When workplace issues arise in Geelong businesses, they require prompt, professional attention to prevent escalation and protect your organization. Workplace complaints involving bullying, harassment, or misconduct demand thorough investigation by experienced professionals who can ensure fairness and compliance with legal requirements.
At Jolasers Investigations, we provide independent Geelong workplace investigation services that maintain workplace harmony while addressing serious concerns effectively.
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Common Circumstances Leading to Workplace Investigations in Geelong
Workplace investigations become necessary under various circumstances. Understanding when an investigation is warranted helps businesses respond appropriately to complaints and allegations.
Bullying and Harassment Claims
Allegations of workplace bullying require immediate attention. These claims can involve repeated unreasonable behavior directed toward an employee that creates a risk to health and safety. In Geelong workplaces, bullying claims must be investigated thoroughly to comply with WorkSafe Victoria regulations.
Sexual Harassment Allegations
Sexual harassment claims involve unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. These serious allegations require sensitive handling and independent investigation to protect all parties involved.
Employee Misconduct
Misconduct investigations address violations of company policies, procedures, or codes of conduct. These may include theft, fraud, policy violations, or inappropriate behavior that affects the workplace environment.
Discrimination Complaints
Allegations of discrimination based on protected attributes such as age, gender, race, disability, or religion require formal investigation to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination legislation.
The Risks of Internal Workplace Investigations
Many Geelong businesses initially consider conducting investigations internally, often through HR or management. While this may seem cost-effective, it carries significant risks that can compromise integrity.
- Perception of Bias: Employees often question the impartiality of internal investigators who have existing relationships with the parties involved.
- Limited Expertise: Without specialized training, internal staff may miss critical evidence or ask inappropriate questions, compromising the validity of the findings.
— Stephen Oliver, Director
- High Hourly Rates: Lawyers typically charge $600 – $900+ per hour for fact-finding interviews.
- Billable Extras: You often pay for travel time, administration, and every email.
- Legal Focus: Lawyers look for legal liability, which can sometimes escalate tension rather than finding the factual truth.
- Cost-Effective: We charge professional investigation rates for the 20-40 hours of legwork required, saving you thousands.
- Factual Focus: We determine what happened. You can then hand our report to your lawyer for a quick 1-hour legal review.
- Specialist Skills: Our expertise is forensic interviewing and evidence gathering, not just legal theory.
Benefits of Choosing Jolasers for Your Geelong Investigation
Cost-Effective Expertise
Industry Insight: Law firms often charge premium rates for investigations, only to outsource the work to specialists like Jolasers. By engaging us directly, you receive the same expert service without the law firm markup.
Fairness and Respect
We have established a strong reputation for conducting investigations where all participants feel they were treated fairly. This approach is crucial for preserving workplace relationships during and after the process.
Building Rapport
We believe in quickly building rapport with all participants to make the process as comfortable as possible. Our experienced team creates an environment where nervous interviewees can provide accurate information while feeling at ease.
Prompt Response
Swift action is essential. The first 48 hours after a complaint are critical. We respond rapidly to Geelong cases to help you address complaints before they damage morale and productivity.
Types of Workplace Investigations We Conduct in Geelong
At Jolasers Investigations, we handle a wide range of cases. Our team applies the same principles of fairness and discretion to every matter.
| Investigation Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Harassment Investigation | Thorough examination of verbal, physical, or psychological harassment allegations. |
| Sexual Harassment Investigation | Sensitive and confidential investigation of sexual harassment allegations protecting all parties. |
| Misconduct Investigation | Investigation of policy violations, fraud, theft, or breaches of company standards. |
| Bullying Investigation | Comprehensive investigation of behavior that creates a risk to employee health and safety. |
| HR Investigation | Specialized investigations into underperformance, theft, and termination due diligence. |
Our Geelong Investigation Process
We follow a structured, transparent process designed to ensure thoroughness and compliance.
- Initial Consultation: Confidential discussion to understand the scope.
- Investigation Planning: Developing a tailored plan and timeline.
- Evidence Collection: Gathering documents and communications.
- Interviews: Thorough interviews with the complainant, respondent, and witnesses.
- Analysis & Reporting: Detailed analysis of facts and a comprehensive report.
Geelong Workplace Investigations
Professional, independent support to resolve complex workplace complaints in the Geelong region.
Telephone: 0418 101 164 (Stephen Oliver)
Common Questions
Why use an external investigator in Geelong?
Using an external investigator removes bias. It ensures that findings are objective and legally defensible, which is crucial if a dispute reaches the Fair Work Commission.
How quickly can you start?
We understand the urgency. For businesses in Geelong and the Surf Coast, we can typically commence the intake process and planning within 24-48 hours.
Is the investigation confidential?
Strict confidentiality is maintained throughout. We ensure that sensitive information is only shared with those who legally need to know.