Respectful Workplace & Investigations

Respectful workplace solutions

The right solution for your organization will vary based on your unique needs. The following approaches provide a high-level overview of the services that People First can leverage to support your workplace.

Threshold testing

Supports the organization in determining the severity of the complaint, how the alleged behaviour may or may not be in contravention of policy if proven, and how best to fulfill their obligations. 

A threshold test is completed virtually. The process involves an initial context meeting with the project sponsor(s), reviewing documents, any available evidence and policy, and may include interviews with relevant parties to the complaint.

A threshold test does not determine if there has been a breach of policy; it is only intended to guide the employer’s next action to manage the complaint or concern.

Facilitated conversation

The purpose of the facilitated conversation is to address the issues between the two parties and to come to an agreement on what each party is wiling to commit to do differently to move forward and work productively and effectively.

The facilitator guides the conversation and helps identify ways to settle differences, find a mutually shared outcome, and come to an agreement to move forward in a productive and effective manner.

Workplace assessment

Support policy breaches and anonymous complaints through a brief, confidential, and focused assessment.  An assessment includes document review, and interviews with individuals who may have relevant information. 

Workplace assessments provide more in-depth information and in a formal report, recommendations are provided to help employers understand the dynamics in their employee interactions, including what are often multi-faceted challenges to respect in the workplace.

Investigations

When specific allegations of workplace misconduct have been made, an investigation examines workplace complaints and provides findings of whether a breach has occurred. Although confidential, an investigation cannot be anonymous; parties are known to one another to resolve the dispute fairly and objectively. The goal is to reach a resolution that restores workplace health. Each investigation is structured around a respectful workplace policy, relevant legislation, and the unique context of the complaints. Following an investigation, a confidential report with a summary of findings is provided.

Respectful workplace training

Respectful Workplace training for all employee levels is intended to support employers in building a culture of respect within their organization. Using a matrix of interactive discussion and lecture formats, this session ensures a baseline understanding of anti-harassment and discrimination legislation. It provides context, tools, and strategies to encourage informal resolution of concerns, constructive conversations and how to foster a respectful workplace.

Want to learn more about respectful workplace solutions?

Workplace Investigations: A tool to support employee well-being and organizational health

Workplace investigations are rarely required but are a necessary tool to leverage when questions of workplace safety arise.

Every Canadian employee has the right to feel connected, safe, and comfortable at work. If a situation occurs at your workplace that impacts that feeling of safety and connection, resolving it with compassion and an eye to the future is critical. Restoration through an investigation process may be essential to fulfil your legal responsibility as an employer and maintain a positive workplace environment.

To best support your employees and organizational health, we highly recommend working with an experienced investigations partner.

Partnering with People First HR on workplace investigations

At People First HR, we are passionate about providing confidential, high-quality, and impartial investigative services. We pride ourselves on our tailored investigation solutions that meet the unique needs of the organizations we work with.

Our investigative practice is rooted in our ability to provide impartial, balanced solutions to support our clients. We work with organizations and employees to provide findings, and then support a resolution that gets the workplace back to a healthy and safe place for all.

Trained consultants

People First HR has a team of consultants specially trained in conducting workplace investigations. They are passionate about what they do and strive to continue to learn and grow their skillset with professional development in the areas such as:

  • Conflict resolution
  • Working with challenging witnesses
  • Cultural competence
  • Trauma-informed practice
  • Diversity and inclusion

Leverage our experience to meet your investigation needs.

Our consultants complete dozens of investigations each year across private and public sectors and both federal and provincial jurisdictions. We have worked on investigations across Canada — from BC to New Brunswick.

Through our experience, we understand that each situation is unique. We leverage our experience and understanding of workplace health and safety to tailor our support to meet your needs.

Begin your partnership with People First HR

Complete the form below to discuss respectful workplace options or to begin a partnership with People First HR.

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