Employee Relations (Certified Internal Investigator)

At KPSK we help businesses stay on track and keep compliant by working with you to educate and guide you through this complicated and ever-changing area of HR. To learn more contact us for a free consultation.

Conducting workplace investigations is one of the most challenging duties that HR professionals have. Workforce demographics are continuing to shift. New laws and rules are constantly being added. Most managers make mistakes because they aren’t properly trained or they’re under pressure to resolve complaints quickly without the correct information. Employees are more aware of their rights and often file against companies when they feel wronged.

While many HR departments investigate every employee complaint, employers are legally mandated to investigate harassment, discrimination, retaliation, safety, and certain other types of complaints.

Once the decision to investigate has been made, some HR professionals may be tempted to immediately start scheduling interviews. However, good investigators will first create a plan that answers these questions:

  • Who will investigate?
  • What will be investigated?
  • What evidence needs to be collected?
  • Who will be interviewed?

10 Common Investigation Mistakes

  1. Failing to plan.
  2. Ignoring complaints.
  3. Delaying investigations.
  4. Losing objectivity.
  5. Being distracted during interviews.
  6. Using overly aggressive interview tactics.
  7. Not conducting a thorough investigation.
  8. Failing to reach a conclusion.
  9. Failing to create a written report.
  10. Failing to follow up with those involved.
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