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The HR Investigations Podcast

The HR Investigations Podcast

RPC HR 73 Episodes Oct 6, 2026

The HR Investigations Podcast offers expert advice from a leading HR educator and provider of accredited training. It focuses on practical strategies for conducting workplace investigations and handling employee issues. Listeners learn how to manage risk and ensure compliance with confidence.

Episodes

When Politics Turns Into a Workplace Fight
When Politics Turns Into a Workplace Fight Oct 6, 2026 706 Politics can be a deeply personal subject—and when political disagreements enter the workplace, conversations can quickly escalate into arguments, accusations of harassment, threats, intimidation, or even potential workplace-violence concerns. For HR professionals and workplace investigators, the challenge isn't determining whose political beliefs are right or wrong. The investigator's job is to d
When Politics Walks Into the Workplace
When Politics Walks Into the Workplace Sep 18, 2026 766 Topics: Political beliefs vs. protected characteristics Supervisor bias Comparator evidence Investigating promotion decisions Assignment and scheduling disparities Public-sector considerations Why HR should investigate conduct rather than political ideology Investigation checklist: What specific employment action is being challenged? Who made the decision? What reason was given? Is the reason d
Why Workplace Investigations Matter More Than Ever
Why Workplace Investigations Matter More Than Ever Sep 15, 2026 530 In this episode: Why Natalie took a two-month break Why investigations remain one of the most important HR risk-management tools The difference between investigating facts and deciding punishment Why conflicting stories require a structured investigation What's coming in the next several episodes Key takeaway: An investigation isn't about deciding who is right before you gather the evidence. It'
Supporting Managers Before Issues Escalate: Reducing Risk Through Better Early Conversations
Supporting Managers Before Issues Escalate: Reducing Risk Through Better Early Conversations Jul 13, 2026 1161 Episode Summary Most workplace investigations don't begin with a complaint to HR. They begin much earlier—with a manager's first conversation about attendance concerns, performance issues, behavioral challenges, or employee conflict. Those early conversations often determine whether an issue is resolved quickly, escalates into a formal complaint, or eventually requires an HR investigation. In this
Weingarten rights Series Episode 3: Management’s Response: When to Say Yes—and When to Push Back
Weingarten rights Series Episode 3: Management’s Response: When to Say Yes—and When to Push Back Jul 6, 2026 728 In this episode you'll learn: Why the best response to a steward's request for a private consultation is often the simplest one. How granting a short recess can actually strengthen the credibility of your investigation. Why allowing consultation does not mean management loses control of the interview. Practical ways to establish reasonable time limits and expectations before the interview resumes
Can the Steward Call a Timeout? The Recess Question
Can the Steward Call a Timeout? The Recess Question Jun 15, 2026 459 Episode Summary During an investigatory interview, a single question can suddenly reveal the true focus of an investigation. A union steward who initially has little context may immediately recognize that the employee could be facing serious disciplinary consequences. Can the steward stop the interview and request a private consultation? Is that considered protected representation activity under W
Weingarten Rights 101: What Every Investigator and Union Steward Should Know
Weingarten Rights 101: What Every Investigator and Union Steward Should Know Jun 12, 2026 766 Episode Overview: In this first episode of the mini-series, host Natalie Ivey explains what Weingarten Rights are and the importance of internal investigators, especially HR and Employee Relations investigators, in understanding these rights. She further elaborates on common misconceptions, mistakes that are made, and how to handle a situation with a newly elected union steward who pushes the boun
The Cost of Missteps – When Investigations Go Wrong
The Cost of Missteps – When Investigations Go Wrong May 4, 2026 633 Episode Overview: In this first episode of the mini-series When HR Gets It Wrong: Risk, Reputation, and Recovery, we explore one of the most common—and costly—mistakes HR professionals make: mishandling investigations. Closing cases quickly may feel productive, but speed without accuracy can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Natalie shares a real-world scenario from a manufacturing
From Vanity Metrics to Board-Level Impact: The Trust & Risk Shift
From Vanity Metrics to Board-Level Impact: The Trust & Risk Shift Apr 27, 2026 1931 Episode Overview In this episode, Natalie is joined by Deb Muller, CEO of HR Acuity, to explore how HR leaders can shift from outdated “vanity metrics” to meaningful data that demonstrates true business impact. Together, they unpack the concept of the Trust & Risk Statement™ and discuss how investigation teams can elevate their role from compliance-driven function to strategic risk advisors.
Interviewing Complainants, Witnesses, and the Subject: Techniques That Get to the Truth
Interviewing Complainants, Witnesses, and the Subject: Techniques That Get to the Truth Apr 20, 2026 838 Episode Summary: In this episode, we break down the art and science of investigation interviews. Topics include: Structuring interviews for complainants, witnesses, and the accused Using open-ended questions and avoiding leading questions Assessing credibility indicators Documenting interviews accurately Sample interview questions to guide your discussions Key Takeaways: Begin broad, then narro
When Complaints Follow Accountability: The Weaponization of Workplace Investigations
When Complaints Follow Accountability: The Weaponization of Workplace Investigations Apr 6, 2026 595 In this episode, we explore a tricky and sensitive area of Employee Relations: when complaints appear immediately after performance management or discipline. Sometimes employees file complaints not because of genuine misconduct, but as a defensive reaction to accountability. This episode dives into why it happens, how HR can respond objectively, and strategies to identify patterns while staying ne
When Complaints Hit Your Desk: The First 24 Hours of an Employee Relations Investigation
When Complaints Hit Your Desk: The First 24 Hours of an Employee Relations Investigation Mar 23, 2026 942 In this episode, we explore what happens when complaints appear immediately after performance feedback or disciplinary action. Learn why employees sometimes use complaints defensively, how HR can objectively evaluate these situations, and the importance of timeline analysis and structured investigations. We also cover best practices for handling potential bad-faith complaints while staying neutral

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