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

Program Benefits

In this 120-minute program we’ll show you how to properly conduct a harassment and/or bullying investigation, plus what to do to keep your company fully compliant and protected.

About the Speaker

Dr. Susan Strauss is a national and international speaker, trainer, consultant and a recognized expert on workplace and school harassment and bullying. She conducts harassment and bullying investigations and functions as an expert witness in harassment and bullying lawsuits. Her clients are from business, education, healthcare, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sector.

Dr. Strauss has conducted research, written over 30 books, book chapters, and journal articles on harassment, bullying, and related topics. She has been featured on national and international television and radio programs as well as interviewed for newspaper and journal articles.

Her education includes:

• Registered Nurse
• Doctorate in organizational leadership
• Bachelor’s degree in human services and counseling
• Master’s degree in community health
• Professional certificate in training & development