Jess Miller-Merrell, SHRM-SCP, SPHR’s Post

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Civility and respect is so important in the workplace.

A few minutes of listening that guides you for a lifetime of coping with investigations in the workplace Well worth your time!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience Kathryn Marshall!   Like Bob Stenhouse noted, there probably are investigators and employers out there who have engaged in these practices. That’s unfortunate, and it’s disheartening to hear that some of the people who’ve commented on your post have had similar experiences.    Having said this, I’m conscious not to make employees fearful of all workplace investigations, most of which (IMHO) are conducted with procedural fairness and integrity at their core.  For those who've had concerns, a procedurally fair investigation should include:   ☑  Impartiality – no conflicts of interest and conducted objectively. ☑ Transparency – all parties should be informed of the investigation process and their respective rights.  ☑ Confidentiality – should be maintained to protect the privacy of all parties and to encourage open dialogue. ☑ Timeliness – the investigation should be conducted promptly to ensure evidence is preserved while memories are fresh. ☑ Thoroughness – all relevant evidence should be gathered, relevant witnesses interviewed, and all evidence objectively analyzed. ☑ Fairness – Every participant should be treated with empathy, professionalism and respect, and the parties afforded an opportunity to respond to each allegation and any relevant contradictory evidence. ☑ Evidence-Based Findings – the findings should consist of a careful/objective assessment of all evidence and credibility assessments. ☑ Closure – the findings should be communicated to the parties before any appropriate action is taken. 

gosh I wish I had watched this video some time ago! Please please check if you have legal cover with any policies you hold...I think there will be an increasing need to make those kind of phone calls as the division between ethical and non ethical leadership grows across society, and as retaliation grows as the tool of choice for those who want to hide their bad practices. For organisations that want to avoid such situations, take a close look at the motivations of your senior leadership & HR and understand how they will translate to actions they carry out. Ignoring this could result in costly consequences which could be avoided

The incidents of this can be gut-wrenching and literally dangerous themselves: victims can bear the costs of not only the triggering issue, but of PATTERNS of it, on management, HR, investigators and union sides. SO often, sadly, allies and advocates are stuck looking for adequate concrete evidence and send victims (often the low-level, diverse, marginalized) BACK IN 'til evidence is there: investigations/ investigators breach ethics & quality needs. Even 'just' investigation reports, ethically completed, result in recommendations thereafter blithely ignored by leaders, management who're accustomed to freedom/power to ignore them. So what if no changes result from where they "invest" in making change. WHERE they care enough or are FORCED to make some kind of investment in change (discipline, culture shift, competency or policy handling) it fails? Worst, MOST complaint and conflict fixing is delegated to the lowest level and victims: leaders expect them 'all' to be trained, to 'mediate' with the most toxic. What do 'victims' and stakeholders want? It would surprise most: they want it to NOT happen to others. Where institutions fail this, they want to crush...compensation. It's bad other there. We can fix it.

Exactly what happened to me at the hands of my toxic employer 👇🏻 I exercised my right to raise a grievance and as a SIPTU Union Rep, I championed for their "fairness in the workplace" mandate ... and boom 💥.... Fake investigation 1, fake investigation 2 (12 month written warning) and ultimately the 3rd and final fake investigation resulting in my termination. #toxicworkculture #retaliation #workplacebullying

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Are you confident in your workplace investigation process? This article from Gilchrist Connell outlines essential tips and pitfalls for conducting efficient, fair, and legally compliant workplace investigations. https://lnkd.in/gbkcmAe3

For many employers, conducting a workplace investigation can be an overwhelming process, often fraught with legal risks. In this upcoming webinar, Mackenzie Beldan (Associate) will provide an overview of the process and step you through the stages of carrying out a workplace investigation. Register with the link below. https://lnkd.in/gcU9AfFy