The HR Investigations Podcast

In this episode you'll learn: Why the best response to a steward's request for a private consultation is often the simplest one. How granting a short recess can actually strengthen the credibility of your investigation. Why allowing consultation does not mean management loses control of the interview. Practical ways to establish reasonable time limits and expectations before the interview resumes....

Episode Summary During an investigatory interview, a single question can suddenly reveal the true focus of an investigation. A union steward who initially has little context may immediately recognize that the employee could be facing serious disciplinary consequences. Can the steward stop the interview and request a private consultation? Is that considered protected representation activity under W...

Episode Overview: In this first episode of the mini-series, host Natalie Ivey explains what Weingarten Rights are and the importance of internal investigators, especially HR and Employee Relations investigators, in understanding these rights. She further elaborates on common misconceptions, mistakes that are made, and how to handle a situation with a newly elected union steward who pushes the boun...

Episode Overview: In this first episode of the mini-series When HR Gets It Wrong: Risk, Reputation, and Recovery, we explore one of the most common—and costly—mistakes HR professionals make: mishandling investigations. Closing cases quickly may feel productive, but speed without accuracy can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Natalie shares a real-world scenario from a manufacturing...

Episode Overview In this episode, Natalie is joined by Deb Muller, CEO of HR Acuity, to explore how HR leaders can shift from outdated “vanity metrics” to meaningful data that demonstrates true business impact. Together, they unpack the concept of the Trust & Risk Statement™ and discuss how investigation teams can elevate their role from compliance-driven function to strategic risk advisors. T...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we break down the art and science of investigation interviews. Topics include: Structuring interviews for complainants, witnesses, and the accused Using open-ended questions and avoiding leading questions Assessing credibility indicators Documenting interviews accurately Sample interview questions to guide your discussions Key Takeaways: Begin broad, then narrow t...

In this episode, we explore a tricky and sensitive area of Employee Relations: when complaints appear immediately after performance management or discipline. Sometimes employees file complaints not because of genuine misconduct, but as a defensive reaction to accountability. This episode dives into why it happens, how HR can respond objectively, and strategies to identify patterns while staying ne...

In this episode, we explore what happens when complaints appear immediately after performance feedback or disciplinary action. Learn why employees sometimes use complaints defensively, how HR can objectively evaluate these situations, and the importance of timeline analysis and structured investigations. We also cover best practices for handling potential bad-faith complaints while staying neutral...

Episode Description: FMLA complaints rarely begin with bad intent—but they often end in costly investigations. In this episode, we explore how FMLA investigations actually start, the most common employer mistakes investigators see, real-world hypotheticals that show how cases unravel, and practical steps employers can take to reduce risk. Key Topics Covered: How employees raise FMLA violations Int...

The HR Investigations Podcast Episode Summary Bad documentation can destroy even the strongest investigation outcome. In this episode, we explore why documentation is the backbone of any HR investigation and exactly what makes attendance and discipline records defensible under scrutiny—from EEOC investigations to court depositions. We break down best practices, common credibility killers, real-wor...

Attendance policies don’t fail investigations—enforcement does. In this episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, we take a closer look at call-in policies, no-call/no-shows, and job abandonment—three areas where employers frequently get it wrong. Using real-world investigation examples, we unpack how inconsistent enforcement, undocumented exceptions, and policy shortcuts often become the focus of...

Attendance Is the First Red Flag Episode Description: Attendance problems rarely start with a termination—but they almost always end with one if ignored. In this episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, Natalie Ivey explains why attendance issues are often the earliest indicator of deeper workplace problems. From chronic absenteeism to inconsistent enforcement, this episode shows how early patter...

Episode Title: When a Subject Requests an Attorney: Handling HR Investigations Legally and Professionally Episode Summary: What should you do when a subject in an HR investigation says, “I want to have my attorney present”? In this episode, Natalie A. Ivey explains how to respond professionally, maintain investigation integrity, and protect your organization. Learn practical tips for handling requ...

When Managers Harm: Investigating Allegations of Mental Health Impact Episode Summary: Employees are increasingly raising concerns that managers are harming their mental well-being. But how should HR respond? In this episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, Natalie A. Ivey walks you through how to investigate complaints that a manager is “creating mental health issues” for their team. Learn how t...

Episode Summary: Bullying in the workplace isn’t always unlawful, but it is always harmful. In this episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, host Natalie A. Ivey breaks down how to handle investigations into bullying allegations. From intake to interviews, evidence analysis to follow-up, you’ll learn a structured process for responding to complaints with fairness and consistency. What You’ll Lear...

In this episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, we speak with a leading executive from Case IQ, a premier case management software company, about the vital role of technology in handling sensitive HR investigations. From bulletproof documentation to ironclad evidence security—and now AI-driven insights—you’ll learn how to modernize your HR practices to minimize risk and boost efficiency. What Yo...

Guest Laura Middleton, CEO, Human Resources Certification Preparation | HRCP.com In this episode, podcast host Natalie Ivey discusses Key topics:  The role of HR certification in building trust and influence during investigations Key differences between SHRM and HRCI credentials How certification prepares HR pros for high-stakes conversations with executives Real examples where certification helpe...

Podcast Title: The HR Investigations Podcast Episode Title: When HR Gets It Wrong: Lessons Learned from Botched Investigations Hosted by: Natalie Ivey   Episode Summary: In this episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, Natalie Ivey breaks down real-life investigation failures that resulted in serious consequences for organizations—from wrongful termination lawsuits to reputational damage and brok...

Episode Title: The Power of Persuasion in HR: A Conversation with Cindy Skalicky Host: Natalie Ivey Guest: Cindy Skalicky, Author of Red Light, Green Light Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, host Natalie Ivey sits down with messaging strategist and executive coach Cindy Skalicky to explore the power of persuasion in Human Resources. Whether you're presenting investigation findings to execu...

In this episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, host Natalie Ivey dives into a crucial but often overlooked area: the role of senior leadership in supporting internal investigations. Too often, HR teams are conducting complex and sensitive investigations without clear support or understanding from the C-suite—and that can spell disaster. Natalie unpacks the most common misconceptions executives...

Remote but Not Invisible: Investigating Misconduct in Hybrid and Remote Work Environments Episode Highlights: As remote and hybrid work have become the norm, employee misconduct hasn’t disappeared—it’s just gone digital. In this episode, host Natalie Ivey unpacks the complexities of conducting internal investigations when your workforce is no longer down the hall but scattered across Zoom, Slack,...

Natalie’s upcoming 2-day Virtual Investigations Workshop: July 23-24, 2025 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Details and registration link: https://www.rpchr.com/webinar/internal-investigations-virtual-event In this episode, podcast host Natalie Ivey discusses Key topics:  Announcement of the release of the 2nd edition of Natalie Ivey’s book, How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Re...

Visit RPC HR for more information. Check out Natalie's REVISED book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Check out Natalie's REVISED book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77 Visit RPC HR for more information.  

Visit RPC HR for more information. Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77