Conducting Harassment and Bullying Investigations: Determine the Facts & Minimize Liability

Workplace investigations are not only crucial for effective management but are essential in determining the validity of a bullying or harassment allegation.

Conducting a fair and impartial investigation diminishes liability and decreases further misconduct.

But all too often, an organization and its staff don't know how to conduct a fair and suitable investigation that involve allegations of misconduct, or what to do if the allegations are proven to be true or unfounded.

So how can you minimize damages and the likelihood of an investigation from an outside agency?

This real world, information-packed workshop guides you through all stages of conducting workplace harassment investigations. Join our 2-hour live event to discover:

• How to define discrimination and harassment from a legal standpoint
• What should be included in your harassment investigations
• The intricacies of investigating: Proper documentation & reporting practices
• The role of the investigator in forming an opinion following the investigation
• The critical importance of an investigative report

Program Highlights

Harassment Investigations: Establishing Proper Policies & Procedures

• What's discrimination and what's harassment
• Effective discussion about if & when an investigation is required
• Train your staff - proper responses when a complaint is raised
• How to conduct a fair, impartial & competent investigation

Preparing for the Investigation: Guidance to Develop Your Plan

• What constitutes a witness?
• Essential guidelines for properly documenting the investigation
• Legal issues surrounding an investigation such as confidently, defamation of character, and false imprisonment
• The importance of documentation: Appropriate & inappropriate documentation

Conducting the Investigation: Guidelines to Stay Out of Court

• Selecting who will conduct the investigation
• List of criteria to determine credibility of those interviewed
• How to deal with the he said/she said & hone-in on actual evidence
• Specific details regarding how to corroborate evidence
• How to follow-up with the target, accused, and the organization

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Susan Strauss

Dr. Susan Strauss is an international speaker, trainer and consultant. Her areas of expertise include education, workplace harassment, discrimination, bullying, organizational development, and leadership development. Her clients are from healthcare, education, business, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sector. Susan conducts discrimination and bullying investigations, works as an expert witness for education and workplace harassment and bullying lawsuits, and coaches those managers and employees that need assistance in stopping their misconduct. Dr. Strauss has authored over 30 books, contributions and articles. She has been featured on 20/20, CBS Evening News, and other television and radio programs as well as interviewed for newspaper and journal articles. Susan holds a doctorate in organizational leadership.