Home Podcasts The HR Investigations Podcast
The HR Investigations Podcast

The HR Investigations Podcast

RPC HR 73 Episodes Jul 13, 2026

The HR Investigations Podcast delivers expert guidance from a nationally recognized HR educator and top U.S. provider of HRCI- and SHRM-approved training. Learn practical strategies to conduct defensible investigations, tackle complex employee issues, and manage workplace risk with confidence.

Episodes

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
FMLA Violations: How Good Intentions Turn Into Federal Investigations
FMLA Violations: How Good Intentions Turn Into Federal Investigations Mar 2, 2026 688 Episode Description: FMLA complaints rarely begin with bad intent—but they often end in costly investigations. In this episode, we explore how FMLA investigations actually start, the most common employer mistakes investigators see, real-world hypotheticals that show how cases unravel, and practical steps employers can take to reduce risk. Key Topics Covered: How employees raise FMLA violations In
Documentation That Holds Up Under Scrutiny
Documentation That Holds Up Under Scrutiny Feb 9, 2026 981 The HR Investigations Podcast Episode Summary Bad documentation can destroy even the strongest investigation outcome. In this episode, we explore why documentation is the backbone of any HR investigation and exactly what makes attendance and discipline records defensible under scrutiny—from EEOC investigations to court depositions. We break down best practices, common credibility killers, real-wor
Call-in Policies, No Call/No Shows & Job Abandonment
Call-in Policies, No Call/No Shows & Job Abandonment Feb 2, 2026 1032 Attendance policies don’t fail investigations—enforcement does. In this episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, we take a closer look at call-in policies, no-call/no-shows, and job abandonment—three areas where employers frequently get it wrong. Using real-world investigation examples, we unpack how inconsistent enforcement, undocumented exceptions, and policy shortcuts often become the focus of

Recommended