What happens in an investigation meeting at work?

Investigations determine, fully and credibly, what happened with respect to a particular incident – whether suspected conduct did or did not take place; what the circumstances were; who was involved; whether a violation of law or company policy occurred.

What happens during a work investigation?

Based on the outcome of your interviews, your HR and legal team might decide to pursue further evidence. This could include watching security camera footage, reading work emails, checking computer hard drives, or reviewing other relevant material.

How long does workplace investigation take?

How Long Do Investigations Take? Investigations should be short: ideally 1-2 weeks at most (this is good for the employer and the person who was harassed). In practice, though, they can last longer depending on: 1.

What should you not do in a workplace investigation?

Compromising Confidentiality

From a practical standpoint, talking too much during the investigation—telling a witness what another witness said, revealing your personal opinion to one of the employees involved, or publicizing the complaint in the workplace, for example—can lead others to doubt your objectivity.

What does it mean to be under investigation at work?

If your employer believes you violated a particular rule or policy, they can generally compel you to take part in an investigation. Failing to participate in the investigation or answer direct questions can result in you being dismissed from your position.

What no one tells you about workplace investigations

Can I be fired after an investigation?

If your employer wants to take disciplinary action after they complete their investigation, they should write to you. When they write, they should: explain what they think you've done wrong - there should be enough detail for you to be able to prepare your response.

Are workplace investigations serious?

They have serious consequences for the people involved. If these issues are not addressed, they may result in continuing workplace problems and unnecessary costs to the employer. Employee morale may suffer, which could lead to increased absenteeism and WorkCover claims.

What questions do investigators ask?

Do you have to answer questions in a workplace investigation?

No, you do not have to answer the investigator's questions. However, you should remember that the interview is your chance to tell your side of the story and if the investigator asks you a question it is because the investigator believes the answer might be important to the investigation.

Do you have to answer questions in an investigation?

If they continue to ask questions, you still have the right to remain silent. If you do not have a lawyer, you may still tell the officer you want to speak to one before answering questions. If you do have a lawyer, keep his or her business card with you. Show it to the officer, and ask to call your lawyer.

How long does it take for HR to finish an investigation?

An HR department typically takes three days to a week to investigate a complaint. The time frame can depend upon your specific company and its HR department, what the complaint pertains to, and how many witnesses or relevant employees need to be interviewed to complete the investigation.

Do I have to attend an investigation meeting?

You do not have to attend the investigation meetings, but attending may help your case. If you are too stressed to attend meetings at work, the person investigating should arrange the meetings elsewhere. They may continue the investigation at work without you, but they should tell you this.

How do you prepare for an investigation meeting?

What happens after a investigation meeting?

What happens once the investigation concludes. At the end of an investigation, your employer should decide whether or not there is a case to answer. If there is no case to answer, the process should end there. If there is a case to answer, your employer may start a disciplinary process.

How long can you stay under investigation?

In the majority of cases, the police can detain someone without charge for 24 hours, but this can be extended to 36 or 96 hours if they're suspected of a serious crime. Once a police investigation has been completed, including interviews, the police have to decide whether to charge the suspect.

How do you handle a work investigation?

What should be avoided during an investigation?

What triggers a workplace investigation?

Various situations arising in the workplace can trigger the need for an investigation – alleged discrimination or harassment, workplace bullying or abuse, inappropriate use of the internet or social media, theft of company property, fraud, policy breaches, statutory violations, allegations of just cause and so forth.

Do I have to cooperate with a workplace investigation?

Employers can require their own employees to cooperate with workplace investigations into possible unsatisfactory work performance or conduct by an employee, which may include requiring employees to attend interviews with the investigator(s).

What is the purpose of an investigation meeting?

An investigation is to: see if there is a case to answer. make sure everyone is treated fairly. gather evidence from all sides.

How do you answer a workplace investigation question?

Your task is to only answer specific questions asked by the investigator. You should not be sitting and telling the investigator long stories, but only answer specific questions asked. Once you answer the question asked, stop talking and wait for the next question. This will make the process much easier and quicker.

Why does an investigator want to talk to me?

Detectives will typically ask to speak to you for one of two reasons: either they believe you witnessed a crime or you're a suspect in a crime they are investigating. I am going to briefly discuss the second scenario. By the time a detective contacts you there's a pretty good chance you're the prime suspect.

Are investigation meetings a disciplinary?

Whilst an investigation meeting should not result in any disciplinary action, what you say in the meeting will, of course, impact your employer's decision as to whether there is a disciplinary case to answer.

Can an employee refuses to cooperate with investigation?

Employees Who Don't Cooperate With Company Investigations Can Be Terminated for Cause. When a company learns that its employees may have done something unlawful, it should try to get the facts and figure out whether wrongdoing actually occurred.

How many warnings before termination?

Typically, you might give an employee one verbal warning and two written warnings before dismissal.