Workplace Investigations Are Necessary in Many Circumstances
This can include:
- Bullying, harassment, and hostile work environments
- Sexual harassment
- Discrimination
- Breaches of health and safety processes
- Financial mismanagement
- Conflicts of interest
We work with organizations to conduct quick and effective workplace investigations. We can also provide supervision and support for internal investigations.
Each situation is unique and requires a context-specific approach to the investigation.
Most Workplace Investigations Involve the Following Steps:
1. Preliminary Complaint Review
The first step in an investigation is to review the complaint and any relevant policies. We also take steps to preserve confidentiality as much as possible for the benefit of all involved. After the initial review, we will tell you if we believe an investigation is necessary. If it is, we will also make recommendations about how to proceed. This may include changing reporting relationships, relocating workspaces, or implementing temporary suspensions while the investigation is ongoing.
2. Information Gathering
We will interview the complainant, the respondent and other relevant witnesses. After the interviews, we may ask for additional documents or records relevant to the complaint.
3. Investigation Report
The investigator will prepare a report that outlines the evidence gathered, assesses the credibility of the witnesses, and gives an opinion on the complaint’s legitimacy. We will also make recommendations for how the complaint can be resolved and give advice for managing any potential legal exposure.
4. Follow-up
We will work with your organization to answer any remaining questions and help implement the resolutions you decide best serve your needs.
Once the investigation is over, we may recommend other steps to resolve outstanding issues. While discipline can help discourage misconduct; mediation, coaching and training may also be necessary to help restore trust and productivity in the workplace.
We Will Work With You
Others way we can assist with investigations include:
- communicating with the complainant or respondent’s legal counsel
- working with Boards of Directors to investigate senior leadership
- conducting team investigations in complex situations involving a large number of individuals.
The cost of investigations will vary depending on the seriousness of the allegations, the number of witnesses interviewed, and the number of records to be reviewed.
All lawyers in our Workplace Investigation team have experience conducting and supervising investigations, providing advice in complex legal situations, and ensuring the best liability protection.
