If you’ve never been through one before, an employment investigation can be a very unsettling and even terrifying experience. However, you can gain valuable insight, solve any problems that arise, and improve your situation overall if you go into it prepared. In this article, we’ll discuss how to handle an investigation into your employment from beginning to end, so that you can achieve the best possible results for yourself and your career.
One of the most important things to remember when faced with a workplace investigation is that you need to be prepared. Here are some tips on how to do just that: Maintain your composure. Don’t lie or incriminate yourself. Be honest about what you did and why, but don’t volunteer information unnecessarily. Pay close attention to the questions and ask for clarification if you don’t understand something or want more information. If you find yourself becoming nervous or anxious during the interview, don’t hesitate to ask for a break. Remember that anything you say can be used against you in court. Not now is the time to make choices; it’s fine to get a second opinion from a trusted source like an attorney before providing any information.
When confronted with a workplace investigation, it is critical to have a plan in place. The initial step of any investigation is to define its parameters and decide whether it will be formal or informal. Additionally, you should collect any supporting evidence, such as emails, documents, and statements from witnesses. If Human Resources contacts you during this investigation, you should seek legal counsel before providing any statements. A lawyer can advise you on the best way to respond. It may become necessary to make a statement at some point. If you have a lawyer, he or she can assist you in drafting this statement so that your interests are safeguarded. Someday your employer may decide to let you go. If they do so without cause, they must provide notice by the terms of your employment contract. However, if there is just cause for termination, they can immediately end your employment without notice.
Even if there isn’t just cause for termination, you may still be entitled to notice or severance pay depending on what type of agreement you have signed with the employer. In some cases, employers will try to use non-compete clauses as justification for not paying severance. These clauses prevent former employees from working for a competitor of the company they once worked for. Some courts have found these clauses unreasonable and refused to enforce them because they penalize employees who find themselves out of work involuntarily through no fault of their own.