In today’s episode we focus on an issue that comes up a great deal in employee relations’ issues. Often, employees use the “buzzwords” hostile work environment without actually understanding the true definition. And, employees will often allege that they are being bullied in the workplace. In this podcast episode it is discuss how hostile work environment harassment is different than bullying in the workplace. Additionally, what to do when allegations of hostile work environment haven’t been substantiated—but allegations of bullying have been substantiated.

In this episode, we examine:

• Different types of bullying behaviors
• Why bullies engage in bullying misconduct
• The key differences between hostile work environment harassment and bullying
• Unlawful conduct based on a protected characteristic vs. lawful conduct such as bullying
• How to address disciplinary action in a case in which bullying has been substantiated

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

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

In today’s episode we focus on the important topic that is often part of HR investigations: a hostile work environment. In this episode, we examine:

• The definition of hostile work environment harassment
• How hostile work environment is different from workplace bullying
• A review of protected characteristics under federal law
• Why there isn’t any longer management “off the record” conversations regarding harassment in the workplace
• The employers’ defense to claims of hostile work environment harassment
• Current and emerging legislation regarding abusive conduct in the workplace

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

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

Episode 31 Show Notes: Investigating Employees Unreasonable ADA Accommodations Requests

In today’s episode we focus on the Americans with Disabilities Act and specifically some best practices in handling employee accommodation requests that may not necessarily be reasonable. We’ll discuss using job descriptions during internal investigations when an employees allege that they are being discriminated against because of a disability.

In this episode, we examine:

• The importance of well written job descriptions using ADA compliant language
• How to determine if an employee’s request for a reasonable accommodation is a reasonable request or possibly an undue hardship
• The importance of clearly defining essential job functions or Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications on job descriptions
• How to minimize the risk of an EEOC charge for disability discrimination
• The legal definition of undue hardship and the courts’ view of employee requests that are generally considered unreasonable and an undue hardship

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

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

In today’s episode we focus on data privacy and why it matters to HR professionals. Subject matter expert and attorney, Jason Barrett, will shed light on the valuable compliance topic of data privacy and specifically data breaches. He’ll talk about new state laws that HR needs to know about and best practices for employers on how to minimize risk in running afoul of data privacy laws.

In this episode, we explore:

• What exactly is data privacy and why is it important to HR
• Review of the Texas Data and Privacy Secrecy Act
• Review key takeaways and data privacy best practices for employers
• Review key issues for employers when experiencing a data breach
• Employer strategies to minimize risk of non-compliance

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

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

Building on the previous episode, today we're honing in on why management training must be customized to address specific leadership gaps and how interactive, skill-specific training can make all the difference in the world. Expect to gain insights into the essential components of impactful management training, from law compliance to conflict resolution, all designed to empower your leadership teams and prevent workplace issues.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why 'one-size-fits-all' doesn’t work in management training
• The skills needed to effectively handle conflicts
• Implementing the 'Coaching' mindset
• How the right training reduces the need for HR investigation
• … and why on-site training matters

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

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

Natalie Ivey emphasizes the crucial role of effective management training in preventing HR investigations. Drawing on her own experiences, she discusses the negative impacts of untrained or poorly trained management teams and highlights the need for organizations to invest in management training to minimize unnecessary risk and eliminate negative impacts. Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay tuned for part 2 of this series in the next episode.

In this episode, we explore:

• The link between employee departure and management issues
• How to implement good management training through strategic planning
• Common bad management behaviours that contribute to HR investigations
• The impact of panic promotions and lack of development
• The analogy of risk management in the context of PPE

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

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

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. Be sure to subscribe for bi-weekly new episodes!

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

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

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. Be sure to subscribe for bi-weekly new episodes!

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

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