In today’s show, podcast host Natalie Ivey, talks with special guest, retired Navy Seal turned HR Executive, Tom DeJarnette. This episode focuses on an issue that is continuing to come up with HR and Employee Relations professionals, which is the issue of accountability almost becoming a “dirty word” in business. Performance management is so important in business; yet when managers try to hold employees accountable it is turning into complaints of bullying and harassment.

 Key topics:

• Identifying why accountability in some organizations has become so difficult and is turning into serious employee drama
• Recognizing the performance management challenges leaders face when having crucial performance discussions with team members and how to improve them
• Laying the foundation for a culture with strong leaders who know how to build trust with teams
• Guest, Tom DeJarnette shares his lessons from leadership in the Navy Seals that translate to employers on how to establish a culture of accountability from the beginning of an employee’s relationship with the organization
• Creating strong organizational values that foster an environment that values personal responsibility and accountability  

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

In today’s show, podcast host Natalie Ivey, discusses the importance of why mangers need to document employee performance and behavioral issues. Natalie will provide a simple framework for managers to jot down their thoughts before meeting with an employee to discuss a performance or behavioral issue.

This episode focuses on basic “how to” skills for holding a coaching and course correction feedback discuss with employees.  Additionally, Natalie shares the importance of coaching and documentation before managers simply rush to issue a disciplinary warning as this is often what sparks internal investigations into allegations of discrimination and harassment.

 Key topics:

• Creating a framework for “words to say” to help managers prepare for coaching discussions with employees
• The importance of preparation before sitting down with an employee or meeting virtually to discuss performance issues
• Identifying what the coaching conversation should sound like, especially when handling a behavioral issue

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Natalie Ivey emphasizes the crucial role of effective management training in preventing HR investigations. Drawing on her own experiences, she discusses the negative impacts of untrained or poorly trained management teams and highlights the need for organizations to invest in management training to minimize unnecessary risk and eliminate negative impacts. Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay tuned for part 2 of this series in the next episode.

In this episode, we explore:

• The link between employee departure and management issues
• How to implement good management training through strategic planning
• Common bad management behaviours that contribute to HR investigations
• The impact of panic promotions and lack of development
• The analogy of risk management in the context of PPE

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

• Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information
• Check out Natalie's book ‘How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A
• Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals’ here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77 

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company.  Be sure to subscribe for bi-weekly new episodes!

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company.  Be sure to subscribe for bi-weekly new episodes!

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

In today’s show we spend time with Daniela Uribe, a global entrepreneur, shoe designer, and content creator who launched her own namesake luxury footwear brand, Daniela Uribe.

The Daniela Uribe line embodies her distinctive style along with her electrifying personality and her striking designs that incorporate technological comfort with a sensual, lavish look. Her shoes are guaranteed to make the wearer feel comfortable, powerful, and prominent.

Daniela will share her experience in launching her global footwear brand and the importance of understanding an employer’s regulatory compliance obligations in foreign countries.  

Key topics:

• Recognizing the differences in managing employees outside of the U.S.

• Identifying some regulatory compliance risk factors in talent acquisition, managing payroll, and performance management
• The importance of organizational values and transparent communication with employees to minimize risk
• Best practices in establishing a business in a foreign country

A terrific bonus for listeners of The HR-investigations Podcast is a special discount of 15% off any shoes in her line.

This is a limited time offer and can be used on summer sale items! Use coupon code: RPC15 http://www.daniela-uribe.com

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Ep. 35 Investigating a Wage and Hour Issue: Exempt | Non-Exempt Classifications

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

In today’s episode we review the pending change to salary levels for Exempt worker classifications and how the new Biden Administration rules may affect employers, some pending litigation, and we’ll discuss how to investigate employee allegations of wrongful classification.”

In this episode we will explore:

• The Biden Administration’s proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act salary levels for Exempt workers
• Current employer lawsuits filed opposing the Administration’s changes to the rules
• What to do right now while there is uncertainty
• How to handle an employee who claims wrongful classification

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Episode 34: Mitigating the Risk of EEOC Charges from Your Hiring Process

Welcome to the HR Investigations Podcast: Exploring the Issues, Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions, sponsored by RPC Human Resources, an HR consulting, training, and private investigations company. 

