Where must an employee file their complaint to initiate the process?

To effectively initiate the process for filing an employment discrimination complaint, the correct action is to file with the EEOC regional office. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination. When an individual believes they have been subjected to discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, they need to file a charge with the EEOC to formally initiate an investigation into their claims.

Filing with the EEOC regional office ensures that the complaint will be assessed according to federal guidelines, enabling proper investigation and potential resolution of the issue. It acts as a necessary first step in the legal process before pursuing private litigation, as the EEOC must be given the opportunity to resolve issues through mediation or investigation.

While reporting to a direct supervisor or HR department can be beneficial for internal resolution and may be part of an organization's procedures, it does not fulfill the requirement for formal complaints related to discrimination, which must go through the EEOC. Similarly, the National Geo Investigative Services office is not typically a designated avenue for handling EEO complaints, thus making that option less appropriate for initiating the official complaint process.