Why Workplace Investigations Matter More Than Ever

In this episode:

Why Natalie took a two-month break
Why investigations remain one of the most important HR risk-management tools
The difference between investigating facts and deciding punishment
Why conflicting stories require a structured investigation
What's coming in the next several episodes

Key takeaway: An investigation isn't about deciding who is right before you gather the evidence. It's about determining what happened and whether the evidence supports the allegations.

Resources

Book: How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals Available now on Amazon This book provides step-by-step guidance, real-world examples, and best practices for conducting defensible workplace investigations.

Natalie’s Upcoming Virtual Workshop: September 29-30, 2026 11:00 am – 5:00 pm ET Live, 2-day virtual format

This hands-on workshop is designed for HR professionals who want practical tools—not theory. We cover intake, planning, interviews, documentation, credibility assessments, and investigation findings, with real-world scenarios throughout.

If you’re responsible for handling internal investigations—or advising leaders on discipline and terminations—this is exactly the type of issue we work through in my upcoming two-day virtual investigations workshop, How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Workshop for HR Professionals, happening September 29-30, 2026, from 11:00 am to 5:00 am Eastern.

We focus on real situations and how to investigate them in a way that holds up under scrutiny.

Subscribe & Connect

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and share The HR Investigations Podcast with a colleague who handles employee relations or investigations.

New episodes drop regularly with practical guidance for HR professionals navigating complex workplace issues.

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Episoder(75)

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Supporting Managers Before Issues Escalate: Reducing Risk Through Better Early Conversations

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13 Jul 19min

Weingarten rights Series Episode 3: Management’s Response: When to Say Yes—and When to Push Back

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6 Jul 12min

Can the Steward Call a Timeout? The Recess Question

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12 Jun 12min

The Cost of Missteps – When Investigations Go Wrong

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27 Apr 32min