Why a Good Workplace Investigation Matters: The Importance of Hiring an External Investigator

In today's world, workplace investigations have become an essential part of managing employees and maintaining a healthy work environment. They help to ensure that employees are treated fairly, that workplace policies and procedures are being followed, and that any potential issues are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner. However, conducting a good workplace investigation is not always easy, and there are times when it is best to hire an external investigator. Here's why.

1. Impartiality: One of the most important reasons to hire an external investigator is to ensure impartiality. It can be challenging to conduct an investigation when the investigator has a pre-existing relationship with the parties involved or when there is a potential conflict of interest. Hiring an external investigator removes any potential bias and ensures that the investigation is conducted in a fair and objective manner.
   
2. Expertise: Conducting a workplace investigation requires specialized knowledge and skills. External investigators are trained to handle complex investigations and are up-to-date on the latest legal and regulatory requirements. They know how to gather and analyze evidence, conduct interviews, and make recommendations based on their findings. By hiring an external investigator, you can ensure that the investigation is conducted efficiently and effectively.
   
3. Confidentiality: Workplace investigations can be sensitive, and it's important to ensure that the confidentiality of all parties involved is protected. External investigators are experienced in maintaining confidentiality and can ensure that sensitive information is not shared with unauthorized parties. This helps to protect the privacy of all parties involved and can prevent any potential reputational damage to the organization.
   
4. Credibility: A good workplace investigation requires credibility. It's important that all parties involved have confidence in the process and the outcome. External investigators are viewed as independent and impartial, which can help to build trust and confidence in the investigation. This can be especially important in cases where there are potential legal or regulatory implications.
   
5. Cost-Effective: While hiring an external investigator may seem like an additional expense, it can actually be cost-effective in the long run. A poorly conducted investigation can lead to legal disputes, low employee morale, and reputational damage. By hiring an external investigator, you can ensure that the investigation is conducted properly and that any potential issues are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.
   

Conducting a good workplace investigation is essential for maintaining a healthy work environment and ensuring that employees are treated fairly. When the need arises, it's important to consider hiring an external investigator to ensure impartiality, expertise, confidentiality, credibility, and cost-effectiveness. By doing so, you can help to ensure that the investigation is conducted properly and that any potential issues are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.