Many companies assign their HR representative to lead a workplace investigation. While this is common, it is generally regarded as a poor strategy due to potential conflicts of interest and lack of specialized training. Jolasers HR Investigations provides professional Melbourne workplace investigation services that ensure impartiality, thoroughness, and legal defensibility.
Whether it is a serious allegation of misconduct or a complex dispute between employees, our team handles your HR investigation with the professionalism and discretion required to protect your organization.
The Importance of Professional HR Investigations
Human resources investigation is a critical process undertaken when there is misconduct, poor performance, or other workplace issues. When an HR investigation is not performed correctly—or at all—you risk losing key staff, incurring unnecessary expenses, and facing significant legal liability.
A professional investigation determines exactly what went wrong and why. It provides a clear record of events, which is essential for preventing future misunderstandings and strengthening your company policies.
When is a Melbourne HR Investigation Necessary?
A thorough investigation by an external professional is often necessary in specific high-risk scenarios:
- Suspicion of Fraud: Especially when dealing with public or government funds, impartial investigation is crucial to determine facts without internal bias.
- Underperformance Management: If an employee is not meeting goals or is frequently absent, you must determine the root cause objectively before taking action.
- Behavioral Issues: When an employee exhibits unacceptable behavior or is unable to fulfill their role, an investigation ensures fair process before termination.
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, managing underperformance and misconduct requires a structured, fair process to avoid unfair dismissal claims.
Types of Human Resources Investigations We Conduct
There are many types of human resources investigations, and the approach depends entirely on the issue at hand. We specialize in the following areas:
Employee Theft & Fraud
Employee theft can devastate a business. In this type of investigation, we analyze detailed timesheets, financial records, and surveillance data to determine if theft has occurred and identify the responsible parties.
Termination & Due Diligence
When terminating an employee, you must have valid, documented reasons to avoid wrongful termination lawsuits. Our investigations provide the “due diligence” required to prove that a termination was based on facts, not discrimination.
Related Investigation Services
We also handle specialized investigations that often overlap with HR matters:
| Investigation Type | Description |
| Workplace Bullying | Detailed examination of repeated unreasonable behavior that creates a risk to health and safety. |
| Sexual Harassment | Sensitive investigations into unwanted sexual advances or conduct in the workplace. |
| Employee Misconduct | Comprehensive assessment of policy violations and serious behavioral breaches. |
The Complexities of HR Investigations
Conducting an internal investigation is fraught with challenges that external investigators are better equipped to handle:
1. Objectivity
Deciding who will conduct the investigation is the first hurdle. The investigator needs to be completely impartial, which is difficult for internal HR staff who know the parties involved.
2. Evidence Gathering
Employees are often reluctant to share sensitive information with internal management. External investigators can often elicit more honest testimony due to their neutrality.
3. Decision Making
Determining if facts constitute misconduct and applying policy requires specialized knowledge. Incorrect determinations can lead to costly legal action.
Conclusion
A human resources investigation is necessary in virtually any business environment. Whether it’s to determine if an employee has stolen from the company, or if there has been harassment in the workplace, HR investigations are essential to a company’s success.
HR investigations can be fraught with danger and therefore it is advisable to engage Jolasers to undertake your workplace investigation. We have a long history of providing professional investigations that stand up to scrutiny.
“We’re Investigation Experts, So You Don’t Have To Be.”