In today’s episode we focus on some “do’s and don’ts” for recruiters and hiring managers during the talent acquisitions process. Our focus will be on strategies to mitigate the risk of receiving an EEOC charge of discrimination. In this episode, we will review:

• Best practices in candidate sourcing to increase applicant diversity
• How to screen candidates without running afoul of EEO laws
• Using AI: some pros and cons
• “Do’s and Don’ts” When Documenting Interview Notes
• How to create and document an applicant screening process to compare candidates "apples to apples”

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

In today’s episode we focus on an issue that comes up a great deal in employee relations’ issues. Often, employees use the “buzzwords” hostile work environment without actually understanding the true definition. And, employees will often allege that they are being bullied in the workplace. In this podcast episode it is discuss how hostile work environment harassment is different than bullying in the workplace. Additionally, what to do when allegations of hostile work environment haven’t been substantiated—but allegations of bullying have been substantiated.

In this episode, we examine:

• Different types of bullying behaviors
• Why bullies engage in bullying misconduct
• The key differences between hostile work environment harassment and bullying
• Unlawful conduct based on a protected characteristic vs. lawful conduct such as bullying
• How to address disciplinary action in a case in which bullying has been substantiated

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

• Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
• Check out Natalie's book ‘How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals’ here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77 

In today’s episode we focus on the important topic that is often part of HR investigations: a hostile work environment. In this episode, we examine:

• The definition of hostile work environment harassment
• How hostile work environment is different from workplace bullying
• A review of protected characteristics under federal law
• Why there isn’t any longer management “off the record” conversations regarding harassment in the workplace
• The employers’ defense to claims of hostile work environment harassment
• Current and emerging legislation regarding abusive conduct in the workplace

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

• Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
• Check out Natalie's book ‘How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals’ here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77 

Episode 31 Show Notes: Investigating Employees Unreasonable ADA Accommodations Requests

In today’s episode we focus on the Americans with Disabilities Act and specifically some best practices in handling employee accommodation requests that may not necessarily be reasonable. We’ll discuss using job descriptions during internal investigations when an employees allege that they are being discriminated against because of a disability.

In this episode, we examine:

• The importance of well written job descriptions using ADA compliant language
• How to determine if an employee’s request for a reasonable accommodation is a reasonable request or possibly an undue hardship
• The importance of clearly defining essential job functions or Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications on job descriptions
• How to minimize the risk of an EEOC charge for disability discrimination
• The legal definition of undue hardship and the courts’ view of employee requests that are generally considered unreasonable and an undue hardship 

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

• Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
• Check out Natalie's book ‘How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals’ here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77 

In today’s episode we focus on data privacy and why it matters to HR professionals. Subject matter expert and attorney, Jason Barrett, will shed light on the valuable compliance topic of data privacy and specifically data breaches.  He’ll talk about new state laws that HR needs to know about and best practices for employers on how to minimize risk in running afoul of data privacy laws.

In this episode, we explore:

• What exactly is data privacy and why is it important to HR
• Review of the Texas Data and Privacy Secrecy Act
• Review key takeaways and data privacy best practices for employers
• Review key issues for employers when experiencing a data breach
• Employer strategies to minimize risk of non-compliance

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

• Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
• Check out Natalie's book ‘How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals’ here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77 

Building on the previous episode, today we're honing in on why management training must be customized to address specific leadership gaps and how interactive, skill-specific training can make all the difference in the world. Expect to gain insights into the essential components of impactful management training, from law compliance to conflict resolution, all designed to empower your leadership teams and prevent workplace issues.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why 'one-size-fits-all' doesn’t work in management training
• The skills needed to effectively handle conflicts
• Implementing the 'Coaching' mindset
• How the right training reduces the need for HR investigation
• … and why on-site training matters

Connect with The HR Investigations Podcast

• Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.
• Check out Natalie's book ‘How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals’ here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77 

In this episode, podcast host Natalie Ivey discusses her observations of capacity issues and the stress and strain that is affecting HR and Employee Relations professionals. Natalie shares some sage advice in taking ownership of one’s workload, assessing leadership support or lack thereof, and some best practices in reducing stress levels and improving one’s state of well-being.

