Human Resources Manager how-to

How to Investigate a Workplace Complaint

Fair investigations protect everyone.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Fair investigations protect everyone. In short: acknowledge; plan; interview, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Acknowledge the complaint.

  2. Plan interviews.

  3. Interview the complainant, accused and witnesses.

  4. Collect documents.

  5. Reach a conclusion.

  6. Document and act.

Safety reminders for human resources managers

  • Prevent harassment and discrimination
  • Protect employee records
  • Support workplace safety programs
  • Plan for workplace violence prevention

Employee relations · At-will employment · FMLA · ADA · EEOC · Title VII: see the full human resources manager glossary.

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