Intro to the Top Ten Tips...

Each month, Tim posts his 'Top Ten Tips' for HR practitioners on various subjects. This month's subject is 'Harassment in the Workplace - Practical Considerations'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Treat every allegation seriously and professionally until fully resolved;

Remember that every potential party to an harassment case has rights too;

Bear in mind that the reputation of the primary parties, the Company and HR is under a microscope;

Don't guarantee anonymity or complete confidentiality... it can't be done;

Do promise a professional, prompt, fact-based investigation... it must be done;

Lay out the process and the timetable to all the parties, including a Union when invited by the primary parties;

Don't jump to erroneous personal conclusions... check out all pertinent facts;

Investigate thoroughly; avoid the temptation to impose your own preferred solution;

Facilitate agreement between the primary parties upon how to 'close the file'. Consider education, policy initiatives, discipline and the required documentation;

Close the HR file after considering what went well and not so well under difficult circumstances.

Timetable 2000 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
March	Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace
April	Harassment in the Workplace...practical considerations
May	360° Feedback...is it right for you?
June	Settling post-termination disputes; mutual gains
July	Business Planning in HR...how to flex HR's muscle
August	Grievance management in unionized and non-unionized workplaces
September	Key Lessons in 'Downsizing'...maintaining business & employee relationships under difficult circumstances