Transcript Conducting an Effective Workplace Investigation

Presented by:
Steve W. Hodges, SHRM-SCP/SPHR/CHHR
April 21, 2016
Welcome & Overview

 What’s your experience been?
Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, you should be able to:
 Articulate the benefits to be gained from conducting
a successful workplace investigation.
 Identify and speak to mistakes that are commonly
made when conducting workplace investigations.
 Undertake a workplace investigation using a
structured step-by-step process.
Benefits of an Effective
Investigation

 Ascertain Facts of the Situation
 Addressing Employee Problems Early
 Reinforcing Effective Company Policies
Benefits of an Effective
Investigation

 Encourage Involvement and Communication
 Limit or Influence Bad Publicity
 Protection from Lawsuits
Investigative Mistakes…

 Not Undertaking an Investigation
 Waiting Too Long
 Lack of Consistent Practice
 Retaliatory Behaviors and Communications
 Not Being Comprehensive in Your Approach
Investigative Mistakes…

 Undermining Confidentiality
 Failure to be Objective
 Intimidating Interview Tactics
 Breaching Privacy of those Under Investigation
Case Study: The Southern
Gentleman CEO

 You’re the HR Director at a small business in rural
Nebraska
 Over a period of three months, you begin to receive
complaints from staff and leaders that the CEO, who
moved from Alabama for the job a year ago, is
making suggestive comments and engaging in
unwanted physical contacts.
 What do you do?
Steps to an Effective
Investigation

 Deciding When to Investigate
 Acting Immediately, if Necessary
 Selecting the Right Investigator
 Organize the Investigation
 Conduct Interviews
10 Steps to an Effective
Investigation

 Collect and Validate Documents and Other Evidence
 Determine Appropriate Action Steps and Execute
 Document the You Actvities
 Follow-Up as Necessary
Reasons for Workplace
Investigations

 Discrimination
 Harassment
 Workplace Theft
 Threats and Violence
 Drug and Alcohol Use
Questions & Discussion

Thank you for your attention…
Steve W. Hodges, Principal Consultant
S Bar A Consulting, LLC
Your HR Solutions Provider
5317 East Four Mile Road, Cheyenne, WY 82009
[email protected]
(307) 823-3439