Home > HR compliance > Disciplinary action & investigations > How to address a complaint about an unknown harasser
Humanoid robot seated at a desk using a computer alongside a row of people wearing headsets and working on desktop setups in a modern office environment, with monitors, keyboards, and large windows visible in the background.

How to address a complaint about an unknown harasser

This guide outlines practical steps employers should take when responding to a harassment complaint where the alleged harasser is unknown, including investigation and policy considerations.

Share this:

by the Brightmine Editorial Team

Workplace harassment is a serious issue that must not be taken lightly even when the complainant does not know the source of the harassment and the harassing conduct is anonymous.

In this guide, learn about:

  • Step 1: Recognize that the employer may be liable for letting anonymous harassment create a hostile work environment
  • Step 2: Develop an antiharassment policy including a complaint procedure
  • Step 3: Document the complaint and begin an investigation
  • Step 4: Alert the authorities when appropriate

Want to see more?

For full access to How to address a complaint about an unknown harasser, sign up for an HR and Compliance Center subscription today.

Get ahead of HR compliance

Navigating today’s complex HR compliance landscape is challenging.

Get ahead with Brightmine. Access HR resources and automation tools managed by seasoned human HR experts.

Proudly partnered with LexisNexis®

You may also be interested in…

Blogs

Are your reward decisions built to earn trust?

Set pay ranges with confidence. Evaluate your approach to job architecture, range pricing, exceptions and pay transparency requirements.

Blogs

Check your blind spot: Can you defend the pay ranges you publish?

Test whether your compensation governance can withstand scrutiny. Identify weaknesses in pay disclosure, documentation and decision-making processes.

HR News

Illinois passes several new employment laws

Illinois has passed several employment laws that take effect January 1, 2027, covering paid jury duty leave, disparate …

About the author

Brightmine

With more than 10,000 customers, Brightmine is a leading global provider of people data, analytics and insight – empowering HR leaders to deliver brighter business outcomes.

For more than two decades, Brightmine, formerly XpertHR, has continued to help HR leaders confidently navigate the evolving world of work through our unique combination of critical workforce data, AI-enabled technology, and trusted HR expertise.

Brightmine is a division of LexisNexis Data Services within RELX®, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools. RELX serves customers in 180+ countries with 35,000+ employees. Ticker: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

Follow Brightmine on LinkedIn

Sign up to receive expert HR insights from Brightmine

    LNRS Data Services Limited and its affiliates may contact you about relevant solutions, services, events and industry insights. You can opt-out via the unsubscribe link in the communications that you receive or by contacting us.