As I wrote in my October 10, 2018 article Preventing Harassment in Your Workplace employers have a legal duty to provide a safe, harassment-free environment for their employees, independent contractors, suppliers and customers. Having such an environment is also good for business because it improves productivity and helps retain your best talent.
That article listed five tips for employers to follow. The third tip was: “Have an effective complaint procedure.”
An effective complaint procedure is one that, among other things, gives the employee an assurance of confidentiality and impartiality.
WeVow Offers a Multi-Faceted Solution.
A Boise-based company called WeVow has developed such a reporting mechanism, and has also launched a campaign to get employers to make public commitments that will give confidence to their employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
The Idaho Business Review published article on November 1, 2018 (paid subscription required), observing:
WeVow aims to prevent, deal with sexual harassment complaints
The past year’s string of “#metoo” incidents of sexual harassment accusations has spawned interest in WeVow, a Boise startup that provides services and a seal, like that of Good Housekeeping or the Better Business Bureau, pledging that subscribing companies are working to prevent and deal with such incidents.
The WeVow website homepage offers the following encouragement to employers:
Make your workplace thrive:
- Build trust and transparency into the fiber of your workplace
- Attract and retain top talent through a culture of confidence, safety and empowerment
- Be known as an organization that lives by a higher standard
A Final Observation on Litigation Prevention.
Thriving employees are less likely to sue their employers. We’ve all heard reports of disgruntled employees filing suit. I don’t recall ever hearing reports of “gruntled” employees doing so!
Michael Oswald
Please note: the above post contains educational information. It is not intended as legal advice. Engage an attorney who is licensed in your state to get advice on dealing with any specific legal issue.
© 2018 Michael S. Oswald
Michael S Oswald, Chartered 