In hindsight, a workplace bullying situation can seem both regrettable and avoidable. Yet time and again, we find that the circumstances leading to the making of a bullying complaint were predictable, or at least displayed a reasonable risk of complaints of bullying occurring. What we can all agree on is by the time a complaint […]
Choosing an investigator to conduct your workplace investigation can be a complex task. Do you look internally or externally? What are the features of a high-quality workplace investigator? And what common problems can arise along the way? Common issues that employers should consider include: How confidentiality and fairness are to be balanced. How quality will […]
Tiptoeing Through the Minefield of Raising Allegations There’s an awful lot at stake when conducting workplace investigations, and so they need to be handled with care and skill. It really is like tiptoeing through a minefield. One wrong move can cause an explosion of legal consequences that may harm your organisation. One key area of […]
Can I Keep the Identity of the Complainant Confidential? When conducting an investigation into a workplace complaint, a number of variables need to be carefully managed. It is a given that once staff become aware of the investigation, reactions will vary widely. Be prepared for emotional responses to both the alleged incident, and the complaint […]
How to Plan a Workplace Investigation and Why it’s Important If you are conducting either internal or external workplace investigations, it is crucial that you formulate a unique plan of action for each investigative process. No two workplace issues are the same, and a well-structured investigation plan will ensure that you account for the many […]
Joanne was keen to take up a new position in an office she had previously worked in. She looked forward to working with former colleagues. But far from being greeted with the bonhomie and friendship she had been familiar with, she was met with the cold shoulder. Excluded from morning teas and team lunches, no […]
During August we posted daily tips on investigations on our website, facebook and twitter. Here is the complete list of those tips. 31 Days 31 Tips Tip 1 – Silence is an interviewer’s best friend Tip 2 – Don’t assume anything Tip 3 – If in doubt ask Tip 4 – Consider each case on […]