interactions for which there is no digital evidence. Do not allow anyone else to read these notes.

Record what happened exactly, along with the date, the time, the location, the people involved, names of any witnesses and details of what others say or do. This can help you prove inappropriate behavior or actions that, over time, contribute to a hostile work environment.

Keep your documentation private

When you encounter workplace harassment or discrimination, the first thing to do is to follow your company’s reporting procedures. Even if you do not expect them to take adequate action, make a formal complaint to the human resources department or management, as stated in the employee handbook of your company.

Record exactly what was said and done, with documentation. Keeping a record of your attempts to report the situation to your employer can help prove your case, if your employer chooses to ignore the harassment or fails to take enough measures to address or prevent it.

When you discuss the issue with HR or management, do not share that you are maintaining records. Simply alert them to the incident or incidences that need to be addressed.

If you need to forward emails to the human resources as evidence, do it directly from your office email inbox and not your saved copies.

If you have documentation of what you have to deal with at work, you can consult an experienced workplace harassment attorney to understand your options.

To learn more, consult one of the leading employment, workplace discrimination and workplace harassment lawyers in Phoenix, AZ at Chahbazi Law PLLC or call 602-282-5868 Now!Attorney Meenoo Chahbazi uses her extensive experience and passion for employment equality to represent Arizona employees in a wide range of employment matters.

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EmployeeLawoffice Joined: November 19th, 2019