Our Approach to Workplace Investigations

Our Expertise

With over 20 years of experience, we conduct impartial workplace investigations involving misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment-related misconduct, serving both public and private sector employers.

Our Approach

We take a personalized approach to every investigation, dedicating the time to thoroughly understand each client’s circumstances, culture, and specific concerns. This allows us to design a carefully tailored strategy that addresses the situation and provides actionable insights to support informed decision-making.

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Case Example: Harassment and Retaliation Concerns in an Orange County Office

An Orange County employer receives a complaint alleging a supervisor used demeaning language in meetings and retaliated after the employee reported concerns.

Process.

Intake and scope: Defined allegations, relevant policies, and key questions.
Records review: Collected emails, chats, schedules, and performance documentation; built a timeline.
Interviews: Met with the complainant, respondent, and key witnesses; conducted targeted follow-ups.
Findings: Assessed credibility and issued allegation-by-allegation determinations with supporting rationale.

Outcome.

Harassing conduct was partially substantiated; retaliation was substantiated in part; the performance write-up was not sustained.

Deliverable.
A neutral investigation report documenting the scope, sources reviewed, interview steps, credibility analysis, and findings for each allegation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at Kathie@allenmorrispi.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is a workplace investigation.

A workplace investigation is a neutral fact-finding process used to assess allegations of misconduct or policy violations through interviews and review of relevant records.

When should an employer consider an investigation.

An investigation is typically appropriate when there are allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, bullying, threats, safety concerns, or other serious conduct issues, even if the report is informal.

What does “independent investigation” mean.

Independent means the investigator is neutral and not part of the organization's management chain, reducing perceived bias and strengthening the defensibility of the findings.

What types of matters do you investigate.

Common matters include harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, bullying, whistleblower-related concerns, policy violations, and leadership or executive complaints.

What happens during the intake stage

Intake typically includes clarifying the allegations, identifying applicable policies, defining the scope and time period, identifying initial witnesses and records, and confirming the standard of proof to be applied.

How long does an investigation usually take.

Timing depends on scope, witness availability, and the volume of records. Many matters conclude in a few weeks, while complex cases can take longer.

Who will be interviewed.

Usually the complainant, the respondent, and witnesses who observed relevant events or have information about key decisions, communications, or context.

What documents or records are typically reviewed.

Common records include emails, texts and messaging app communications, calendars, schedules, performance documentation, prior complaints, policies, meeting notes, and relevant photographs or screenshots.

How is confidentiality handled.

Information is shared on a need-to-know basis. Participants are generally instructed not to discuss the matter during the process, but complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

What is included in the investigation report.

A typical report documents the scope, methodology, sources reviewed, interviews conducted, credibility considerations, and findings for each allegation based on the evidence.

How quickly can an investigation begin?

Most cases can begin within 48 to 72 hours of receiving authorization and relevant materials.

Allen Morris
Investigations LLC

Allen Morris
Investigations LLC

Our Approach to Workplace Investigations

Our Expertise

Our Approach

Related Investigative Services

Case Example: Harassment and Retaliation Concerns in an Orange County Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Contact Us

Allen Morris Investigations LLC

Allen Morris Investigations LLC

Our Approach to Workplace Investigations

Our Expertise

Our Approach

Related Investigative Services

Case Example: Harassment and Retaliation Concerns in an Orange County Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Contact Us

Allen Morris
Investigations LLC

Allen Morris
Investigations LLC