[Free Online Seminar] "Who Takes Responsibility for That Guidance? - Harassment Risks for Executives and Managers, and the Comprehensive Response Companies Must Prepare Now"

Since the enforcement of the Power Harassment Prevention Act, harassment-related issues have become a frontline concern for management. However, in actual consultation settings, complex risks unique to the positions of executives and managers are surging, beyond just 'dealing with victims.' We frequently receive consultations such as: 'A department manager is suffering from power harassment by their superior, a director. We don't know if or how the company should act,' 'A manager was accused of power harassment while strictly supervising a subordinate. The manager denies it, but we don't know how to respond,' and 'A manager on the front lines receiving daily verbal abuse and complaints from customers is on the verge of a breakdown. What can the company do?' Harassment involving executives and managers cannot be handled with standard labor procedures. Most general harassment training focuses on 'knowledge to avoid becoming a perpetrator.' However, for executives and managers, this is insufficient. If a director or executive becomes a party to harassment, they may be held liable for breach of the duty of care and duty of loyalty under the Companies Act. In some cases, this could lead to shareholder derivative lawsuits. Furthermore, if a manager becomes a 'victim,' how should the company protect them and deal with the perpetrator (the executive)? Decisions in situations where the hierarchical relationship is reversed cannot be solved by standard disciplinary concepts. Moreover, regarding customer harassment (harassment from customers/business partners), the very nature of a company's duty of safety and care is being questioned following the 2024 discussions on the amendment of the Labor Policy Comprehensive Promotion Act. Thinking 'it's fine because it's in the work rules' or 'we are handling it because we do training once a year' is the biggest pitfall that fails to protect the company when it matters most. If you feel this could happen to your company, please join this seminar. Lawyers will systematically explain the 'gray zones' of harassment surrounding executives and managers and the immediate actions companies should take, based on actual court precedents and cases. As it is a free online event, you can participate from anywhere in the country.