Workplace Investigations

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Workplace conflict and misconduct — from discrimination to harassment, bullying, retaliation, conflict of interest, and other inappropriate behavior — are on the rise. These pose serious legal, social, reputational, and financial risks to employers and can negatively impact employee morale and performance. HR professionals can help organizations navigate this challenge by effectively responding to and investigating complaints involving potential violations of law or company policy. This course explores procedures and best practices for managing workplace investigations end-to-end, from complaints intake to investigation planning, interviewing witnesses, gathering and evaluating evidence, and preparing an investigative report. Beyond investigations, you will learn strategies and techniques for resolving conflict, including arbitration, mediation, negotiation, and facilitation, as well as how to institutionalize measures to prevent a recurrence of misconduct. Through case study analyses, practice-based exercises, simulations, and expert feedback, you will gain the practical knowledge and skills required to conduct prompt, thorough, and fair investigations and manage conflict appropriately.