Investigations in High-Conflict Work Environments

Workplace investigations are challenging in any setting, but they become especially difficult when the workplace is already divided, distrustful, and accustomed to conflict. In high-conflict environments, employees may have formed factions, prior complaints may remain unresolved, and leaders may be under pressure to do something, even if they are not sure what to do. All of that can blur the scope of the investigation and complicate the investigator’s role. These dynamics can affect what people report, how they describe events, who is identified as a relevant party, and how the investigator’s neutrality is perceived. Through a practical case study, this program will explore how investigators can recognize when the environment has become relevant to the investigation itself, and what they can do to manage that environment while staying true to their role and responsibilities.

Learning Objectives 

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify characteristics of high-conflict work environments that can complicate workplace investigations.

2. Recognize how high-conflict workplaces can distort fact-finding, witness credibility, scope, and perceptions of neutrality.

3. Set and maintain an appropriate investigation scope when parties or stakeholders seek to expand or redirect the investigation.

4. Apply practical strategies to protect the integrity of the investigation and the investigator's neutrality throughout the process.

5. Recognize the pressures — from parties, stakeholders, and the environment itself — that can pull investigators outside their role and compromise their findings.

All registrants will have acces to a recording of the webinar 48 hours after the live program. 

Disclaimer:

The contents of this webinar and the positions taken are those of the presenter only, may be time-sensitive, and are not warranted, endorsed or otherwise recommended by AWI and are not intended to provide legal advice.