A structured, fair and transparent investigation process is essential for HR practitioners to manage employee misconduct effectively, protect employees and ensure legal compliance.

Managing employee misconduct can be one of the most complex and sensitive responsibilities HR practitioners face. Whether it’s addressing workplace complaints, investigating policy breaches or ensuring compliance with workplace laws, HR plays a critical role in maintaining a fair and respectful work environment. 

A well-structured investigation process helps organisations maintain trust, mitigate risk and uphold workplace integrity.

Every organisation should have a clear policy outlining how misconduct allegations are handled. This ensures consistency, transparency and procedural fairness for all parties involved. 

Investigations must be conducted impartially, with careful attention to confidentiality and legal compliance. Without a robust process in place, employers risk legal exposure, reputational damage and a disengaged workforce.

This infographic provides a topline view of some of the key considerations to keep in mind when dealing with employee misconduct. For a more in-depth view of the key skills required to manage these situations sensitively and with compliance front of mind, sign up to AHRI’s Investigating Misconduct short course.

Understanding the basics of workplace misconduct investigations

Need a printable version? Download a copy of this infographic here.

All information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The contents of this article do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.

Learn critical skills, such as how to develop an investigation plan and how to gather and evaluate evidence with this short course from AHRI.