Workplace Investigations – Witnesses Interviews

This webinar will help investigators move through what often seems an investigatory maze. Some investigators, unable to gather information, turn to body language to make determinations of credibility. Not only can that approach be fraught with indefensible and challengeable findings, TV shows while entertaining, are not good training for reading body language. This webinar will cover ways to assess body language while combining with the facts as presented.

Investigations by their very nature tend to leave at the least some employee relations damage amongst employees. It’s important that an employer learn how to take steps to avoid retaliatory behavior towards individuals involved in investigations or making complaints. Additionally there are steps an employer can take to minimize the inevitable gossip and side taking that disrupts business.

Learning Objectives :

• How to prepare and what to do before an interview
• Strategies for the reluctant witness
• Body language: Can you tell if a witness is giving false or skewed testimony? Developing behavioral baselines
• Starting and ending your interview

Areas Covered in the Session :

• When are employees entitled to representation during an investigation?
• Organizing your interview so you can ask good questions
• The angry “hothead”. Dangerous or something else?
• What about tape-recording: Is it a good idea?
• Considering cultural diversity
• The note taker and their role
• Taking notes and pacing the interview
• Educating all parties about retaliation
• What about witnesses that are not your employee? Tips for customer complaints and joint employment interviews

Who Will Benefit:

• Anyone who has to do investigations, fact findings, or solve employee relations problems and disputes
• Plant Managers
• Front Line Managers
• HR Managers
• Branch Managers
• Those with Employee Relations Positions