{"id":4731,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/how-to-handle-harassment-and-discrimination-complaints.html"},"modified":"2026-08-25T09:53:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T14:53:10","slug":"how-to-handle-harassment-and-discrimination-complaints","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/how-to-handle-harassment-and-discrimination-complaints.html","title":{"rendered":"A Small Business Owner’s Guide To Handling Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Claims"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A Small Business Owner's Guide To Handling Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Claims<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

When an employee reports workplace discrimination or harassment, an employer has a legal duty to act immediately. Failing to properly investigate can lead to serious legal consequences, lower employee morale, and costly lawsuits.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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This guide provides a step-by-step process for small <\/span>business<\/span> owners<\/span> to handle claims correctly, protect their business, and ensure a fair process for everyone involved. If you\u2019re currently dealing with a discrimination or harassment claim<\/span>, consult with a local employment law attorney<\/u><\/a> to learn more about your options. The federal <\/span>Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/span><\/u><\/a> (EEOC<\/span>), the government agency<\/span> that enforces anti-discrimination laws<\/span>, also provides online resources for small <\/span>business<\/span> owners<\/span>.<\/p>\n

How To Recognize Harassment and Discrimination<\/h2>\n

Harassment and discrimination often come up in the same conversations, but they\u2019re not the same thing. Business owners<\/span> must understand the difference between these two related but distinct types of illegal conduct.<\/p>\n

Employment discrimination<\/span><\/a> occurs when an employer makes an adverse employment decision<\/span> (such as in hiring, firing, pay, or promotions) based on an employee’s protected characteristic. These characteristics include:<\/p>\n