Hopefully, your organization won’t have to deal with employee sabotage. But you should know how to handle it if it happens, and how to investigate the problem. The following are characteristics that are essential to an internal investigation.
1. Preparation: Clarify the nature of the investigation (e.g., theft, harassment, sabotage), the company’s
policies that apply, who is to be interviewed and in what order and what questions are to be asked. Research how similar incidents have been handled in the past and what hind of interim action, such as suspension, might be necessary.
2. Expertise: The person who’s handling the case should be experienced and unbiased, and have the ability
to draw out reticent witnesses to gather the necessary facts.
3. Impartiality: Witnesses should be asked whether they’re comfortable with the investigator’s impartiality.
Assuming a yes response, the investigator should document the response so an employee who is unhappy with the outcome can’t credibly claim bias.
4. Retaliation: During interviews with affected employees and witnesses, the interviewer should make clear
that no conclusion has been reached and that there will be no retaliation for participating in the
investigation.
5. Confidentiality: It should be made clear that a violation of the confidentiality requirement is subject to
disciplinary action. Employees should also be assured that the investigator will share information only on
a need-to-know basis.
6. Fact Gathering: In addition to obtaining a narrative of events, ask for any relevant written documents,
any records the employee may have kept, the names of additional witnesses, and whether the employee
has discussed the situation with others.
7. Documentation: Affected individuals/ witnesses should be asked to put their story in writing to avoid
misunderstandings; a confirming memo should be written to an employee claiming harassment
memorializing key points to ensure proper understanding of the details by the investigator.
8. Notetaking: Record only facts and void interpretations, feelings, assumptions, and frustrations. Write
direct quotes, if possible. Remember that notes may be subject to the discovery process in the event of
future litigation.
9. Conclusions and Recommendations: It should be based on the nature of the violation and on the facts.
Take into consideration applicable laws, past company practices, and the employee’s history.
10. Appeal Process: For conclusions leading to employee discipline, the employee should have an appeals
process. n
Monica M. Griffith is the vice president of The Human Equation Inc, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based HR consulting firm.