The impact of HR investigations in small businesses, with Jill Avey

Help! My Business is Growing

Handling HR investigations can be a potential minefield for any business, especially those that are smaller but currently growing.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when faced with employee complaints, wrongful termination claims, or accusations of workplace bullying and harassment.

Yet these investigations matter because they can make or break your business.

If resolved successfully, they'll protect your business and your employees.

If you ignore or mishandle them, it could cause you legal problems and harm your reputation.

So, how do you work your way through HR investigations without making costly mistakes?

Are there steps to take to ensure you're protected?

Who do you call for help?

And how can you resolve them professionally?

In this episode, our guest Jill Avey shines a light on HR investigations, and what are some strategies for managing complaints, when to seek legal advice and how you can protect your business through HR documentation and processes.

Jill Avey is the founder and owner of Southwestern HR Consulting, Inc. (SWHRC) and has more than 25 years of business expertise in Human Resources (HR).

We discuss:
03:46 What are HR investigations

06:46 The differences between the EEOC and the Department of Labor

07:35 Potential consequences for overlooking employee concerns

10:14 Common small business employee claims that lead to HR investigations

14:46 The ideal timing to create an employee handbook

15:28 The importance of policies and handbooks for contractors and 1099 workers

19:45 Resolution options for contractors with complaints

2352 What actions are permissible for employees and independent contractors

30:22 The steps to take to address accusations of wrongful termination

34:14: Mediation is typically more cost-effective than proceeding with an actual lawsuit

37:58 Recommended actions when your business lacks HR expertise

41:11 Actionable steps to take to protect your business from HR investigations.

Resources:
Jill Avey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Owner, Southwestern HR Consulting, Inc.

https://swhrc.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-avey-sphr-shrm-scp-3910642a/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SouthwesternHRConsulting

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/SoWeHRConsult

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/southwesternhrconsulting/

Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:
https://www.newcastlefinance.us/

Blog post | The Impact of HR Investigations in Small Businesses
https://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/the-impact-of-hr-investigations-in-small-businesses/

Chapters

1. The impact of HR investigations in small businesses, with Jill Avey (00:00:00)

2. What are HR investigations (00:03:46)

3. The differences between the EEOC and the Department of Labor (00:06:46)

4. Potential consequences for overlooking employee concerns (00:07:35)

5. Common small business employee claims that lead to HR investigations (00:10:14)

6. The ideal timing to create an employee handbook (00:14:46)

7. The importance of policies and handbooks for contractors and 1099 workers (00:15:28)

8. Resolution options for contractors with complaints (00:19:45)

9. What actions are permissible for employees and independent contractors (00:23:52)

10. The steps to take to address accusations of wrongful termination (00:30:22)

11. Mediation is typically more cost-effective than proceeding with an actual lawsuit (00:34:14)

12. Recommended actions when your business lacks HR expertise (00:37:58)

13. Actionable steps to take to protect your business from HR investigations. (00:41:11)