Workplace Investigations: 5 Basic But Important Tips

There has been no shortage of high-profile workplace investigations and discussions surrounding the outcome of those investigations in the news over the past year. But what happens when you're no longer reading about the investigation in the news and you're suddenly at the center of one in your workplace?

Whether you're an employer who is considering whether investigating is really necessary or an employee who has asked for or been named in an investigation, read on for five basic but important tips:

• Employers may be required to conduct an investigation

An employer may be required to conduct an investigation based on its own internal policy or as a matter of law.

Many organizations introduce policies dealing with general complaints or more specific issues like harassment or discrimination. It may seem hard to believe but it's easy, especially in mid-size organizations that are typically marked by harmony, for an employer to introduce a policy and be