Discrimination charges continue to rise, with the EEOC receiving 81,055 new discrimination charges alleging harassment in 2023. It is crucial for employers to take proactive steps to avoid costly lawsuits. By creating effective policies, training, and reporting tools, employers can mitigate their risk of discrimination charges.  

The first step is creating and regularly updating policies. Your employee handbook should clarify expected behavior, procedures, and employees’ rights. It is important that employers incorporate an acknowledgment from employees that they have read the handbook, as employee noncompliance is often caused by unawareness.  

A comprehensive anti-harassment policy should consist of clear standards of prohibited conduct, which may include real life examples. There should be a defined process for reporting misconduct and the investigation that follows. The policy should also include reassurance that the employee’s information will remain confidential to the fullest extent possible, and that the employee will be protected from retaliation.  

Effective anti-harassment training doesn’t just occur during the onboarding process. Training should be done continually to keep both the policies and employees up to date on expectations. Also, providing a variety of training courses may make them more effective. For example, using videos or quizzes for training is more engaging, increasing the likelihood that the information will be retained. Training should empower employees to take action if they witness or experience harassment. 

Implementing channels for reporting misconduct is key. While some may feel comfortable reporting directly to HR, others may be more likely to utilize anonymous channels, such as a hotline or mobile app to report non-compliance. Ensuring that employees are aware of the appropriate reporting channels allows employers to manage complaints promptly.  

Now more than ever, it is important for employers to be proactive when it comes to workplace harassment. Creating a safe environment protects both your team and the organization. With Lever1, our HR experts can assist you with drafting policies, conducting training, and creating reporting channels to resolve compliance issues before they escalate.