Workplace Investigations 101: How to Conduct your Investigation Like a Pro

When we think of workplace investigations, the most common thought is that of investigating harassment complaints. However, 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 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, smartphone, or locker? And when should you include legal counsel, and what evidence do you need to gather?

Join this webinar by industry veteran Susan Strauss, who will answer all these questions, and teach you the art and science of conducting an investigation. Strauss will walk you through the best practices on how to conduct a fair and impartial investigation and reduce your organization's risk of liability.

• 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 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

Susan Strauss will teach you how to identify what constitutes a complaint, how to determine if an investigation is necessary, and discuss the key steps of an investigation. She will discuss the intricacies of interviewing the accuser, accused, and witnesses and show you how to create a safe environment in which to interview and establish rapport with your interviewees.

She will demonstrate the good documentation practices you should follow, and teach you how to differentiate between formal and informal investigative procedures. She will provide practical tips on how to detect when someone is lying, teach you how to conclude and follow up an investigation, and how to write a formal investigation report. After attending this webinar, you will be able to conduct fair and impartial investigations that support a positive work environment, protect your employees, and decrease the risk of your organization's liability.

• VP of HR
• All HR Directors, Managers, and Generalists
• Director of Risk Management
• Managers and supervisors
• Team leads
• HR consultants

Dr. Susan Strauss is a national and international speaker, trainer and consultant. Her specialty areas include management/leadership development, organization development, communication, and harassment and bullying. She is an expert witness for discrimination and harassment lawsuits. She trains and consults with business, education, healthcare, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sector. Dr. Strauss has authored over 30 book chapters, books, and articles in professional journals. She has been featured on 20/20, CBS Evening News, and other television and radio programs as well as interviewed for newspaper and journal articles. She has her doctorate in organizational leadership, is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services, a master’s degree in community health, and professional certificate in training and development.