Workplace harassment can make you feel unsafe at the workplace. California law protects employees from harassment for certain protected characteristics. These characteristics include race, sex, religion, disability, and national origin. If you experience harassment at your workplace, you could report it to your employer.
Alternatively, you could file a case with the Civil Rights Department (CRD). When you take the necessary steps, you can exercise your rights. The steps you can take to report workplace harassment include:
Keep a Record of Harassment
Harassment can take different forms. These include verbal, sexual, or even physical harassment. You should start documenting the incidents as soon as they happen. You can note down the date, time, location, and people involved in each incident. You should describe the events clearly. If the harassment happened electronically, you can keep copies of emails, messages, or workplace notices.
If someone witnessed the conduct, you can write down their name and contact information. These records may aid in an investigation by your employer or a government agency.
Review your Employer's Harassment Policy
California laws require employers to have laws that discourage harassment in the workplace. As such, you can refer to your company’s employee manual or policies at work. This is because the policies usually contain information on how to define harassment at work. Additionally, there will be an avenue for reporting harassment. You do not need to confront the harasser directly since it might be awkward or dangerous for you.
Report the Conduct Internally
Armed with the evidence you gathered from the incident, you could file a report to your employer through the right channels. In your report, you should explain what happened and when it occurred. Also, you should include the names of anyone involved or who witnessed the conduct.
If your employer requires it, you can make the report in writing. This creates a record that you reported the problem. After receiving your report, your employer may begin an internal investigation.
Cooperate With the Investigation
During the investigation process, your employer may ask you for additional information. You should answer all questions honestly and provide relevant documents or other evidence. Sometimes you may need to identify witnesses or provide investigators with the names of people who may have useful information.
A workplace investigation provides the employer with enough information to determine whether any laws were violated.
Watch for Retaliation
California law protects employees who report workplace harassment from retaliation. Retaliation can include punishment or other adverse treatment for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation. You should continue documenting any changes that occur after you file your complaint. Retaliation can include:
- Disciplinary action
- Reduced hours
- Termination
File a CRD Complaint
You may file a California Civil Rights Department complaint if you suffer harassment at work. CRD accepts employment complaints involving harassment, discrimination, and retaliation that fall within its laws. When filing the complaint, you can do it via email. The CRD requires you to file any employment complaints within a timeframe of 3 years. When filing, you must provide the facts of what happened and attach supporting evidence.
After receiving your complaint, the CRD reviews it to determine whether it falls within its authority. If the complaint is accepted, CRD can investigate the allegations. The CRD could attempt to handle the dispute through mediation or other methods.
Find a Seasoned Workplace Harassment Defense Lawyer Near Me
If you experience workplace harassment, you can report it to your employer or the appropriate authorities. California law requires employers to investigate and handle such claims. If an employer fails to take action, you could file a case with the California Civil Rights Department. The CRD will take appropriate action after looking into the complaint.
When navigating a workplace harassment claim, you will need our legal insight at Stop Unpaid Wages. Our attorneys can help evaluate your evidence and properly present your claim. Contact us today at 424-781-8411 to discuss your case.
