Hello. I am in charge of employee grievance counseling at the HR team.
Recently, an employee requested counseling, stating that they are being repeatedly and publicly criticized by their supervisor for work mistakes or shortcomings during every team meeting.
They say that although they initially thought it was just work feedback, they feel very intimidated even before meetings as the same issues are repeatedly brought up in front of others and pointed out by name in group messaging.
From a supervisor's perspective, it could be viewed as necessary work-related feedback, so it is prudent to be cautious in immediately concluding that it is workplace harassment.
However, considering the public nature, repetitiveness, and the psychological burden on the parties involved, it appears that HR needs to verify this to some extent.
In such cases, what criteria should be used to distinguish between simple work feedback and workplace harassment?
Should the HR team approach this by first recording the employee interview and verifying the facts with the supervisor?