Workplace Investigations: 6 Steps to a Defensible Process
From The HR Hub by WRKdefined Podcast Network
April 21, 2026 · 25 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the essential components of a defensible workplace investigation process with insights from Bob Stenhouse.
Conducting a workplace investigation is about much more than finding someone guilty. To protect your organization, you need a defensible, neutral process that can withstand the scrutiny of a courtroom or an arbitrator. In this episode, Bob Stenhouse from Veritas Solutions joins me to break down the six essential components of a high-standard workplace investigation. We explore how to handle initiating events (including social media triggers), the nuances of gathering sufficient evidence without a "smoking gun," and the legal standard of the balance of probabilities. Whether you are dealing with a formal complaint or a high-risk harassment allegation, these insights will help you ensure your investigative findings are objective and legally sound. 00:00 The goal of neutral workplace investigations 01:04 Six components of every investigation 04:15 Can the news trigger an investigation? 06:06 Harassment vs. bullying: the legal difference 07:36 Using a risk-informed approach for complaints 11:12 When is your evidence actually sufficient? 14:59 Explaining the balance of probabilities standard 17:32 What makes a solid investigation report? 20:07 Aggravating vs. mitigating factors in…
People in this episode
Host: Andrea Adams
Guest: Bob Stenhouse
Topics covered
- workplace investigations
- defensible process
- evidence gathering
- harassment allegations
- legal standards
- investigation reports
Keywords
- workplace investigation
- defensible process
- evidence
- harassment
- legal standard
- investigation report
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Veritas Solutions
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