R477-15-3. Complaint Procedure

  Management shall permit employees who allege workplace harassment, retaliation, or both to file complaints and engage in a review process free from bias, collusion, intimidation or retaliation. Complainants shall be provided a reasonable amount of work time to prepare for and participate in internal complaint processes.

  (1) Employees who feel they are being subjected to workplace harassment, retaliation, or both should do the following:

  (a) document the occurrence;

  (b) continue to report to work; and

  (c) identify a witness(es), if applicable.

  (2) An employee may file an oral or written complaint of workplace harassment, retaliation, or both with their immediate supervisor, any other supervisor within their direct chain of command, or the Department of Human Resource Management, including the agency human resource field office.

  (a) Complaints may be submitted by any employee, witness, volunteer or other individual.

  (b) Complaints may be made through either oral or written notification and shall be handled in compliance with investigative procedures and records requirements in Sections R477-15-5 and R477-15-6.

  (c) Any supervisor who has knowledge of workplace harassment, retaliation, or both shall take immediate, appropriate action in consultation with DHRM and document the action.

  (3) All complaints of workplace harassment, retaliation, or both shall be acted upon following receipt of the complaint.

  (4) If an immediate investigation by agency management is deemed unwarranted, the complainant shall be notified.