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  • When a Subject Requests an Attorney: Handling HR Investigations Legally and Professionally

    When a Subject Requests an Attorney: Handling HR Investigations Legally and Professionally
    2025/11/03

    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 requests, explaining company policy, offering alternatives, and documenting the process.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • The legal context of attorney requests in workplace investigations
    • How to respond professionally and calmly
    • Alternatives to having an attorney present
    • Best practices for conducting interviews and documenting requests

    Resources & Links:

    Resources & Links:

    • How to Conduct Internal Investigations – Book & Toolkit
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieivey/
    • https://www.rpchr.com/event/internal-investigations-virtual-event-november
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    17 分
  • When Managers Harm: Investigating Allegations of Mental Health Impact

    When Managers Harm: Investigating Allegations of Mental Health Impact
    2025/10/20

    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 to focus on observable behavior, conduct fair interviews, analyze findings, and make recommendations that protect employees while supporting organizational culture.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why HR should focus on behavior, not diagnoses
    • How to conduct intake interviews around sensitive complaints
    • What data and witnesses to consider in the investigation
    • How to analyze credibility and identify patterns of behavior
    • Recommendations HR can make to address toxic leadership

    Resources & Links:

    Resources & Links:

    • How to Conduct Internal Investigations – Book & Toolkit
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieivey/
    • https://www.rpchr.com/event/internal-investigations-virtual-event-november
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    18 分
  • Bullying in the Workplace: Investigating Allegations with Fairness and Confidence

    Bullying in the Workplace: Investigating Allegations with Fairness and Confidence
    2025/10/06

    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 Learn in This Episode:

    • The difference between bullying and unlawful harassment
    • What questions to ask during intake
    • Best practices for interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses
    • How to analyze credibility and identify behavioral patterns
    • Recommendations HR can make after findings are complete

    Resources & Links:

    • How to Conduct Internal Investigations – Book & Toolkit -

      Check out Natalie’s new book here

    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieivey/
    • https://www.rpchr.com/event/internal-investigations-virtual-event-november
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    12 分
  • Smart Investigations: How AI and Case Management Solutions are Transforming HR Investigations Case Management

    Smart Investigations: How AI and Case Management Solutions are Transforming HR Investigations Case Management
    2025/09/08
    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 You’ll Learn: How to document investigations properly to protect your organizationWhy spreadsheets are no longer safe for managing case filesHow AI is assisting with case summaries, trend analysis, and risk reductionWhat to look for in a modern case management platformWhy case analytics can help HR be more proactive and data-driven Guest: Jakub Ficner, Director of Partnership at Case IQ Link to Learn More About Case IQ Episode Overview In this episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, host Natalie Ivey explores how technology is reshaping HR and Employee Relations investigations. From airtight documentation and evidence security to the growing role of AI and analytics, today’s conversation reveals how tools like CaseIQ are helping organizations reduce risk, protect sensitive data, and uncover powerful insights that drive cultural change. Joining Natalie is Jakub Ficner, Director of Partnerships at CaseIQ, who shares real-world examples of how HR teams are moving beyond spreadsheets and shared drives to secure, intelligent case management systems that make investigations more consistent, defensible, and proactive. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Foundation of Investigations Why strong, consistent documentation is critical—not only for compliance but also for organizational credibility—and the common mistakes HR professionals make. Evidence Security The risks of using outdated tools like spreadsheets and shared drives, and how CaseIQ ensures confidentiality, chain-of-custody, and access control. AI as an Investigator’s Assistant How artificial intelligence is being used in HR case management to surface patterns, accelerate workflows, and reveal systemic issues HR might otherwise miss. From Data to Decisions How dashboards and analytics empower HR leaders to identify trends, influence policies, and proactively address workplace risks before they escalate. Featured Guest Jakub Ficner Director of Partnerships, CaseIQ Jakub brings extensive experience in helping organizations leverage case management technology to strengthen their investigative processes and reduce organizational risk. Link to Learn More About Case IQ Connect with the Host Natalie Ivey is an HR consultant, author, and host of The HR Investigations Podcast. She specializes in helping organizations navigate employee relations challenges with compliance, consistency, and confidence. LinkedIn: Natalie Ivey Enjoyed This Episode? If you found this conversation helpful: Subscribe to The HR Investigations Podcast on your favorite platform. Share it with a colleague who manages investigations. Leave a review to help more HR professionals discover the show. Connect with Us: Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Resources Mentioned: How to Conduct Internal Investigations by Natalie Ivey Link to the Book Join Natalie Ivey for a live, 2-day virtual workshop: How to Conduct Internal Investigations – A Practical Workshop for HR Professionals September 23–24 | 🕚 11 AM – 5 PM ET | 📍 Via Zoom Walk through a mock investigation, learn credibility assessment techniques, and gain practical tools to handle even the toughest cases. Register by September 16 – Spots are limited! To Register go to: https://www.rpchr.com/events
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    32 分
  • Certified to Lead: Why HR Credentials Matter in Investigations & Employee Relations with Guest CEO Laura Middleton

