5. Personnel Policy Handbook - Laserfiche WebLink

EMPLOYEE CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION Employees who may be engaging in harassing or inappropriate behavior must: • Stop the behavior immediately; • Listen to the person complaining about the behavior; and • Learn from the experience and do not repeat it. Any supervisor or manager who becomes aware of possible sexual or other unlawful harassment must immediately report the harassment to the Human Resources Department or a Department Head so it can be investigated in a timely manner. All charges of harassment will be promptly investigated by Cass County. All complaints will be handled as discreetly as possible, although Cass County cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. Strict confidentiality is not possible, since the alleged harasser is entitled to answer the charges, particularly if discipline or termination is a possible outcome. However, reasonable efforts will be made to respect the confidentiality of the individuals involved. Corrective action will be taken consistent with the results of Cass County’s investigation. All employees are expected to cooperate with harassment investigations. An employee who refuses to participate in the investigation, provides untruthful statements to the investigator, or otherwise obstructs the investigation process is subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment. Retaliation Cass County will not tolerate any retaliation against any employee who reports an incident of alleged harassment on inappropriate workplace behavior or provides information during an investigation, and will take measures to protect all such employees from retaliation. Engaging in retaliatory behavior is a violation of this policy, and is grounds for corrective action, up to and including termination of employment. Off-Site Events On occasion, employees may have the opportunity to participate in off-site County-sponsored events such as social gatherings, planning sessions, retreats, meetings, or conferences. These settings, which may be more informal than our workplace, can facilitate new learning, creative thinking and camaraderie among employees and colleagues. We expect that employees will demonstrate the same professional standards of behavior at these events as they would in the workplace. Two specific guidelines should be kept in mind: • If alcoholic beverages are served, they must be consumed in moderation • Harassment in any form will not be tolerated Liability for Harassment Any Cass County employee who is found to have violated this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment. Employees may also be subject to personal legal liability for violation of this policy. Employees wanting more information about our harassment policy or complaint process should contact a supervisor, the Human Resources Department, or a Department Head. Cass County 52