 Key topics:

• Examining workloads for HR and ER and increasing caseloads
• Discussing the need to get real with oneself and size the capacity problem
• Examining why “suffering in silence” is a lousy strategy
• Evaluating the importance of documentation, specifically action steps in managing cases to accumulate historical data
• Examining how historical data becomes a platform for meaningful change
• Reviewing the differences in negotiating styles for “managing up” with leadership to obtain the necessary resources
• Natalie shares exciting news:
• Launch of the 2nd edition of How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals in April 2025
• Launch of the How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Workshop for HR & ER Professionals
• Launch of the rpchr.com website in March 2025
• Launch of the new RPC Academy, an online training portal at rpchr.com with access to Natalie’s content, launching in April 2025

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

In this episode, Natalie Ivey “talks shop” with special guest, Michele O’Neil, the Senior Director of Work Environment with Marriott International. Michele is a seasoned veteran with over 37 years in human resource management and employee relations. Natalie discusses with Michele the current trends in employee relations, particularly in the hospitality industry.

 Key topics:

• Allegations of harassment and bullying
• Employees increasingly reporting issues that are increasing their anxiety and affecting their mental health
  • Managing work/life balance
• Performance Management issues
• Best practices in leadership to minimize the risk of employee relations’ issues
  • Consistency in enforcement of organizational policies
  • Training leaders on the ADA to ensure they understand the “dos and don’ts” when it comes to employee mental health issues
• Core competencies that Employee Relations’ team members need to possess to be successful in navigating the current challenges in employee relations
• Recognizing that the words “mental health” can be abused by some employees who simply don’t want to be held accountable

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

In this episode, podcast host Natalie Ivey shares 3 Key Tips from her best-in-class internal investigations training programs on how to improve note taking and documentation when conducting investigative interviews. Natalie shares the importance of proper planning, the use of templates, how to navigate difficult conversations with interviewees, and especially Subjects.

Key topics:

• If you Fail to Plan Your Investigation You are Planning for Your Investigation to Fail
• Identifying preparation strategies to improve interview documentation
• Examining the negative impacts when investigative documentation isn’t effective and is done very poorly
• Reviewing a strategy to get interviewees back on track after going off on tangents
• Identifying critical details that need to be in every single document of conversation with interviewees to avoid creating holes that an investigator later needs to fill

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

In today’s show podcast host Natalie Ivey talks with special guest, Ivna Curi, who is the podcast host of Speak Your Mind Unapologetically and author of the boos Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership. This show is part 2 of a 2-part series and explores the dynamics of working with an aggressive boss or investigative interviewee who communicates abruptly and forcefully. 

Key topics:

• Defining the difference between being assertive, being aggressive, and passive-aggressive
• Examining the impact to team dynamics when a boss is behaving aggressively
• Understanding the root causes to aggressive and passive-aggressive behavior
• Reviewing key tips and techniques on how to handle an aggressive boss or an interviewee who is being difficult in an investigative interview

Ivna Curi

• Communications expert and podcast host of Unapologetically Speaking
• Author of Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

In today’s show, podcast host Natalie Ivey talks with special guest, Ivna Curi, who is the podcast host of Speak Your Mind Unapologetically and author of the book Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership.

Key topics:

• Defining what happens when you have a passive boss who doesn’t know how to communicate assertively
• Examining what happens to teams when a leader doesn’t communicate assertively and support the team
• Recognizing the underlying reasons for failing to communicate assertively: fear
• Examining the behaviors of a passive boss
• Reviewing key tips and techniques on how to handle a passive boss

• Communications expert and podcast host of Unapologetically Speaking
• Author of Unapologetic Voice: 101 Real-World Strategies for Brave Self Advocacy & Bold Leadership

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

In this episode, podcast host Natalie Ivey and special Gen Z’er guest, Madison Ebben, discuss generational differences and priorities, what Gen Z looks for at work, and how organizations can make some adjustments to improve employee engagement and retention of this dynamic generation.

Special guest:

Madison Ebben, SHRM-CP  Executive Assistant | Event Manager

Key topics:

• Review of Gen Z and this generation’s characteristics
• Discuss what HR and business leaders need to know about Gen Z
• Examine what Gen Z’ers really want from their employers
• Discussing employee relations and things that Gen Z won’t tolerate that previous generations may have tolerated 
• Review the Top 3 things that leaders need to do to fully engage their Gen Z talent to improve employee relations and minimize turnover

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

In this episode, podcast host Natalie Ivey and special guest, Deb Muller, Founder & CEO of employee relations case management software solution, HR Acuity, discuss the evolution of employee relations and investigations in the digital age. Deb Muller shares proactive approaches, emphasizing the importance of using technology to prevent incidents and improve employee relations. Deb shared her experience of working in a time when employee relations was not a strategic function, and how the landscape has changed with the increasing importance of centralized employee relations teams.

