Policy Statement
Acertiv is committed to maintaining a workplace where all employees feel safe to report violations of workplace policies or laws without fear of retaliation. This Retaliation Policy is designed to protect employees who exercise their rights and responsibilities and to promote ethical behavior within our organization.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to clearly outline the protections against retaliation, the procedures for reporting retaliation, and the consequences for violating this policy.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and temporary workers at Acertiv, and it covers all situations where an employee has made a good faith report of misconduct or participated in an investigation.
Policy Guidelines
1. Definition of Retaliation
Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in protected activities, including but not limited to:
- Reporting violations of workplace policies or laws
- Participating in investigations or legal proceedings
- Requesting accommodations for protected rights (e.g., disability, discrimination)
- Engaging in any other activity protected by law
2. Prohibited Actions
Acertiv prohibits any form of retaliation, which can include:
- Termination or dismissal
- Demotion or failure to promote
- Reduction in pay or benefits
- Exclusion or isolation from workplace activities
- Creation of a hostile work environment
- Any other discriminatory treatment
3. Reporting Retaliation
3.1 Employee Responsibilities
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- Immediate Reporting: Employees who believe they have experienced retaliation should report their concerns immediately to Human Resources or their supervisor.
- Documentation: Employees are encouraged to document incidents of retaliation, including dates, times, witnesses, and specific details.
3.2 Reporting Channels
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- Human Resources: Employees can file a complaint directly with Human Resources, who will handle the report confidentially and with sensitivity.
- Anonymous Reporting: If preferred, employees may use an anonymous reporting mechanism if available.
4. Investigation Process
- Prompt Investigation: All reports of retaliation will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. HR will ensure that investigations are fair, impartial, and confidential.
- Protection of Reporting Employee: During the investigation, every effort will be made to protect the employee from further retaliation.
5. Consequences for Violations
- Disciplinary Action: Employees found to have engaged in retaliation will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
- Protection from Retaliation: Employees who report retaliation or participate in an investigation will be protected from any further retaliatory actions.
6. No Retaliation Assurance
- Commitment to Non-Retaliation: Acertiv is committed to a non-retaliation culture and will take all necessary measures to uphold this policy.
- Employee Support: Employees will be supported throughout the reporting process, and their rights will be protected.
7. Policy Review and Communication
- Regular Review: This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and best practices.
- Training: All employees will receive training on this policy, including their rights and responsibilities regarding retaliation.