In any legal proceeding related to workplace harassment, documentation is evidence. Building a clear, time-stamped record strengthens your position significantly.
What to Record
Date, time, and location of each incident. Exact words used or actions taken. Names of any witnesses. How the incident made you feel and any physical symptoms. Any relevant communications — emails, texts, voicemails.
How to Store Documentation Safely
Keep documentation somewhere your employer cannot access — a personal email, a secure cloud drive, or a printed copy kept at home. Do not store it only on work devices or systems.
Contemporaneous Records
Notes written at the time of or immediately after an incident carry more legal weight than records written months later. Develop a habit of writing brief notes after any incident.
When to Involve HR — and When Not To
HR exists to protect the company, not the employee. Understand this dynamic before deciding what to share and when. Consulting an employment attorney before approaching HR is often advisable.