How to Conduct Effective Workplace Investigations April 12, 2009

The better you handle employee complaints, the less likely you’ll face a costly lawsuit!

Protect yourself and your organization from destructive claims while maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. Know your legal rights and responsibilities, how to avoid complaints or nip them in the bud and, should they arise, how to conduct a fair and thorough investigation that gets to the truth of the matter and mitigates the impact on the workplace.
How You Will Benefit

* Learn step-by-step guidelines for investigating any complaint
* Be proactive and avoid the legal pitfalls of investigations
* Know what steps to take to minimize your liability
* Understand what sexual harassment is—and what it isn’t
* Get a realistic view of the timing of investigations
* Get beneficial advice on handling evidence
* Keep your work force running smoothly during and after an investigation
* Guard against retaliation and subsequent inappropriate misconduct

What You Will Cover

* Initial actions: understanding your role
* The process for planning the investigation
* Working with management, legal, EEO coordinators: collaborative methods
* Investigator’s accountability and management’s responsibility
* Interviewing, documentation and evidence-preserving techniques
* Maintaining confidentiality and keeping emotions in check
* Writing the investigative report
* Presenting your findings: discipline or termination options
* Preparing for litigation if necessary

Who Should Attend

HR professionals and line managers who want to sharpen their investigation skills.
Extended Training Description

Learning Objectives

* Describe the Scope of the Program, and the Key Topics to Be Covered
* Recognize How Your Organization, and Those of Your Fellow Participants, Currently Address HR Investigations
* Understand How the Case Study Will Drive the Learning Process Throughout the Seminar

Initial Actions

* Define the Role of the Investigator
* Identify the Complaint Intake Procedures
* Formulate Steps to Be Taken in Preparation for the Investigation
* Prepare for the Possibility of Litigation

The Process for Planning the Investigation

* Clarify the Considerations of Pre-Investigation Strategies
* Identify All Pertinent Variables in a Complaint Case
* Determine Who Should Conduct the Investigation
* Outline the Systematic Steps to Take in An Investigation

Beginning the Investigation According to Plan

* Use Effective Interviewing Techniques
* Recognize Procedures for Effective Documentation Methods
* Gather, Preserve, and Use Evidence

Maintaining a Productive Workplace after an Incident

* Recognize and Effectively Manage Emotions Resulting from An Investigation
* Use Techniques for Avoiding Retaliation
* Maintain a Productive Work Environment During an Investigation.

Compiling the Report

* Decide What to Include in the Report
* Prepare a Professional, All-Inclusive Investigative Report
* Prepare Objective Findings Based on Evidence and Testimony
* Make Recommendations Based on Investigation Findings

Concluding the Investigation

* Perform Investigator’s Duties for Follow-Up, Debriefing and Closure
* Respond to the Complainant and the Accused
* Prepare Necessary Case Documentation for Possible Litigation.

Official Website: http://www.focustraco.com/index.php/tm-training-schedule/details/79-101106