Documentation guide
How to Document Workplace Harassment
Learn what to record after a workplace harassment incident, how to preserve emails and messages, and how to organize a clear incident timeline.
What should I record after a workplace incident?
- Date, time, and location
- Who was involved and who witnessed the event
- What was said or done
- Relevant emails, chat messages, photos, or documents
- Any report made to a supervisor or HR
- What response you received
Should I write down exact quotes?
- Use exact quotes when you clearly remember them.
- If you are paraphrasing, say so.
- Avoid presenting uncertain wording as an exact quotation.
How should I organize emails and screenshots?
- Keep original files whenever possible.
- Connect each item to the incident it relates to.
- Use consistent dates and labels.
How often should I update my workplace incident log?
- Update it as soon as practical after an important incident.
- Add follow-up actions as they occur.
Why is chronology important?
- Chronology can show what happened before and after a report.
- It helps connect repeated behavior, escalation, or follow-up actions.
Frequently asked questions
What should I record after a workplace harassment incident?
Record the date, time, location, people involved, what happened, witnesses, supporting messages or files, and any follow-up report.
Should I save work emails and chat messages?
Preserve relevant records where permitted and keep them connected to the incident they support.
Does Proof provide employment-law advice?
No. Proof organizes information supplied by the user and does not provide legal advice.
Keep the record organized while the details are still fresh.
Proof helps you document incidents, connect evidence, and build a chronological record in one place.
Start Using Proof FreeProof is an organization and documentation tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.