Workplace investigations: Handling employee complaints and problems successfully
We live in a litigious world, and nowhere is that truer than in the workplace. Especially since the #MeToo era began, workplace investigations have come under increased scrutiny.
Two leading investigators – Alison West and Michael W. Johnson – recently conferred with the folks at XpertHR to talk about how to handle a workplace investigation that’ll both be successful and keep the company out of trouble.
They came up with five areas of concern.
1. Participation isn’t consent
Just because an employee continues to perform his or her duties during an ongoing investigation doesn’t mean they approve of the harassing behavior. Remember, these folks can be key in any workplace investigation.
West quoted common comments she hears during a session with an employee:
- “She kept working on the team. How bad could it have been?”
- “Everyone loves my jokes. No one said they were offended.”
- “That’s just Joe. He didn’t mean anything by it.”
Think of it this way: Being part of the team doesn’t guarantee approval.
2. Don’t discount hearsay
As you probably know, hearsay isn’t admissible in court. But West points out that it can be very useful in a workplace investigation. “Hearsay can lead to relevant evidence,” she stressed. “Do not discount it! [You need to] follow all of the facts.”
3. Create an atmosphere of trust
A lot of cases come down to “he said, she said,” according to Johnson. Thus, a lot of cases end up being deemed “unsubstantiated.”
And that discourages people from bringing their cases to superiors. They’re afraid of retaliation or that they won’t be able to prove their case.
So it’s up to management to make sure employees know they’ll be treated fairly when they come forward. That means a clear policy included in the employee handbook.
4. Ask open-ended questions
You should let witnesses do the lion’s share of the talking, Johnson said. Yes or no questions make it easier for the person to lie.
And avoid “why” questions, he said. They often sound accusatory.
5. No place for amateurs
Not surprisingly, West highly recommends getting an outside investigator, especially when the accused harasser is in a position of power. “You need an experienced investigator” because of the extremely delicate nature of these investigations.
