When an employee brings forward a claim of discrimination, harassment or another violation of workplace law -- to you, to a government agency or to someone within your business -- it must be taken very seriously.  Also, be careful not to take any action that the employee might view as punishment or retaliation for the complaint, or you might find yourself on the wrong end of a lawsuit. It is illegal to retaliate against an employee for bringing forward a claim of discrimination and other workplace violations -- and retaliation can be in the eye of the beholder.