Online Webinar 2019 - Live Webinar 90 mins. Workplace Investigations 101: How to Conduct Your Investigation Like a Pro

Overview
Learn How to Conduct a Fair Investigation and Minimize Your Risk of Liability
When we think of workplace investigations, the most common thought is that of investigating harassment complaints. But workplace investigations are often necessary to discover, prevent and address other problems – such as theft, safety or OSHA issues, retaliation, vandalism, substance abuse, social media violations, company policy violations, and so on. As an employer you have a duty to investigate, and as an employee, you have an obligation to cooperate with the investigative process. But what if you have a recalcitrant complainant, wrongdoer or witness?
You know that documentation and writing a final report are critical aspects of an investigation process – and should begin as soon as an employee makes a complaint. But do you know how to document the critical elements of a report so that you can minimize your liability? One of the first questions you need to consider is whether the complaint requires a full-blown formal investigation or a less formal resolution because the complaint is a minor policy violation. Do you know what steps to take if you need to search an employee’s desk, computer, smart phone or locker? And when should you include legal counsel, and what evidence do you need to gather?
Session Highlights
Strauss will teach you how to:
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 a 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
Who Should Attend
VP of HR
All HR directors, managers, and generalists
Director of risk management
Managers and supervisors
Team leads
HR consultants
Speaker
Dr. Susan Strauss is a national and international speaker, trainer, consultant and a recognized expert investigator on workplace and school harassment and bullying. She conducts harassment and bullying investigations and functions as an expert witness in harassment and bullying lawsuits. Her clients are from business, education, healthcare, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sector.