Many employers struggle to gather information during witness interviews in investigations. Many employees for a variety of reasons are reluctant to be involved and can be less than forthcoming. Friends of employees and those accused of an offense are often downright angry and vengeful. In investigations, to meet its employer tax obligations, it’s crucial that interviews are structured to capture and gather all available accurate information, notwithstanding employee emotions that are often running high.
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 Should Attend:
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