Investigating Workplace Harassment: How to Be Fair, Thorough, and Legal (Practical HR Series)

Detailing specific, experienced-based techniques for conducting investigations of harassment based on gender, race, religion, national origin, age, or disability, this tutorial provides advice on every step of an investigation—planning, documenting, interviewing, weighing evidence, making a decision, and taking remedial action. General principles are illustrated with examples drawn from specific situations or lawsuits. Appendices include such information as a model harassment policy and a sample memo initiating investigation.

Amy Oppenheimer, JD, trains businesses on preventing harassment, investigates workplace harassment complaints, and testifies in court as an expert witness. Craig Pratt, SPHR, MSW, the founder of an Oakland, California, firm that provides consulting services in human resources management, has extensive experience as an investigator of sexual and racial harassment complaints.