Workplace Investigations: Beyond the Basics

Description

Employers, you receive a complaint that an employee has engaged in harassment or misconduct. What do you do?

Act carefully because your next move is critical. Employers will often need to conduct an investigation to determine the facts surrounding a complaint before deciding on what (if any) action to take. If done correctly, an investigation becomes a valuable record to support any corrective action necessary to remedy the complaint. If done incorrectly, an investigation can actually be used against you.

Join HR Annie and Kyle Abraham from Ogletree Deakins for an essential discussion on the best practices for convening an investigation and how to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

Presenter Bio:

Kyle Abraham is a Partner at the law firm of Ogletree Deakins. In his legal practice, he works with employers on employment and traditional labor issues in the workplace. His clients range from small family businesses to publicly traded companies operating in all industries.

Kyle helps employers navigate the gamut of workplace issues, including leave and accommodation issues, wage and hour compliance, discrimination complaints, and termination decisions. His practice also includes traditional labor, and he regularly works with employers on collective bargaining agreements, grievances, arbitrations, and litigation.
Additionally, Kyle is a trained and experienced workplace investigator. He regularly conducts investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other sensitive issues. Kyle has been recognized as an expert witness in the field of workplace investigations.

Kyle enjoys being actively involved in the human resource and labor and employment law communities. He frequently speaks at industry conferences and continuing legal education programs on various employment and labor issues. Kyle is a past president of the President of the Portland Human Resource Management Association and former Chair of the Oregon State Bar’s Labor and Employment Section Executive Committee. Currently, Kyle is a Primary Chapter Editor for the legal treaties, The Developing Labor Law.

Prior to private practice, Kyle served on active duty in the Department of the Air Force as a Judge Advocate General (JAG), and he represented the Air Force in labor and employment matters around the world. Kyle continues his military service as Lieutenant Colonel in the Oregon Air National Guard.

Note: This is a recording of a past HR Annie webinar and may include references to past events and updates. It is not eligible for SHRM or HRCI credits.