Why conduct a workplace investigation?

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When you start a business, there isn’t really a playbook that explains how to implement the human resources function or how to mitigate risk to your business. Most often than not, it is trial by fire. Sometimes we will see a business wait until they have about 75 employees before they introduce human resources practices to their company. Other times, it might be during a firestorm where they are facing litigation stemming from a termination. A common myth seems to be that the human resources function is not required in a business until it grows beyond at least 50 employees. While a small business may not require a full-time HR professional immediately, there are certainly several HR practices that can be implemented to mitigate risk for a small business.

In today’s blog, we will discuss the importance of conducting workplace investigations when you are presented with a claim of harassment.

Why conduct a workplace investigation?

When you receive a harassment complaint, it is sometimes easy to fall into the trap of believing one side over another, taking action based off your gut feeling, and calling it a day. The risk of not conducting a formal workplace investigation is an employee filing a lawsuit or human rights complaint because their complaint wasn’t taken seriously (or if they are terminated because of a perceived frivolous complaint). If you want to look at the consequences of not properly conducting a workplace investigation, see Boucher v. Walmart Canada from Ontario. Walmart was sued for hundreds of thousands of dollars because they did not follow their own anti-bullying policy and conduct a proper investigation.

It is implied in any employment relationship that employee’s must be dealt with fairly, with respect and dignity. Therefore, conducting a thorough and objective workplace investigation will ensure your company adheres to the requirements of an employment relationship. Your management team will also build credibility with your workforce if you are seen as taking their complaints seriously and ensuring an impartial investigation is undertaken regardless of personal relationships.

You have four important responsibilities when it comes to dealing with harassment issues.

1.    Risk Mitigation – Harassment complaints expose the business to significant risk. As a business owner or senior manager, it is your responsibility to mitigate risk by implementing procedures, such as investigations, that will objectively deal with harassment complaints.

2.    Gather Facts – It is crucial to find out all the facts during an investigation, and not make decisions based on hearsay. This means interviewing all parties, including witnesses, to determine what happened.

3.    Due Diligence – You’ll need to take reasonable steps to satisfy your legal requirements. In a human rights tribunal hearing or in a court of law, the first item discussed is likely to be the investigation. Remember, it is a legal responsibility for any employer to provide a safe workplace for their employees.

4.    Consistency – You want to be seen as consistent in the eyes of your employee’s. You lose credibility when you show favoritism or turn a blind eye to the actions of your preferred employees.

Ensuring there is an objective and credible workplace investigation can make all the difference in your workplace. Good senior leadership will walk the talk of their Anti-Harassment Policy and ensure that no matter who is the Complainant or Respondent, the parties are subject to the same level of objectivity and fairness. Your employees will likely be more engaged because they have a higher level of trust with you as the employer. When a lawsuit or a human rights complaint is filed, it is typically because the employee perceives there is a bias against them, or their complaint wasn’t taken seriously.

Keep an eye out for our blog each week, where we discuss important human resources topics for your small business.  

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Enhancing Workplace Dynamics: Impact HR's Respect in the Workplace 3-Day Workshop

In an era where fostering a culture of respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion is paramount, Impact HR proudly presents its transformative 3-day workshop on Respect in the Workplace. With a deep understanding of the legislation and Human Rights guidelines and the importance of creating an inclusive work environment, this comprehensive program aims to raise awareness, provide leadership skills, and equip participants with the knowledge to combat discrimination, harassment, and promote a respectful workplace.

At Impact HR, we are committed to staying at the forefront of knowledge and training in order to provide the most up-to-date and effective strategies for creating respectful work environments. We constantly strive to explore emerging trends, innovative approaches, and exciting new tactics that promote respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. By staying informed about the latest developments, we ensure that our workshops deliver the most relevant and valuable information to our participants. Our dedication to continuous improvement drives us to discover new ways of doing things and to embrace the ever-evolving landscape of fostering respect in the workplace.

