How should a security guard respond to a report of harassment at the workplace?

The response involving documentation and notifying the appropriate personnel is considered the best practice when dealing with harassment reports in the workplace. This approach ensures that the issue is taken seriously and handled in accordance with company policies and legal requirements. Documenting the report creates a formal record that can be crucial for any subsequent investigations, providing necessary details about the incident, including dates, times, witnesses, and the nature of the harassment.

Notifying the appropriate personnel—such as a supervisor, human resources, or designated authority—ensures that the situation is addressed by those who have the training and responsibility to manage such cases effectively. This step helps to maintain a safe work environment, protect the rights of individuals involved, and uphold the organization's commitment to handling harassment appropriately.

In contrast, ignoring the report could allow the harassment to continue and potentially escalate, while handling it independently without involving others may not provide the victim with the protection they need or lead to a resolution. Encouraging the victim to deal with it personally might put them in a vulnerable position and does not create a supportive environment for addressing the issue.