When we think of workplace investigations, the most common thought is that of investigating harassment complaints. However, there are so many other forms of workplace misconduct that require investigations such as theft, safety or OSHA issues, retaliation, vandalism, working off the clock, substance abuse, social media violations, and violations of various company policies, as examples. Usually, this responsibility is left to HR, sometimes to management, and there may be a need to determine if an outside investigator, such as law enforcement or an IT professional, is the best person to investigate.
Conducting an investigation is both a science and an art. There is the scientific/technical aspect ensuring the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed to minimize liability. And there is the ‘art’ of investigating in establishing rapport with those you interview, creating a safe environment in which to interview and recognizing that interviewees are usually stressed during the interview process. As an employer, you have a duty to investigate. Employees have an obligation to cooperate with the investigative process—but what if you have a recalcitrant complainant, wrong-doer, or witness? Documentation and writing a final report are critical aspects of an investigation process which begins as soon as an employee makes a complaint—do you know how to document? Do you know the critical elements of a final report to minimize liability? One of the first questions you, as an HR professional, need to consider is whether the complaint requires a full-blown formal investigation or if a less formal resolution is appropriate because the complaint is a minor policy violation. What do you do if you need to search the employee’s desk, computer, smartphone, or locker? Other questions that need to be answered are when do you include legal counsel? What evidence do you need to gather? This webinar will focus on these issues by discussing best practices to ensure you are conducting a fair and impartial investigation that will support a positive work environment, protect employees and the organization, and decrease the risk of liability.
Anyone who conducts an investigation must be trained in how to do so. Merely having the experience of conducting investigations without having been taught the art and science of the process is not enough. When your organization ensures it is investigator is trained in how to conduct investigations, it demonstrates its commitment to the prevention of harassment to the Court or outside agency.
The webinar addresses laws that HR is responsible for upholding. When the laws are not followed, it increases the liability for the organization and interferes with a fair and equitable work environment for employees.
Diane L. Dee
Diane L. Dee, President and Founder of Advantage HR Consulting, LLC is a senior Human Resources professional with over 25 years of experience in the HR arena. Diane’s background includes experience in HR consulting, training, and administration in corporate, government, consulting, and pro bono environments.Diane founded Advantage HR Consulting in early 2016. Under Diane’s leadership, Advantage HR Consulting provides comprehensive, cost-effective Human Resources solutions for small to mid-sized public and private firms in the greater Chicagoland area. Diane also develops and conducts webinars on a wide variety of HR compliance and administrative topics for various training firms across the country. …
How to Write Contracts for Procurement Professionals
Sunshine Act Reporting - Clarification for Clinical Research
How to Deal with Employees Who Love to Argue and Debate Eve…
Project Management for administrative professionals
ChatGPT and Project Management: Leveraging AI for Project M…
Onboarding Best Practices for 2025: Proven Strategies to Po…
Terminating Toxicity: Strategies For Leaders To Confidently…
Transform Data into Insights: A Beginners Guide to Excel Pi…
Reprogramming your mind for Corporate Excellence: 4 Steps t…
How to Write Effective Audit Observations: The Principles f…
How to Manage the Legal Landmine of the FMLA, ADA and Worke…
Uplifting the Credibility of HR: How to Build the Credibili…
Performance of Root Cause Analysis, CAPA, and Effectiveness…
Bridging Generational Divides in the Workplace
Strategic Interviewing & Selection: Getting the Right Talen…
Onboarding Best Practices for Millennial and All Employees
2-Hour Virtual Seminar on How to Conduct an Internal Harass…
FDA Audit Best Practices - Do's and Don'ts
Emotional Intelligence: Mastering the Emotions of Great Lea…
Unlock Employee Loyalty: Stay Interviews Will Keep Them Eng…
Accounting For Non Accountants : Debit, Credits And Financi…
Successful Strategies for FDA Expedited Pathways for Your D…
Regulation update Q1 2025: New and Proposed Regulations for…
Pay Transparency in Action: Strategies for Building Trust a…
Designing Employee Experiences to Build a Culture of Compli…
Developing and Implementing Quality Culture in the Organiza…
Excel Lookup Functions: VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and XLOOKUP Made …
Break Free from Toxicity: Reclaim Your Power and Peace
Tips and Techniques for Conducting an Effective Fraud Risk …
Physician Employment Agreements: Problem Areas that can be …
Measure the Effectiveness of Compliance Programs by Engagin…
FDA Regulation of Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning
Navigating 2025 Employment Laws: What Every Employer Needs …
Implementing an Effective Human Error Reduction Program
Cleaning Data without Complex Functions - A Course for Data…
Succession Plan for 2025: It's Not Just for Emergencies - I…
Employers Should Prepare for Immigration Raids in 2025! Thi…
Managing Toxic Employees: Strategies For Leaders To Effecti…
Using High-Performance Coaching for Managers to Address Per…
6-Hour Virtual Seminar on Learning the Highlights of Excel …
Principles & Practices for the Cybersecurity of Legacy Medi…