Day 1: The Employee Module - Building Awareness for Respect in the Workplace (7 hours)

Day 1 of the workshop focuses on building awareness and understanding of respect in the workplace. Participants explore the significance of respect in creating a positive workplace culture, learn about different forms of discrimination and their legal implications, identify and address unconscious biases, embrace an understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion, enhance communication skills for positive relationships, and gain practical knowledge of psychological safety and maintaining a respectful work environment.

Day 2: Respectful Leadership - Empowering Leaders for a Respectful Workplace (7 hours)

Day 2 of the workshop focuses on developing leaders as catalysts for fostering a respectful workplace culture. Participants explore the responsibilities of leaders in promoting respect, learn effective communication strategies for inclusive leadership, delve into team building and leveraging diversity, acquire conflict resolution skills for prompt resolution and understanding, and cultivate self-awareness to lead by example in promoting a culture of respect through consistent and fair practices.

Day 3: Respect in the Workplace and Anti-Harassment Policy Training (7 hours)

On the final day of the workshop, participants gain comprehensive knowledge on creating and maintaining a respectful work environment, with a focus on addressing harassment and implementing robust reporting and investigation procedures. They explore the definition and various forms of harassment, learn about the legal obligations and detrimental effects of harassment, and understand the importance of having comprehensive anti-harassment policies and procedures in place. Participants also gain practical knowledge on reporting concerns, conducting fair investigations, and promoting prevention through ongoing training and education to raise awareness, promote respectful behaviors, and create a safe and inclusive work environment.

Impact HR’s Respect in the Workplace 3-Day Workshop empowers both employees and leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources to foster a culture of respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion. By addressing the importance of respectful leadership, anti-harassment policies, and effective reporting and investigation procedures, participants will be equipped to create a safe and inclusive work environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. This comprehensive workshop is an investment in building a stronger and more harmonious workforce, ultimately leading to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and organizational success.

Participants of Impact HR’s Respect in the Workplace 3-Day Workshop may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, a training program where employers can apply on behalf of their present or future employees for eligible training costs. With funding provided by the Government of Canada through the Workforce Development Agreement, eligible employers can receive two-thirds of the training costs, up to $10,000 per trainee per fiscal year. The grant covers direct training costs such as tuition fees, textbooks, and required materials. To apply, employers can access the Canada-Alberta Job Grant Portal and submit the necessary application and training completion forms.

Welcome to Impact HR's 3-day Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Workshop

We are excited to invite you to the Impact HR 3-day Equity and Diversity Workshop, a revolutionary learning experience designed to empower you as an agent of change in fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace environment. Through this comprehensive course, you will gain valuable insights, tools, and strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) within your organization.

Day 1: What is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and how can I as an employee be better informed in the workplace? (7 Hours)

Are you eager to foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace environment? Join us on Day 1 as we delve into the core concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI). Discover the power of embracing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, and learn how these values can drive innovation and success within your organization.

During this engaging workshop, we will explore various aspects of EDI, including the importance of awareness and empathy in creating an inclusive workplace culture. You’ll gain valuable insights into identifying and challenging biases, both conscious and unconscious, and develop strategies to promote equal opportunities for all employees.

Day 2: Equity and Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership (7 Hours)

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping a company’s culture and promoting equity and diversity. On Day 2, we will focus on equipping leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change. Through interactive sessions and case studies, we will explore the challenges and opportunities that arise in leadership roles when it comes to fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity.

Attendees will gain practical strategies for creating an inclusive leadership style, building diverse teams, and championing equity throughout the organization. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or an established one, this workshop will empower you to become an agent of change within your workplace and drive the transformation towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Day 3: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workplace Policy and Procedure Training (7 Hours)

Policies and procedures are the backbone of any organization’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. On the final day of our workshop, we will dive deep into the development and implementation of workplace policies that support and promote EDI. Through expert-led training, participants will learn how to align policies and procedures with EDI principles, ensuring fairness and equity in all areas of the organization.

