When the Harasser Isn’t an Employee: Investigation Strategies for California Employers

When harassment allegations involve customers, vendors, contractors, patients, or other nonemployees, employers often face difficult questions: Do we have to investigate? What corrective action is enough? And how does California law differ from federal standards? In this episode, Jen and Joe Beachboard discuss third-party harassment claims, investigation challenges, employer obligations, and practical steps California employers should take to reduce risk when the alleged harasser does not work for the organization.