Investigations Best Practices Episode 1: Unpacking and Understanding Employee Complaints

From time to time, an employer will need to investigate—formally or informally—concerns about an employee’s workplace behavior. If your organization has a hotline and other reporting channels to give employees a way to speak up, this is only half of the equation. The other half is thoroughly addressing—and when necessary, fully investigating—allegations once they have been reported. Investigating and resolving an allegation correctly strengthens and protects your organization. A proper investigation gives management needed information and a factual basis on which to make its decisions. It also reinforces both the fairness of the employee discipline process and your commitment to learning about employee concerns. The objectives and scope of investigations vary widely, but its overriding purpose is always to find out the relevant facts. Each investigation may be unique and handled differently, following standard techniques can help you investigate in a fair, transparent, and consistent manner. This webinar with Meric Bloch, Principal at Winter Investigations, discusses the techniques necessary for a successful intake discussion with the employee who makes a complaint about actual or possible misconduct. In this session, viewers will learn about key topics including: • The role of the employee complaint in a workplace investigation. • The steps needed to gather additional information from the complainant. • The listening techniques an investigator needs when interviewing the complainant. • The additional topics to discuss with the complainant to ensure you have fully understood their concerns. • The common errors investigators make when trying to learn more about the complaint. This webinar is episode one of Meric Bloch’s Investigations Best Practices series with Case IQ. Check out the series page to register for the other sessions, too!