For People Problems

Investigations

Employee complaints need to be investigated carefully, yet they are time-consuming and difficult to perform, especially if you have limited or no experience. Over the past 20 years, The Washington Firm has conducted well over a hundred investigations into allegations of employee misconduct including:

• Allegations of unlawful discrimination and/or harassment, including the creation of a hostile work environment based on the complainant’s sex, race, disability, national origin, age, or religion
• Allegations of other types of misconduct, including bullying and favoritism

Our experienced, thorough investigators are also skilled organizational consultants, giving them the perspective and insight to help identify the organizational issues that often accompany these types of complaints. We understand the urgent nature and legal implications of these issues and work hard to minimize the disruption to the organization during the investigation. When appropriate, we can also provide recommendations for the team and organization to heal and move forward after the investigation.

We work extensively with outside and in-house counsel, frequently participating in privileged investigations. We can participate in court proceedings if necessary, although we find that thorough, professional investigations often decrease the probability of litigation.

Due to the sensitive nature of these assignments, we do not offer client references. However, multiple attorneys with whom we have worked over the years can provide references on our skills and approach.

Coaching for Conduct Issues

The completion of an employee investigation may bring to light inappropriate conduct by a manager and/or employee, which while serious, does not rise to the level of unlawful conduct. We can provide specialized coaching for all involved as one part of the employer's prompt, appropriate and effective response to a complaint. Our targeted coaching helps the employee understand the boundaries of appropriate conduct and increases awareness of his/her conduct and its impact on others. We have a demonstrated track record of success in helping valuable employees move forward successfully in their role. We can also provide a written report for the employer's files to document the work and the employee's responsiveness to the coaching.

Harassment & Discrimination Prevention Training

Most companies are committed to creating a respectful, harassment-free workplace for every employee. However, this is more complex than it sounds. Ground rules for appropriate conduct are not obvious to everyone and if you feel as if the rules keep changing, you’re right! In fact, in many states, managers can even be held personally liable for discrimination and harassment–making it especially important for them to understand the issues involved.

This important and highly entertaining module covers the most recent “rules of the road” and provides answers to questions including:

• What exactly is harassment and what is management’s role in preventing it?
• What are your responsibilities as an employee?
• What if you are a manager? Do you have special responsibilities?
• Can employees date each other?
• What are the rules for social media? And off-work conduct?
• Are jokes okay?
• Aren’t we allowed to have fun in the workplace anymore?
• What do you do if you feel uncomfortable?

This training is offered as a stand-alone module or as part of a more comprehensive program called Working with Differences.

Coaching for Performance (for employees who are having performance issues)

Our consultants are experienced in coaching individuals who have skills and strengths that are important to keep in the organization, but have behaviors or skill deficits that are holding them back from success. Depending on the needs and interests of the client, we can use a sophisticated online tool and/or individual interviews with key stakeholders to identify the skills and behaviors that need development. We work closely with the client and the organization to set clear objectives and ensure desired results align with the organization's priorities.

Resolving Employee Disputes

Acting as mediators and coaches for employee disputes, we can help individuals and/or groups come to a better understanding and jointly develop more effective ways of working together.