WASHINGTON, DC—The objective of the Anti-Harassment program is to create a work environment for everyone that is safe, rewarding, respectful, and free from harassment. To achieve this objective, every employee must be held accountable for their own actions in the workplace. Leaders must set the example and take all necessary actions to prevent all forms of harassment. Dealing with harassing behaviors, misconduct and conflict can be challenging because it involves complex human interactions, both emotional and physical. We each have a responsibility to do our part to steward the whole by creating a safe, rewarding and resilient work environment, free from all forms of harassment and unwanted behaviors where all people are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

As the Forest Service continues to strengthen and enhance our Anti-Harassment process as part of our journey to build a safe, rewarding and resilient workplace, it is important that we reiterate supervisory/management reporting requirements. Forest Service Manual 8000—Work Environment and Performance Office, Chapter 8100—Anti-Harassment provides clarification on reporting requirements under subsection 8112.4—Reporting Requirements for Managers and Supervisors.

Annually, every supervisor/manager must certify that they understand their responsibilities and the requirement to report sexual assault/sexual violence, sexual harassment, Equal Employment Opportunity-related harassment and other workplace harassment (including bullying) within the established timelines per the Anti-Harassment Policy.

Supervisors/managers will receive this certification through AgLearn and must acknowledge this requirement by the assigned due date. Reporting is a critical first step and is necessary to ensure managers/supervisors are taking effective and immediate action to protect and support employees.