Due in part to the #MeToo movement, employers have experienced an influx of workplace sexual harassment claims. More than ever, employers have been reminded of their legal and ethical duties to create harassment-free workplaces. These duties involve preventing foreseeable sexual harassment including proactively training employees about discrimination and harassment. This also entails properly investigating sexual harassment claims and immediately correcting known harassment. This Issue Brief outlines key points to assist employers in carrying out these crucial responsibilities.

Dykema’s Labor and Employment Practice directs workplace investigations on behalf of companies of all sizes. We regularly defend claims of harassment, retaliation and whistleblower cases in litigation, and understand how companies can protect themselves in these types of cases with a properly handled investigation. We also advise companies at the end of investigations regarding how to improve their internal processes and policies to prevent future incidents. For more information on matters related to workplace discrimination and harassment claims, please contact Natalie Brouwer Potts ([email protected]), Laura Worsinger ([email protected]) or your Dykema relationship attorney.