Harassed at Work, Third-Party Lawyer Backed My Claim. Now I’m Being Asked to Sign a Release. Need Help

I’m looking for legal guidance in BC regarding workplace harassment, my employer’s investigation, and my options moving forward.

Earlier this year, I experienced repeated inappropriate comments and behaviour from a senior director. The comments were sexualized, directed at me in front of others, and made me uncomfortable enough that I eventually filed a formal harassment complaint through my employer’s process.

The HR investigation found him responsible since of harassment and he received training and issued me an apology.

He then furthered this harassment months later and my employer hired a third-party lawyer to conduct an investigation. The investigation concluded that the director’s actions did amount to harassment and violated both company policy and the law.

Before I was allowed to view the report, I had to sign an NDA stating that I could not share, reproduce, or use the contents for any purpose other than personal understanding, except with my legal counsel or if required by law.

Separately, my employer has now offered me a very small one-time lump sum in exchange for signing a release agreement. The release would waive all claims against the company and its employees, including harassment, discrimination, human rights claims, workers compensation claims, constructive dismissal, wrongful dismissal, severance, etc. It also prevents me from pursuing anything related to this situation in the future, or discussing details with anyone except a lawyer or immediate family. Essentially, if I sign, I can’t pursue any further legal action.

I am early in my career and don’t have the means to hire a lawyer upfront, but I’m trying to understand my options before signing anything. I am also considering filing a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal, since the investigator confirmed that the conduct met the threshold of harassment under the law.

I’m also weighing whether pursuing this is the right choice for practical and career reasons, not just emotional ones.

I want fair compensation, accountability, and to ensure this individual is not part of my professional life going forward, but I also don’t want to harm my long-term career. I’m not looking for revenge — just to understand my rights and options before making a decision.

Any guidance on signing a release, the BCHRT process, or if it would be in my best interest to contact a lawyer, or recommended next steps would be appreciated.