Something untoward has happened in the workplace and you find yourself staring down the barrel of a human resources investigation. Perhaps you’re the victim of a tricky situation or possibly the accused—or perhaps you are simply a concerned leader wondering how much disruption lies ahead for your team. Whatever the case may be, you’ll no doubt want to get the lay of the land.
“How long do HR investigations take?” It makes sense to ask the question, but the answer is not an entirely simple one. There are many factors that dictate the speed and duration of corporate investigations, ranging from the severity of the situation that lies at the eye of the storm to the number of witnesses who must be questioned, and whether your company has an internal human resources investigator on the case or chooses to call on the support of specialized corporate investigations services—and an expert third-party human resources investigator—to get to the truth of the matter.
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The Importance of a Prompt HR Investigation
While the length of time required to complete a human resources investigation may not be easily quantified, it’s a safe bet that the HR investigator in question will leap into action quickly. This is because, if the complaint or incident in question ever results in a lawsuit, the employer will need to demonstrate that they conducted their investigation in a timely, diligent, and appropriate manner. The kind of laissez faire approach that would allow memories to fade, evidence to vanish, or stories to change is a risky tactic that could become damaging in the face of litigation.
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Factors That May Slow Down Corporate Investigations
Although speed may be of the essence, effective corporate investigations call for methodical evidence gathering and analysis. If a substantial number of employees or witnesses need to be interviewed, this process will inevitably take time. If the HR investigation involves digital forensics to assess an employee’s computer, company financial records, or team communication, this many not only take more time, but will likely mean that a third-party HR investigator is called in to assist.
Intricacies such as varying State labor laws and the need to document evidence of potential crimes can all intertwine to impact the duration of a human resources investigation. You can always ask HR leadership how long the path ahead might be, but be prepared that they might not have a clear answer. Beyond the complicating factors mentioned above, it is also crucial to recognize that even once corporate investigations have concluded, it may take some time for decisions to be taken based on the investigative outcome presented. The integrity of human resources investigations and their conclusions will always be the priority.
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The Impact Of An HR Investigation On Employees
There is no escaping the reality that the work of an HR investigator can have an impact on employee morale and even productivity, and this is a factor of investigative strategies that should be carefully weighed. The accuser or accused may find themselves placed on administrative leave, even if they don’t feel that they have done anything wrong. However, a human resources investigator worth their salt will endeavor to undertaking their investigation in as unobtrusive manner as possible. A skilled and seasoned corporate investigator who steps in to aid the process will be specifically trained in how to gather the evidence needed while ensuring that disruption to the efficiency and momentum of your team is kept to an absolute minimum.
For many businesses, freeing up the HR team in order to carry out corporate investigations can be detrimental to productivity. Smaller companies may not have a dedicated human resources department, while larger companies may feel that their HR investigator is too close to the matter at hand, making an impartial third-party investigator an essential collaborator. Whichever is true, highly skilled corporate investigators from Lauth Investigations International are always ready to support organizations of any scale who want to see a human resources investigation wrapped up efficiently, assiduously, and justly. Contact our dedicated corporate team today to learn more.
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