    Certified to Lead: Why HR Credentials Matter in Investigations & Employee Relations with Guest CEO Laura Middleton
    2025/09/01

    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 helped drive results
    • Getting started: Choosing the right certification for your goals
    • Special offer for The HR Investigations Podcast listeners: Receive 15% off any certification exam prep materials or products using the code INVESTIGATE. Just go to HRCP.com
    • Announcement of Natalie’s upcoming 2-day virtual workshop: How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Workshop for HR Professionals on September 23-24 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

    REGISTER HERE

    • The workshop will provide education on how to navigate tricky employee relations’ issues, how to assess when to open an investigation and when not to, how to prepare for and conduct effective witness interviews, how to gather and preserve evidence, and how to prepare a final investigation report.
    • Examine the issue of managers just not documenting employee behavior and performance issues.
    • Discuss the danger in firing an employee “At-will” without any sort of documentation and how an EEOC investigator sees it
    • Examine why it is critical to have documentation that supports an employee engaged in misconduct that violated organizational policy or that the employee wasn’t meeting performance expectations
    • Discuss the issue of managers failing to document employee issues, run to HR announcing they wish to fire an employee and then view HR as “the enemy” when HR pushes back on a termination of employment due to lack of documentation.
    • Identify root causes to managers failing to document
    • Explain the benefits of phone apps and tech shortcuts to help managers stay organized and minimize the burdensome task of memorializing notes of employee conversations
    • Review several key solutions to improving managers’ documentation capabilities

    Natalie’s new book now available on Amazon:

    Check out Natalie’s new book here

    Connect With Us:

    • Subscribe at rpchr.com
    • Follow us on LinkedIn
    • Learn more about our SHRM and HRCI approved training programs and upcoming events at rpchr.com
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    22 分
  • When HR Gets It Wrong: Lessons Learned from Botched Investigations

    When HR Gets It Wrong: Lessons Learned from Botched Investigations
    2025/08/18
    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 broken employee trust. You’ll hear three case studies where HR got it wrong—sometimes unintentionally—and discover the critical lessons each one teaches about fairness, documentation, neutrality, and investigative bias. Natalie also shares her Top 5 Prevention Strategies for avoiding costly missteps and building investigation processes that are defensible, ethical, and compliant. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: Why skipping key steps in an investigation can be legally riskyHow poor documentation can damage your credibilityHow bias—conscious or unconscious—can derail fact-findingThe importance of procedural fairness and neutralityFive practical strategies for strengthening your HR investigations 🧪 Case Studies Covered: The Accused Was Never Interviewed – Leading to a wrongful termination lawsuitInvestigative Notes Go Missing – Resulting in lack of evidence during a legal disputeBias in the Interview Process – Causing mistrust and reopening of a closed case ✅ Natalie’s 5 Prevention Strategies: Use an investigation planDocument every stepEnsure neutralityBase conclusions on facts, not feelingsClose the communication loop with all parties involved 📚 Resources Mentioned: How to Conduct Internal Investigations by Natalie Ivey https://www.amazon.com/How-Conduct-Internal-Investigations-Professionals/dp/1948382970/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fMSMv7BRFHw6ljJoBjP4uGljsUr8ocRRqCxTa6rWlSnGTlSUW7w1EUy8qROIMQPvboHzq4T7AX2fM0DI2T-eyVjPtyaK3aIZLR8lDDTOR8diQtTTAkNSWoNyP9Y0qlH7DjF5D7Zm7baLMUMDJyUmIUoAyCy6YA-MXARlZUOvk2U0AdiiLHIELS1i6lweM_F-dgzrSkLVNq34XyWd3uzdLuHaKiyTQgo3ZBCG6SqFdCc.wzBpFyf_pJMoKelkCm3YeZPXZzCfdZUvuKyrwwpLH_I&qid=1755647855&sr=8-1 Join Natalie Ivey for a live, 2-day virtual workshop: How to Conduct Internal Investigations – A Practical Workshop for HR Professionals September 23–24 | 🕚 11 AM – 5 PM ET | 📍 Via Zoom Walk through a mock investigation, learn credibility assessment techniques, and gain practical tools to handle even the toughest cases. Register by September 16 – Spots are limited! Join Natalie Ivey for a live, 2-day virtual workshop: How to Conduct Internal Investigations – A Practical Workshop for HR Professionals September 23–24 | 🕚 11 AM – 5 PM ET | 📍 Via Zoom Walk through a mock investigation, learn credibility assessment techniques, and gain practical tools to handle even the toughest cases. Register by September 16 – Spots are limited! https://www.rpchr.com/events 👂 Listen + Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! LinkedIn: 🚨 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎧 When HR Gets It Wrong: Lessons Learned from Botched Investigations As HR professionals, we do our best to handle investigations thoroughly and fairly. But let’s face it—sometimes we miss the mark. And when that happens, the consequences can be costly: lawsuits, damaged reputations, and broken trust. In the latest episode of The HR Investigations Podcast, I break down real-world investigation failures—cases where things went sideways—and share the key lessons every HR pro should know. ✅ A supervisor was fired—without ever being interviewed ✅ Investigation notes mysteriously “disappeared” ✅ Bias derailed the fact-finding process I also share my Top 5 Prevention Strategies to help you avoid these mistakes and build investigation processes that are ethical, defensible, and compliant. 🔁 Share with your HR colleagues 💬 Let me know in the comments: What’s one lesson you learned the hard way in an investigation? #HumanResources #WorkplaceInvestigations #HRPodcast #EmployeeRelations #Compliance #HRInvestigations #Leadership #HRTips #NatalieIvey #PodcastPromotion
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    12 分
  • The Power of Persuasion in HR: A Conversation with Cindy Skalicky

