Question:
Q: An employee complained to me about a coworker. Do I really have to report it?
Answer:
Usually, yes. Once a manager knows about a potential problem, the organization is generally considered to know about it. That’s true whether the complaint arrived in a formal meeting, in a hallway, or in a text message at 9 p.m. If the complaint touches on harassment, discrimination, safety, wage issues, or retaliation, route it to HR promptly. When you’re unsure whether it rises to that level, the safer move is to ask HR rather than decide alone.
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.
Become a HelpDeskforHR.com Member and get a $200 Discount!
Pay Just $799 annually (reg. $999 annually)
Sign-up HERE and Save $200!
Here is what you will get:
- Boss Calls™ – Access to EVERY Boss Call™ – Past & Future.
- HelpDesk for HR VAULT – Access all 15 of our proprietary tools and applications to simplify your workday.
- Forms, Docs, Policies and Procedures Library – 700+ samples you can download and edit to fit your needs.
- U.S. ePoster Club – Download state, city, and local posters for all 50 states & D.C.
- Same-day email support – Write to our team of SPHR and SCP professionals with all your HR questions.
