What must an employee do if served with a subpoena or summons to testify?

When an employee is served with a subpoena or summons to testify, it is crucial to notify the appropriate authority or supervisor within the organization before proceeding. This action ensures that the employer is aware of the legal obligation placed upon the employee and can provide guidance on how to handle the situation appropriately.

Notifying the authority also allows the organization to determine any potential implications that the testimony might have on business operations or legal matters. It is a part of following protocol and maintaining legal clarity within the workplace. By doing so, the employee also protects themselves by ensuring that they are complying with both legal expectations and company policies. This is particularly important in environments where confidentiality and legal representation are significant considerations.

The other options do not align with proper protocol when handling a subpoena, as ignoring it could lead to legal penalties, requesting a delay lacks the necessary communication with the authority, and informing colleagues without notifying the relevant authority might breach confidentiality or internal policies.