10 Tips For Respectful Workplace/ Harassment Investigations

Workplace investigations are not only a best practice when addressing a respectful workplace and/or harassment investigation, but are also required by occupational health and safety legislation in many jurisdictions. Here are ten helpful tips when conducting workplace investigations:

1. Keep an open mind. Do not do or say anything which would appear to favour one side or the other.
2. Decide on whether you need to place the respondent on a leave of absence with pay, or whether you need to modify duties/schedules so the complainant and respondent are not working together during the investigation. If substantiated, would the allegations in the complaint lead to a termination for cause? If a termination is possible, then the respondent should be immediately placed on a paid leave of absence pending the results of an investigation. If a termination is unlikely, but the allegations are still serious, consider whether the individuals need to be reassigned so they are not