Investigating workplace misconduct isn’t easy. The perils and pitfalls are endless, even for those with considerable experience. This is especially true in the #MeToo era where a company’s actions—or inactions—can instantaneously be publicized, tweeted and shared. The pressure is on companies now, more so than ever, to respond quickly and appropriately to allegations of workplace misconduct. Failing to do so will not only hit the corporate checkbook, but could subject the company to reputational damage that could take years to recover from.

Below are the five most common mistakes made by companies when responding to allegations of workplace misconduct:

Failing to Elevate a Complaint to Human Resources