Harassment, a form of discrimination, is an obstacle to realizing equivalent employment opportunity and needs a proactive stance on the part of employers. Employers have a clear obligation to protect employees from harassment. The liability from harassment is predicated on suitable preventive measures and the employer's response to reports of harassment. Harassment influences all protected classes, though sexual harassment claims are the most common. Employers are responsible for the prohibition of harassment of managers, employees, customers and vendors.

As the HR manager of a 250 bed community hospital, you have been asked to develop harassment policies and complaint procedures for your organization. Describe the purpose of harassment policies? What is the meaning of prohibited harassment? What is a clear and accessible procedure for reporting harassment? Why is it significant for employees with knowledge of harassment to report it to the suitable individuals? Describe the legal obligations of the complainant?