    The Power of Persuasion in HR: A Conversation with Cindy Skalicky
    2025/08/11

    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 executives, coaching a challenging employee, or making a case for disciplinary action, how you deliver the message can make or break your influence.

    Cindy shares insights from her bestselling book, Red Light, Green Light: How Top Leaders Present with Polish, Get Buy-in, and Become More Influential. Together, Natalie and Cindy unpack strategies HR professionals can use to build executive presence, craft compelling narratives, and communicate confidently—especially in high-stakes, high-pressure environments.

    This episode is filled with real-world tips and practical tools that every HR professional should have in their communication toolkit.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Why persuasion is essential in HR roles
    • The HOW-TO Model for structuring persuasive communication
    • Using storytelling techniques without compromising objectivity
    • Building executive presence in high-stakes meetings
    • Real-life scenarios: Persuading leadership to act on difficult decisions
    • Cindy’s top advice for becoming a more influential communicator

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Book: Red Light, Green Light by Cindy Skalicky

    • Link: https://www.amazon.com/Red-Light-Green-Buy-Influential-ebook/dp/B0FHGWNCPJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GB9RLOCY9LTS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i59XGqpF9NPzikhokdwGt0uFCd1t24XDscAW795j6Ac.XSN7YFwfAWyZXH_iUnGBZNG8AcYeet66MI4mil9ycfI&dib_tag=se&keywords=red+light+green+light+book+cindy+skalicky&qid=1754580145&sprefix=red+light+green+light+cindy%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1

    Subscribe & Share

    Enjoyed this episode? ✅ Subscribe ⭐ Leave us a 5-star review 📤 Share with a colleague who could use a persuasion boost!

    Connect with Us

    Host: Natalie Ivey Website: https://www.rpchr.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieivey/

    Cindy's Website: https://onpoint-communications.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-skalicky

    Join Natalie Ivey for a live, 2-day virtual workshop: How to Conduct Internal Investigations – A Practical Workshop for HR Professionals September 23–24 | 🕚 11 AM – 5 PM ET | 📍 Via Zoom Walk through a mock investigation, learn credibility assessment techniques, and gain practical tools to handle even the toughest cases. Register by September 16 – Spots are limited! https://www.rpchr.com/events
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    33 分
  • Behind the Curtain: What Executives Need to Know About Internal Investigations

    Behind the Curtain: What Executives Need to Know About Internal Investigations
    2025/07/28

    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 hold about the investigative process and how HR professionals can bridge this knowledge gap. From enterprise risk management to legal exposure and employee morale, investigations have ripple effects throughout the organization—and the C-suite needs to be tuned in.

    Tune in to learn:

    • How to educate executives about HR’s role in investigations
    • Tips for presenting investigative findings to senior leaders with clarity and impact
    • What to include in your next leadership briefing on workplace culture and legal risk

    Whether you're in HR, legal, or a leadership role yourself, this episode will equip you with the insights to elevate the investigative function in your organization—and ensure it gets the strategic attention it deserves.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Connect with Natalie Ivey on LinkedIn
    • Explore more episodes of The HR Investigations Podcast, specifically Seal of Honor: Leadership Accountability and Lessons from the Frontline https://rpchr.podbean.com/e/seal-of-honor-leadership-accountability-and-lessons-from-the-frontline/
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    21 分