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Early intervention
is critical – not only to ensure that employees feel
valued, but to avoid and defend lawsuits. Sooner or
later, every employer will conduct an internal
workplace investigation. The issues can range from
an informal examination of excessive absenteeism, to
a formal investigation of alleged harassment or
suspected embezzlement. Workplace investigations
provide a sound basis for making informed and often
difficult personnel decisions promptly and
effectively. In some cases, a skilled and trained
internal human resource specialist can perform the
investigation. But when the circumstances require
an independent fact-finder, VanDermyden Block should
be your first phone call.
By retaining an
independent fact-finder – a trained professional who
is not a part your organization – employers can
minimize the suggestion of a biased investigation,
and often get better information because employees
usually feel more comfortable discussing workplace
problems with someone outside the organization.
Highly complex, sensitive, or political workplace
concerns may require significant legal expertise;
implicate potential criminal charges; involve
threats of workplace violence; include civil rights
or union issues; or involve media coverage.
VanDermyden Block has the expertise to address these
issues discretely and effectively.
Collectively, Sue
Ann and Teri have conducted hundreds of workplace
investigations, including claims of discrimination,
harassment, retaliation, whistle blowing, substance
abuse, threats of violence, assault, theft,
embezzlement, violations of company policies, wage
and hour violations, and other forms of alleged
misconduct. They have also testified during
administrative and judicial proceedings regarding
completed investigations. Of more than 350
investigated claims, approximately 50% were found to
be substantiated by the evidence, while the
remaining were deemed meritless.
Employers can
retain VanDermyden Block directly, or work through
their lawyer to arrange a workplace investigation.
In either case, our policy is to work
collaboratively with our clients and their lawyers
to ensure that the investigation is promptly
completed, thorough, accurate, and useful.
VanDermyden Block. Your partners in prevention and
early intervention in the workplace.
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