Workplace Investigation Services
Neutral Workplace Investigations
Complaints come in many forms. Regardless of the nature of the complaint, the first step toward resolution is to have an unbiased third party conduct a fair, rapid, and thorough investigation. Psychological harassment, workplace violence, bullying, abuse of authority, and other unwanted behaviours can create a poisonous atmosphere. Workplace investigations are important because if left unaddressed, these issues can harm productivity, increase turnover, and lead to interpersonal conflict in the workplace. It can also have financial implications.
We can help.
Properly conducted workplace investigations protect employers from potential liability and other consequences.
As both a lawyer and a trained investigator, Philippe Patry is uniquely qualified to analyze potential legal ramifications and policy-related issues while respecting confidentiality and the privacy rights of all involved. Acting with both sensitivity and discretion, Philippe’s holistic, evidence-based approach is designed to achieve the best possible outcome so everyone can move forward – together.
Experience the Positive Impacts of Successful Workplace Investigations
Avoid legal liability for the behaviour of others as workers are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace- Protect the organization and employees from harm
- Address workplace dysfunction
- Ensure that all parties involved are heard in an efficient, neutral, and unbiased manner
- Receive a report of findings, results, and recommendations to help parties move forward and contribute positively post-investigation
Common issues that can be resolved through Workplace Investigations
- Abuse of authority
- Bullying
- Psychological harassment
- Workplace violence
- Sexual harassment
- Discrimination (e.g., racial, sexual orientation, gender, disability)
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Hostile labour relations climate
- Miscommunication
- Flawed performance review process
- Unethical conduct
- Nepotism
- Violation of drug/alcohol policy
- Abuse of authority
- Bullying
- Psychological harassment
- Workplace violence
- Sexual harassment
- Discrimination (e.g., racial, sexual orientation, gender, disability)
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Hostile labour relations climate
- Miscommunication
- Flawed performance review process
- Unethical conduct
- Nepotism
- Violation of drug/alcohol policy
Why Philippe Patry?
Resolving complex disputes and workplace conflicts requires the right approach, the right process, and the right person to bring it all together.
Philippe Patry combines decades of experience and a passion for helping others in his comprehensive, evidence-based approach to workplace resolution. Philippe is a member of the ADR Institute of Canada, a member of the Institut de médiation et d’arbitrage du Québec, a member of the BAR since 1995, and holds a Chartered Mediator (C. Med). As a bilingual lawyer, trained investigator, and dispute resolution expert with a wealth of experience in social work and psychology, Philippe is uniquely qualified to perform workplace investigations, mediations, restorations, and mindfulness services for public and private sector organizations. He has successfully serviced and established long-lasting relationships with the federal government and crown corporations, municipalities, higher education institutions, school boards, unions, healthcare, and many other areas.
Acting with sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and discretion, Philippe’s holistic, collaborative approach is designed to achieve the best possible outcome so everyone can move forward – together.
Our Method
There are 3 steps to conducting successful workplace investigations.
Planning Phase
When planning the investigation, we begin with a phone call to discuss the following items:
- Nature of allegations, i.e. harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, etc.
- Interim measures concerning the individuals involved in the workplace investigation
- State timeframe of the investigation (starting date, duration)
- Overview of costs and hourly rate
- Mediation as an alternative to the investigation (also available throughout any workplace investigation)
- Presentation of the three-step process of an investigation
Step 1: Investigation
In this phase, we require the following details:
- Copy of the complaint
- Copy of any additional relevant documentation, including the client’s Harassment Policy
- Confirmation that the respondent has been informed of all allegations
- Contact information of the complainant, respondent, and witnesses
When we begin workplace investigations, we gather as much detail as possible by conducting interviews with individuals to obtain relevant and corroborated evidence that will be documented. Interviews can be performed in-person or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other video conferencing tools.
- Interviewing the complaint
- Interviewing the respondent
- Interviewing other witnesses
Once interviews are conducted, we will review the evidence and establish our findings.
Step 2: Disclosure of findings
The purpose is to meet the complainant and the respondent separately with or without the presence of HR or Labor Relations to share the conclusions of the final investigation report, lay the ground, and obtain their agreement to participate in a facilitated conversation.
Step 3: Facilitated discussion
Restoring the workplace after an investigation is a crucial step in maintaining a positive work environment and a cohesive culture. Facilitating a conversation provides an opportunity for the complainant and the respondent to speak up, hear about the full effect of their actions and take responsibility for them, and come up with actions to be taken to repair the harm caused. This includes coaching, mindfulness training, and team-building sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Workplace Investigations for Your Peace of Mind
If you need to resolve a workplace dispute or complaint, contact us for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
Other Services for Workplace Resolution
Mediation Services
Neutral. Knowledgeable. Effective.
No matter the nature of your organization’s workplace issue, consulting with a neutral mediator will resolve distracting, challenging situations and empower all participants involved to settle on an agreeable solution and move forward.
Restoration Services
Prevent. Act. Restore.
Our workplace restoration services offer a unique, reliable way to identify the primary causes of a damaging and unhealthy company culture and offers proven solutions to resolve these issues, enabling all participants to move forward together.