Short guide
How to conduct aworkplace investigation.
The process at a high level: what to do first, how to gather information fairly, and how to finish with a record you can stand behind.
Published by Arvanic. Last reviewed .
General information, not legal advice. Investigation obligations vary by jurisdiction, by policy, and by the facts. Consult competent employment counsel about your specific situation. Arvanic is not a law firm.
01
What does the EEOC say an investigation should look like?
The EEOC's published practices describe investigations that are prompt, thorough, and neutral, run by people who are well-trained, objective, and neutral. In practice that means starting soon after you learn of a concern, gathering information from everyone with relevant knowledge, and keeping the investigation in the hands of someone without a stake in the outcome.
Source: EEOC.gov
02
What are the main stages?
Most investigations move through the same stages, in the same order. Treating them as a fixed sequence keeps steps from being skipped when the facts get complicated or the schedule gets tight.
03
How do I keep the process fair to everyone involved?
Interview each person separately, ask every participant about the same core events, and give the person accused a full opportunity to respond to what has been reported. The EEOC also calls for protecting the privacy of the people involved to the greatest extent possible, consistent with a thorough and impartial investigation.
Source: EEOC.gov
04
What should exist when the investigation is done?
The EEOC recommends documenting every complaint from intake through investigation to resolution, including a written report of the investigation. A complete record shows what was reported, what was done in response, and what information the decision rested on, which matters if the outcome is ever questioned.
Source: EEOC.gov
Put it into practice
Knowing the process is one thing. Running it is another.
Arvanic turns this into a guided workflow: role-based interviews, a developing factual record, and a structured report — $79 per investigation, with no subscription.