Best Practices for Sexual Harassment Internal Investigations

Why Should You Attend:

With increasing media coverage and attention focused on sexual harassment, organizations need to be prepared for an increasing number of employee complaints related to this sensitive topic. Any time there are complaints associated with policy, procedure or law violations, employers must conduct thorough, effective internal investigations. This is just as true for sexual harassment complaints as it is for other types of allegations that may create liability for the employer.

Sexual harassment can take many forms, and handling these types of complaints can be particularly sensitive in many ways. Learn the moving parts associated with these kinds of complaints and how to conduct the subsequent investigation that have to be approached effectively and swiftly, such as including recognizing potential problems that might need to be investigated, taking in complaints and interacting with employees who may have experienced this type of harassment, identifying and interviewing potential witnesses, recommending actions and making decisions that protect the organization and its employees, and communicating with those who have been accused of and/or who have exhibited harassing behaviors, and more.

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

• Recognizing what constitutes a sexual harassment complaint and triggers the obligation to investigate
• Key considerations and steps to follow when establishing an investigation strategy before you start talking to potential witnesses with regards to a sexual harassment complaint
• Best practices for conducting effective interviews with the person bringing forward the complaint, individuals who may have experienced sexual harassment, witnesses who may have seen or heard harassing behaviors, other individuals who may have relevant information, and those who have been accused
• Special considerations for investigating different kinds of sexual harassment complaints
• Dealing with “he said, she said” situations
• Practical considerations for recommendations and actions taken to stop sexual harassment and prevent future problems from occurring

Who Will Benefit:

• Human resources professionals (all levels)
• EEO professionals
• Ethics officers
• Risk management professionals
• Business owners
• Executives

Mary Gormandy White
Director, MTI Business Solutions

Mary Gormandy White, M.A., SHRM-SCP, SPHR is managing director of MTI Business Solutions a leading Gulf Coast corporate training/talent development firm working with clients throughout the U.S. as an Everything DiSC and Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team Authorized Partner. She specializes in training, assessment and consulting services focused on building better workplaces through developing skills related to HR, management, leadership, workplace relationships, communication, team building customer service and more.

Mary holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in Communication and her certifications include Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and Everything DiSC Certified Trainer/Accredited Workplace Facilitator. Mary’s professional background includes extensive experience in management, HR, instructional design and more. She is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and association meetings nationwide.

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