(United States) The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) has announced that Home Depot has agreed to pay $65,000 to a former employee as part of a settlement agreement for failing to stop sexual harassment spanning multiple years.
An MDHR investigation into Home Depot reportedly found an employee at a store in Fridley filed several sexual harassment reports over a span of approximately three years.
According to MDHR, the employee was sexually harassed by three co-workers who made “unwelcome sexual comments, advances and inappropriate touching.”
MDHR said Home Depot took “little to no action” when it came to the reports, and that inaction allowed the harassment to continue.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Home Depot will pay out $65,000 to the former employee. Additionally, the company must enforce anti-harassment policies, provide training for employees, and ensure accountability for store managers.
Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said: “Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and a denial of basic human dignity. It harms individuals’ mental health, job performance, and well-being, while also undermining organisational integrity and productivity. Minnesota state law requires that employers create a workplace free from sexual harassment and assault. This agreement reminds Minnesota employers of this obligation.”
The MDHR said it will oversee the compliance of these measures over the next two years.
— Accurate at time of publication | February 2025