Agenda

Session 1: Debora De Angelis

Creating a healthier, equitable workplace.

Workplaces have to go beyond the legal minimum and ensure that all workers feel safe at work.

• Make sure everyone is on the same page. Clear and transparent policies that everyone is aware of.
• Empower the victim.
• Be Empathetic.
• Always look for more ways to create a healthier, equitable workplace free from sexual harassment and other forms of violence.

Speaker: Mary Ann Baynton.

Prevention versus Intervention: Harassment leaves scars on a workplace that are difficult to heal, even if proper procedures are followed. We can do more to:

• inoculate employees from the worst effects of workplace harassment;
• build teams that naturally repel harassing behaviour;
• develop psychologically safe leaders who address issues effectively;
• create a culture that does not allow harassment to go unnoticed;
• update policies to provide clear expectations and consistent consequences.

Learning to prevent harassment from occurring is a better plan than waiting to intervene after the fact.

Speaker: Chris McKinnon

Despite our best efforts at prevention, including anti-harassment policies and programs, harassment complaints will sometimes arise in workplaces.  Being prepared in this regard means understanding the nature of harassment, following best investigative practices and avoiding common procedural errors, all based on the following principles:
 
    •    Neutrality
    •    Fairness
    •    Confidentiality
    •    Compliance with Human Rights and Health & Safety Legislation

Speaker 4: Catherine Burr

Whether an employer is dealing with a #MeToo sexual harassment complaint, peer-based workplace harassment or boss/employee bullying allegations, it's not unusual to be faced with "one side against the other" allegations, counter-allegations and evidence. This presentation will outline 4 key ingredients for proving these challenging issues. A seasoned workplace complaints investigator (with over 40 years of experience and hundreds of investigations) will walk you through some important considerations of a proper investigation, how to select an investigator, and the two key questions your complaint investigations need to answer. A Q & A session will conclude the presentation.

Networking.