Complexities in HR; How to Investigate the Conflict

In our business or personal lives, it's probable that we sometimes step on other peoples' toes. We're only human, after all. As entrepreneurs and business owners, it's also probable that there will be times when we need to handle a conflict or complaint brought to us by an employee or stakeholder. Whenever there's a workplace issue, we need to follow some key actions and guidelines to effectively deal with conflict.   In this episode, I discuss how you can handle conflicts and complaints in the workplace. I examine why you may want to consider hiring an outside investigator when handling disputes in the workplace. I explain why you need to have a working knowledge of employment law whether you decide to hire an external investigator or not. I describe the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), the work that they do, and their guidelines for handling workplace investigations. I also underscore the importance of protecting all parties involved and highlight why you need to be detail-oriented when proceeding with an investigation.   "We have a lot to carry as business owners. What's at risk are our reputation, livelihood, net worth, and the reputation of our team and the livelihood of families we've been entrusted with." - Justin Goodbread   This week on the Financially Simple Experience:   The value of hiring external investigators when dealing with workplace issues The Society of Human Resource Managers: its mission and goals Employment laws and regulations every business owner should know SHRM's guidelines for conducting a workplace investigation "Need-to-know" confidentiality and how to enforce it How to protect the parties involved in a workplace complaint Hiring an external investigator Characteristics to look for in an external investigator Why creating a plan of investigation matters Developing investigation interview questions and why they need to be detailed What investigation summaries should contain   Resources Mentioned:   Society for Human Resource Management   Our Favorite Quotes:   "If you are to do an investigation, you have to maintain strict, need-to-know confidentiality." - Justin Goodbread "You need to have a working knowledge of employment law, have strong interpersonal skills, and be able to build rapport, so you're perceived as neutral or fair." - Justin Goodbread "You need to bring everything to light to ensure to the ultimate tribunal that you've done everything in your power to bring the truth." - Justin Goodbread   About The Financially Simple Podcast If you are looking for a podcast that speaks directly to the challenges and puzzles of running a business, you've come to the right place. The Financially Simple podcast was built for you. With over 400 episodes and counting, our host Justin Goodbread covers a broad range of topics, from starting a small business, to prepping it for sale, to growing your personal wealth. Justin's combination of analytical skills, tough love, and a healthy dose of experience delivers practical ideas that will benefit business builders at every stage of their business journey.  If you have questions, or comments for Justin, submit those at: https://financiallysimple.com/ask-justin/ Connect with Justin: Financially Simple newsletter Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Subscribe Here: Apple Podcast Spotify Google Podcast iHeart Radio Stitcher Let us know your thoughts about the show - please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.   Financially Simple is a division of WealthSource Partners, LLC ("WSP"), which offers investment advisory and financial planning services. All investing involves risk of loss, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results and nothing in this podcast should be construed as a guarantee of any specific outcome or profit. All market indices discussed are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested into directly. Business planning services offered by WealthSource Business Advisors, LLC ("WBA").   This podcast is distributed for informational purposes only. The content of this podcast represents the views and opinions of Justin Goodbread and/or the podcast's guests and do not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of WBA, WSP or their affiliates or representatives. Statements made in this podcast are subject to change without notice. Neither WBA, WSP or their representatives, the podcast's hosts or its guests have an obligation to provide revised statements in the event of changed circumstances. Statements made in the podcast are not to be construed as legal or accounting advice or as personalized advice of any nature. Listeners should conduct their own review of any statements made or strategies discussed and exercise judgment or consult with their own professional advisor to see how the information contained in this podcast may apply to their own circumstances.