How to Conduct Workplace Investigations - Best Practices and Know How's

Today the EEOC receives thousands of complaints for harassment and discrimination that cost employers millions in penalties and fines. Often these claims filed with the EEOC could have been prevented with a good investigation and resolution by the company. But investigations can be tricky. The timing has to be good, the questions have to be good and confidentiality has to be observed. We will talk about what these standards are.

• Who should conduct the investigation

• What Documentation should be gathered

• What Fact finding consists of

• What happens after the investigation

• How to Weigh the evidence

• How to Make a decision

• How to Prepare the report

In today's workplace there are numerous situations that can cause problems for employers that need to be followed up on and investigated by HR. These include claims of harassment, claims of discrimination, claims of hostile environment, claims of retaliation, claims of improper pay practices, and many more claims of improper management practices. HR usually ends up with the responsibility for conducting these investigations. 

Companies that opt not to conduct investigations generally do not correct situations on which these claims are made and ultimately end up in court costing them tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Improperly conducting investigations can be nearly as damaging to the company. We will learn about the steps of a proper investigation and why it is important to lay the ground work a good investigation.

• HR Professionals

• Office Managers

• Company Owners of Small Businesses

Michael D. Haberman is a consultant, speaker, writer and teacher. He is President of Omega HR Consulting, a consulting and services company offering complete human resources solutions. Mike brings 35+ years of experience in dealing with the challenges of Human Resources in the 21st century. He has a Master's in HR and is certified as a Senior HR professional. He has over 18 years’ experience in the class room teaching human resources fundamentals and certification preparation.

Mike is the author of the Human Resources blog found at OmegaHRConsulting.com , which has been recognized as a top human resources related blogs. He has also been named a top Digital Influencer in Human Resources.

Mike has gained a reputation as a compliance expert and as an HR futurist. He speaks on a variety of subjects to business associations, human resource associations and business based civic clubs. He has presented numerous webinars on various HR related issues.