Q: What if the employee asks me not to tell anyone about a complaint they made?
Don’t promise confidentiality you can’t deliver. A better response: “I want to help you with this, and I have to loop in HR so it gets handled properly. They’ll share information only with people who need to know.” Saying this up front is more respectful than agreeing and then reporting anyway, which damages trust far more than the initial disclosure would have.
I hope this helps.
Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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