What is considered defamation of character in the workplace?
Employment defamation, or workplace defamation, is a legal issue which involves false statements about an employee that harm that employee’s ability to maintain their current job, or seek a new position. This applies to all employees, whether they are current or former employees.
What can I do if a coworker is slandering me?
How to Deal with Slander in the Workplace
- Understand what slander is. First and foremost, make sure that you know the definitive difference between slander and gossip that’s simply getting out of hand.
- Prevent rather than cure.
- Try to address the issue yourself.
- Get the HR department or management involved.
What do you do when an employee makes false accusations?
If an employee is found to have made a false accusation, an employer is entitled to terminate the employee based on the accusation. Even if an employer is unable to determine if the accusation made was actually false, employment can still be terminated at any time and no reason has to be given.
Is defamation considered harassment?
While most think about harassment and outright discrimination when employee mistreatment is discussed, this circumstance encompasses a broad range of situations. One of these includes false statements that harm the character and reputation of an employee, which is referred to as defamation.
Is slander a form of harassment?
Slander in the Workplace Defamatory remarks can lead to demotion, termination and sometimes a lawsuit for harassment. The person as the target may not learn about the slander until he or she no longer works for the company.
What do you do when your boss falsely accuses you?
If the false accusation leads to an official investigation conducted by the human resources department, you can plead your case to the department. The investigation should be done confidentially, although HR may need to involve other employees to get all the facts.
Can I sue a former employee for slander?
Answer: You may be able to sue your former employer for defamation of character. Defamation is where someone makes knowingly false statements, or makes false statements with reckless disregard as to their truth. Statements made only to you, in court, or to unemployment are never defamation.