Key topics:

• Examining the digital age of employee relations
• KPIs for workplace improvement
  • Discussing the need for predictive indicators and the use of data to demonstrate the impact of employee relations on cost savings.
  • Discussing the importance of trust in the workplace, noting that employees who had experienced an investigation and resolution were more likely to recommend their company as a place to work. 
• Investing in HR Technology and Strategies
  • Discussing the importance of investing in technology for HR functions, emphasizing that HR professionals should not be expected to operate without the same level of technology as other departments.
  • Highlighting the need for HR to move beyond reactive measures and focus on proactive strategies, such as job design and employee relations.
  • Link to HR Acuity resources:  https://www.hracuity.com/resources/

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Ep: 44: HR Insights: The Data Speaks

In this episode, podcast host Natalie Ivey discusses some of the data from the 8thannual employee relations benchmark study provided by software company, HR Acuity.

Natalie shares important information regarding the trends noted in the benchmark study such as organizations seeing sharp increases in allegations of policy violations, behavioral issues, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation allegations.  

Key topics:

• Examining 3 Key Trends from the 8th Annual Employee Relations Benchmark Study:
  • Policy violations, behavioral issues, discrimination, harassment or retaliation allegations and EEOC charges reached their highest levels since 2018
  • Mental health issues continued to be the primary factor behind case volumes, with 70% of organizations attributing increases to mental health-related challenges
  • Organizations are starting to respond to continually growing case volumes by examining data to identify patterns and predict and prevent future issues
• Reviewing strategies on how to address the increase in allegations and increasing employee relations’ case volumes
• Examining the importance of using data and analytics to drive meaningful organizational change
• Examining the increase in mental health issues to more clearly define root causes and develop action plans to reduce employee complaints

Visit RPC HR for show notes and more information.

Check out Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Natalie’s upcoming 2-day Virtual Investigations Workshop:

July 23-24, 2025 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Details and registration link:

https://www.rpchr.com/webinar/internal-investigations-virtual-event

In this episode, podcast host Natalie Ivey discusses Key topics: 

• Announcement of the release of the 2nd edition of Natalie Ivey’s book, How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals
• Announcement of the upcoming 2-day virtual workshop: How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Workshop for HR Professionals on July 23-24 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.  The workshop will provide education on how to navigate tricky employee relations’ issues, how to assess when to open an investigation and when not to, how to prepare for and conduct effective witness interviews, how to gather and preserve evidence, and how to prepare a final investigation report.
• Examine the issue of managers just not documenting employee behavior and performance issues.
• Discuss the danger in firing an employee “At-will” without any sort of documentation and how an EEOC investigator sees it
• Examine why it is critical to have documentation that supports an employee engaged in misconduct that violated organizational policy or that the employee wasn’t meeting performance expectations
• Discuss the issue of managers failing to document employee issues, run to HR announcing they wish to fire an employee and then view HR as “the enemy” when HR pushes back on a termination of employment due to lack of documentation.
• Identify root causes to managers failing to document
• Explain the benefits of phone apps and tech shortcuts to help managers stay organized and minimize the burdensome task of memorializing notes of employee conversations.

Review several key solutions to improving managers’ documentation capabilities

Check out Natalie’s new book here:

https://www.amazon.com/How-Conduct-Internal-Investigations-Professionals-ebook/dp/B0F6W3CM8M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=85BSXHJNIJZD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fMSMv7BRFHw6ljJoBjP4uGljsUr8ocRRqCxTa6rWlSliyLb1ONDXw2uFskHFDMgJrFZYU6wBbZtWWt1f40QjEPHBqcKQLxThHAdG8qr7WYRjihInvDtQv5WKLxiNchk0ISvRSh3mVRHdpRjh0Xk1xOwGBrJJFKFS3nu6ZBJ2tPaRD5WxK2_S9j2qMo1FO37E_pjkwBF46P-zFuwxgvY-dQJmex4m-cgpkXKAbsvXSu4.Ycb0vQbtuKH2IaUhA4lKpd3uAreWsrft58a2JMMsVSw&dib_tag=se&keywords=natalie+ivey&qid=1748551923&sprefix=natalie+iv%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1

Visit RPC HR for more information.

Check out Natalie's REVISED book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Check out Natalie's REVISED book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y39s7n77

Visit RPC HR for more information.