We will explore best practices in policy creation, including recruitment and hiring practices, promotion and advancement opportunities, employee resource groups, and addressing workplace discrimination and harassment. This training will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to create a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for all.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to enhance your understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and make a positive impact on your workplace. Join us for the Impact HR 3-day Equity Diversity and Inclusion Workshop and become a catalyst for change. Register today!

Training & Development

TRAINING PROGRAM DESIGN

Over the years, we’ve developed many training modules that have helped the people of an organization succeed. We tailor our offerings to your exact needs and can focus on building the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that your organization requires. 

COURSE FACILITATION

Our instructors engage your learners to ensure they get the most out of training. We offer a diverse mix of in-depth training, lunch ‘n learns, and seminars. Listed below is our course offerings.

You can also access our course catalogue by clicking here.

HR POLICY AND PROCEDURE

MANAGEMENT

STRATEGIC PLANNING

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

COMMUNICATION

CORPORATE COMPLIANCE

LEADERSHIP

TRAINING

LEAN METHODOLOGY

HEALTH & SAFETY

OUR COURSE CATALOGUE

You can access our course catalogue by clicking here. The course catalogue outlines the course duration, fee per learner, minimum class sizes, course description, and learning outcomes for each course.

 We also work with a network of certified coaches and experts who can support with MBTI and DiSC Assessments.

CANADA-ALBERTA JOB GRANT PROGRAM

You may be eligible to receive funding for our courses under the Canada-Alberta Job Grant Program, which may cover two-thirds of the cost to a maximum of $10,000 per employee per year.

See the link below to learn more about the Canada-Alberta Job Grant Program or contact us for more information.

https://www.alberta.ca/canada-alberta-job-grant.aspx

Recruitment Services

FULL CYCLE RECRUITMENT SERVICES

We offer full cycle recruitment services to help you attract and retain talent that is the best “fit” for your business. Our services include:

WE HIRE THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF EMPLOYEES AND INDUSTRIES:

YOUR INVESTMENT

As we are your outsourced HR department, we provide hiring services as if we were your internal recruiter, meaning we bill on an hourly basis. This means you are not paying an excessive fee for staff. 

Workplace Investigations

Workplace investigations can be extremely difficult and complex, and if not handled properly, lead to extremely negative consequences for an organization. Our firm takes the pressure off by following a methodical process in conducting workplace investigations, and will ensure it is backed up with credible documentation and recommendations.

TYPES OF INVESTIGATIONS

We offer investigation services primarily in the following areas:

Not only have we investigated complaints against front line employees, but we have investigated incidents where senior managers and executives have been named as Respondents.

HOW IS OUR PROCESS STRUCTURED?

Our investigation process is very methodical, following a very specific investigation framework. This is to ensure the investigation is viewed as objective and credible. Once we have an understanding of the complaint, we will conduct interviews with relevant parties. After all interviews are complete, we summarize the data and provide analysis, findings, and recommendations in a formal independent investigation report. As a last step, we will schedule a debrief meeting to review the report, findings, and recommendations.

WHAT DO OUR SERVICES COST?

Investigations are different based on complexity and how many parties are involved. Each investigation requires time to review the complaint, prepare for meetings, conduct the interviews, prepare a report, and conduct a debrief meeting. Our investigation work is fee based at an hourly rate of $130 per hour.

Outplacement Services

WHAT ARE OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES?

Outplacement Services are intended to support both management and employees through the transition process of layoffs, restructuring, or terminations. For employees, they are intended to not only help navigate the job market but also transition to a new position and organization.

OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES WE OFFER

Employee Terminations

Terminating an employee, whether for cause, without cause, or during a workforce reduction can be extremely difficult. Terminations can present a large degree of risk to a business if not handled properly, whether it is legal and financial risk or physical risk during a termination meeting. We can help alleviate the stress and ensure employee terminations are done smoothly and respectfully. Our services for terminations are listed below:

employmee terminations

Policy and Employee Handbook

We can support your business with policies and procedures that will protect your business from legislative and reputation risk. Our consultants have many years of experience in developing policies, communicating to employees, and providing policy training.

