Prioritise safety, document thoroughly, avoid mediation, maintain neutrality, follow timelines strictly & ensure complainant knows support resources.
Know: Right to workplace safety (PoSH), equal pay, maternity benefits, dignity (Art 21), privacy, unionise, against retaliation & access justice.
Recent PILs seek IC member protections from defamation suits & employer retaliation, recognising their quasi-judicial role under PoSH.
Section 14 penalises malicious complaints (not unproven ones). Proving intent to harm is essential - mere lack of evidence doesn't imply falsity.
Emotional masking – hiding true feelings at work – is exhausting & isolating. Cultures valuing psychological safety allow authentic expression, boosting wellbeing & trust.
Burnout reshapes the brain: chronic stress impairs memory, focus & emotional regulation. Protecting mental health protects cognitive function & performance.