05/19/2013– How to Conduct a Workplace Investigation - Step-by-Step Analogy -...

Overview : Per study, the average lawsuit settlement is $165,000. To protect your organization, it is crucial to have an effective strategy in place from the moment you hear a complaint, concern, or when misconduct occurs. Investigating complaints, misconduct, etc. is the right thing to do to protect your company from expensive litigation. It also shows good faith efforts to ensure your decision to terminate or to not terminate was based on a thorough review of pertinent information.

When an informal or formal complaint is made, the employer should take immediate steps to stop the alleged conflict, protect those individuals involved and begin investigations. Under many laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, OSHA, Sarbanes-Oxley, state and local nondiscrimination laws, etc.) employers are legally obligated to investigate complaints (harassment, discrimination, retaliation, safety and ethical) in a timely manner. In addition, any appropriate corrective action is required to be taken by the employer to ensure illegal actions/behaviors cease immediately.

A prompt response to employee complaints, concerns, misconduct, etc. will not only generate the best information and evidence, it will also show the employer's good faith and credibility. Every complaint has the potential to become a lawsuit; therefore, employers should investigate every case in a manner in which it can be presented to a court of law, if necessary. As potentially disruptive as investigations can be, they must be prompt, thorough and effective to ensure everyone's protection.

Areas Covered In the Session:

The importance of an investigation
When to conduct an investigation
Consequences of not conducting an investigation
Determining who should conduct the investigation
Characteristics of an effective investigation
What to do when you receive a complaint or concern
Confidentiality and Retaliation
How to plan the investigation
How to prepare interview questions
Effective interview techniques
How to document information
Determining the results of the investigation
Preparing report of investigation results

Concluding recommendations and action plans

Who will benefit:

HR Managers
Business Owners
Labor Relations Personnel
Management