Having workplace policies in place can benefit you in many ways. They outline rules and standard behaviours expected from employees, set guidelines for dealing with routine situations, promote fairness and consistency, and provide a mechanism for communicating to employees.

Listed below is a sample list of the policies we can support your business with:

performance management

Health & Safety

Are you struggling to keep up with changing OHS laws or not sure where to start? We offer a comprehensive set of services to help you navigate your requirements under OHS and implement solutions that will protect your employees and company stakeholders.

SERVICES

Succession Planning

SUCCESSION PLANNING AND TALENT ASSESSMENTS

Through many years of experience in leading succession planning programs, we offer a simple step-by-step process that will elevate the overall talent level of your company. We’ll help you figure out who your future leaders are and recommend development plans that will put them over the top.

Our process for identifying and assessing talent, and building development plans is straightforward and involves the following:

succession planning

Compensation & Benefits

PAY BAND AND INCENTIVE PLAN DESIGN

We will help you design pay bands that are based on valid market research, fit your competitive position in the market, and ensure pay equity. 

We also have considerable experience in designing incentive plans. We can design a new plan aimed at driving behaviours that will elevate the performance of your organization. 

BENEFITS PROGRAM DESIGN

Our process for designing your benefits plan focuses on getting the most value out of the plan for your employees while managing the cost structure to a level that is sustainable for your business. We’ll work with you to determine the right mix of benefits offerings and coverage levels. We can also be an important liaison with your benefits consultants and carrier, ensuring your best interests are kept front and center.

compensations&benefits

Employee Engagement

ENGAGEMENT ASSESSMENT

We offer a few methods to help diagnose your engagement issues. Hiring a 3rd party can be advantageous as employees may feel safer providing feedback due to the independent relationship. We can support in the following ways:

We have many years of experience in organizing various initiatives to solicit employee feedback. From survey design to facilitating focus groups, we know how to dig deep into engagement issues and develop effective solutions to increase engagement.

Performance Management

PROGRAMS AND SURVEYS

Performance Management is a complex area in human resources and can be administered in a variety of ways. We have worked with several organizations in creating and administering complex performance management mechanisms, conducting 360-degree evaluations, and providing training and coaching for supervisors and management.

While performance management can be administered in many shapes and sizes, our focus is building a culture of accountability. This involves supporting you in establishing goals for your direct reports, gaining acceptance of those goals, objectively measuring performance, and providing timely and ongoing feedback.

Organizational Design

We analyze your business and advise you on the organizational design and structure that will allow you to meet your strategic business goals. Our goal is to ensure you have an efficient operation and that the right people are deployed in the right positions.

HEADCOUNT FORECASTING

Proactive planning and forecasting can help you become more productive and efficient. We help you plan for the future by implementing robust forecasting techniques that properly anticipate required headcount and potential organizational changes. 

organizational design

Business Process Improvement

At Impact HR, we have several years of manufacturing experience to draw on to help you lead your lean initiatives. We’ve studied world leading lean manufacturing systems and we use a proven approach in helping you become more efficient.

We’ve led many lean initiatives over the years that have allowed various companies to thrive in cost competitive industries. We’ve also applied the same thinking to the field of human resources. Through process mapping and HR program design, we maximize the efficiency of the HR department and allow you to earn a higher return on your people practices.

business efficiency

Human Resources Information System (HRIS)

Our change management process allows you to be proactive, engage the right stakeholders, and enable the people of your organization to lead the change effort.

People instinctively don’t like change and can sometimes throw a wrench into your change effort. We have led many change initiatives over the years, many of which have resulted in improved business performance and increased engagement across the organization.

How can a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) help your business?

It can automate many processes within your HR function and relieve the burden of paper filing and manual data management for your HR team and management. Vacation, benefits, hiring, onboarding, and performance management are some areas of your HR function that can be streamlined and save your company in administrative and non-valued-added time.

