Question:
Do we need to conduct an investigation if one of our employees has accused another employee of harassment at a non-work event?
Answer:
Absolutely. It is important to remember that not all interactions between employees take place at work, and these non-work interactions can ultimately affect the workplace, potentially contributing to a hostile work environment. For example, if an employee made threatening comments about a certain racial group at a social event and these comments were heard by another employee, that employee may feel afraid or unsafe coming into work.
Given that employers are required to provide a workplace free from harassment, it’s best to investigate these situations promptly and thoroughly. You can find more information about harassment and workplace investigations on the blog.
Article courtesy of SBAM approved partner AHOLA HR Solutions | Payroll. Content provided by Ahola’s HR Support Center. This Q&A does not constitute legal advice and does not address state or local law.
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