Step 2: Informal query

If self-help is inappropriate or unsuccessful, encourage the employee to contact their manager. Contact a more senior manager if the employee believes it is inappropriate to raise the matter directly with their manager.

Encourage harassment queries or concerns to be raised promptly. Treat all queries seriously and address them at once.

Dealing with an employee’s informal harassment query:

• Handle the query as a matter of urgency (preferably on the same day it is raised).
• Use a non-public venue so the matter can be discussed confidentially.
• At the outset of the discussion, determine the exact nature of the query and the employee’s specific concerns.
• Ask the employee what results they expect as a consequence of raising the query.
• Answer the employee’s questions. If unsure on any point, get back to the employee with an answer as soon as possible.
  
  

Should the employee wish to pursue the matter, outline the two options open to them:

• In-house mediation (step 3)
• Formal complaint (step 4)
• Remind the employee that it is their choice as to how the matter proceeds.
• Agree on a course of action with the employee.
  
  

Continue to  Step 3