Human Resource Info Systems

Strategic Planning

We help you gain a clear understanding of the strategic goals of your company and the strategy in place to achieve those goals. We will also help ensure your HR priorities are aligned with the long-term direction of your company.

Not only are we equipped to develop strategic HR initiatives, but we can also help you formulate your mission, vision, and values. We work with you to analyze your internal and external environments and translate that data first into strategic goals and then into people solutions that make sense for your unique business.

We use a thorough planning model to help ensure you consider all your options and craft a business plan that will optimize your business results and maximize the contributions of your people.

Performance Management

Performance Management is a complex area in human resources and can be administered in a variety of ways.

Compensation and Benefits

Offering competitive compensation and benefits programs can help you attract top tier candidates and avoid loss of top performers to the competition.

Human Resources Consulting Projects

We can support you business with a variety of HR projects that will help you build your human resources foundation. We have experience in planning and executing projects in the areas of performance management, employee engagement, compensation & benefits, succession planning, performance management, and health & safety

Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety is a dynamic and complex field. It’s important to ensure you are compliant with OHS laws and demonstrate your commitment to protect your employees and other stakeholders of the company.

Employee Engagement

Finding new ways to engage your employees can substantially increase productivity. Employees who are engaged have a greater desire to remain with the organization, advocate for the organization, and exert extra effort above & beyond the call of duty.

Succession Planning

Succession Planning allows you to proactively identify the skills you need to be competitive long-term, develop the bench strength of your organization, and plan for changes in leadership.

Policies, Handbooks, and Employee Relations

Navigating employee relations issues can be time consuming and complex. The employee-employer relationship is very dynamic and is impacted by several pieces of legislation, such as human rights law, employment standards, and Occupational Health & Safety. Employers must take precautions to ensure they do not expose the organization to risk that could result in hefty lawsuits and long-term damage to their reputation. We offer many solutions to help you manage your relationship with employees and minimize legal exposure from changing legislation.

Please click on the images below to find out more information on our policy and employee handbook, employee terminations, and outplacement services.

Policy and Employee Handbooks

We can support your business with policies and procedures that will protect your business from legislative and reputation risk

Employee Terminations

We can help alleviate the stress and ensure employee terminations are done smoothly and respectfully

Outplacement Services

When your organization is going through a transition process and is faced with layoffs or organizational restructuring, we provide outplacement services so management are prepared to deal with the aftermath of layoffs and employees don’t miss a beat in the workforce.

Strategic Human Resources Management

We offer a number of services that can support your business in achieving its strategic goals. Please click on the image beside to find out more information on our strategic planning, HRIS implementation, business efficiency improvements, or organizational planning/design services.

Strategic Planning

A business can become stagnant and fail to maximize the potential of its people if its HR and corporate strategy is not aligned.

Business Efficiency​

Process efficiency improvements can be a game changer, especially for a company in an industry where margins are tight. Adopting lean methodologies and a continuous improvement mindset can help your company with cost reductions and minimizing waste.

Human Resource Info Systems (HRIS)​

What drives change in a business? It can come from just about anywhere. Effectively dealing with change puts a company in a better position to compete long-term.

Organizational Design

Alignment of all your HR practices is critical in allowing your company to achieve its strategic goals. If a company does not properly deploy its resources, it may not be able to capitalize on opportunities that would allow it to grow and prosper.

Our aim is to deliver solutions that will protect your business from risk, improve employee relations and engagement, and maximize the contributions of your workforce.

We offer clients diverse services aimed at supporting them in building a foundation for their human resources function. Our home is Edmonton, AB, but we support businesses throughout Alberta and across Canada. Please see our service offerings below.

impactHR is your dedicated outsourcing solution for human resources. Think of us as your fractional HR department. Whether you need us on an ongoing basis, for a one-time consulting project, or just need an occasional resource to ask questions when you’re dealing with an employee issue, we help ensure you have a strong HR foundation that will support your business. We work with any type and size of business, from startups, to small and medium enterprise, to multinational corporations.