Sexual harassment workplace investigations

Over half of women and two-thirds of LGBT+ people have experienced sexual harassment at work, while Black, disabled and young workers also report higher rates of harassment, according to Unison. Alongside working hard to protect their people from incidents of sexual harassment, managers should be equally prepared to effectively deal with grievances as and when […]

How to narrow an inclusion perception gap

How to narrow an inclusion perception gap In my previous blog, I introduced the concept of an inclusion perception gap and discussed the ways it can occur. An inclusion perception gap appears when leaders rank the effectiveness of their workplace inclusion initiatives higher than their direct reports. So, how do you narrow the inclusion perception […]

Do you have an inclusion perception gap?

Most business leaders would say they are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, but would their employees agree? Many organisations will ensure they meet their legal responsibilities regarding discrimination laws, but if their approach to fostering an inclusive culture is characterised by ad-hoc interventions and initiatives, rather than a shift in mindset and behaviours, then […]

Back to basics: Bullying in the workplace

Did you know almost a quarter (23%) of people in the UK feel that they have been bullied at work? The terms ‘bullying’ and ‘harassment’ are often used interchangeably, but there are key legal differences. Here’s our guide to what constitutes bullying in the workplace, why it is so damaging and how you can address […]

How to prevent workplace investigation overwhelm

Conducting a workplace investigation can be daunting. There are allegations to clarify, witnesses to interview, evidence to analyse and a report to write – all of which can be complicated and time-consuming. On top of the practical tasks, there’s also the need to keep everyone in the loop, manage expectations and maintain overall workplace harmony. […]

Top five skills of a workplace investigator

If workplace investigations are not conducted fairly or properly, a company runs the risk of damaging its culture and reputation. It’s therefore important to choose carefully when deciding who within your teams should be trained to become in-house investigators. Here are the top five skills you should look for: Excellent communicator The smooth running of […]

Do I need to place a workplace investigation?

A workplace investigation is a formal, structured and unbiased process for gathering evidence and establishing the facts relating to a grievance. The overall aim of which is to help all parties reach the best resolution possible and move forward positively. Now, this doesn’t sound like something that you, as the investigator, can jump straight into, […]

How can you celebrate inclusion?

Inclusion is the keystone to fostering diverse, creative, and progressive workplaces. Whether you’re already making inclusion an everyday reality within your teams or need a helping hand to reach your inclusion goals, here are five ways you can get involved: Get connected Celebrating inclusion is an opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired by hundreds […]

Need to know: National Inclusion Week

This September marks the 10-year anniversary of National Inclusion Week, dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create diverse and welcoming workplaces for all. Here’s what you need to know: What is National Inclusion Week? National Inclusion Week was founded by Inclusive Employers, a UK membership organisation for employers looking to foster inclusive workplaces. […]

Your guide to fair workplace investigations

A workplace investigation involves uncovering and understanding the facts behind a grievance or disciplinary. It is not designed to determine sanctions, simply to present the facts. So, how do you ensure you conduct a fair and responsible workplace investigation? Avoid overusing investigations First things first, before embarking on a workplace investigation, it is important to […]

Mediation vs investigation: Choosing the right path for tackling workplace conflict

More often than not, workplace investigations are a result of previous behaviours, issues or incidents being overlooked and allowed to escalate into formal grievances. In 2021, Acas published a report estimating that workplace conflict costs UK employers £28.5 billion every year, and suggested a primary cause for these astronomical figures was poor conflict management and […]

Pregnancy sickness: The silent sufferers

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) affects 70-80% of pregnant women. However, according to the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support, while employers are sympathetic to women suffering from NVP, “some are unaware of the wide spectrum of NVP and the significant impact that severe NVP and HG [hyperemesis gravidarum] can have on a woman’s ability to […]