Workplace Investigations 101: How to Conduct your Investigation Like a Pro

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 the 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 prevention of harassment to the Court or outside agency.
 

• Identify what constitutes a complaint
• Determine if an investigation is necessary
• Discuss the steps of an investigation
• Explore the intricacies of interviewing the accuser, accused, and witnesses
• Demonstrate good documentation
• Differentiate between formal and informal investigative procedures searches
• Determine credibility
• Discuss tips on whether someone is lying
• Help you reach a conclusion following an investigation
• Follow up with appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation
• Help you write a formal report outlining the investigation

• Discussion about if and when an investigation is required
• Comparison of a formal and informal investigation process
• Planning for the investigation
• Review of what constitutes a witness
• Legal issues surrounding an investigation such as confidentiality, defamation of character, and false imprisonment
• The importance of documentation of each interviewee
• Examples of appropriate and inappropriate documentation and why it is critical
• Specific details regarding how to corroborate evidence
• List of criteria to determine credibility of those interviewed
• The role of the investigator in forming an opinion following the investigation
• How to follow-up with the target, accused, and the organization
• The critical importance of an investigative report
• List of misconduct triggers that are a catalyst for an investigation
• Template final report

• VP of HR
• All HR Directors, Managers, and Generalists
• Director of Risk Management
• Managers and supervisors
• Team leads
• HR consultants

Dr. Susan Strauss is a national and international speaker, trainer and consultant. Her specialty areas include management/leadership development, organization development, communication, and harassment and bullying. She is an expert witness for discrimination and harassment lawsuits. She trains and consults with business, education, healthcare, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sector. Dr. Strauss has authored over 30 book chapters, books, and articles in professional journals. She has been featured on 20/20, CBS Evening News, and other television and radio programs as well as interviewed for newspaper and journal articles. She has her doctorate in organizational leadership, is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services, a master’s degree in community health, and professional certificate in training and development.