Have you ever led a workplace investigation related to discrimination, bullying, or sexual harassment?

How to Answer
Entry Level
Answer Example
Community Answers

Social issues happen in the workplace from time to time. We are dealing with human beings, after all! At some point during your interview as their next HR Consultant, your interviewer would like to know if you have exposure to the stress and discomfort associated with workplace investigations. Whether you have this experience or not, you can show the interviewer that you are well-trained in professionally handling employee grievances and official complaints. Show that you take these situations seriously by having a set methodology in place.

"I am new to workplace investigations, but still, I fully understand the importance of creating a safe workplace environment for all. I am looking for a role with an organization that is proactive when complaints arise and are committed to upholding a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct, bullying, or discrimination. I would love to hear more about your organization's approach to handling investigations in these serious matters."

"I have led two workplace investigations in my career. One situation was related to sexual harassment, and the other was related to bullying. It is unacceptable that these situations still happen, despite endless sensitivity training amongst our teams. I recently brought in a professional speaker to present the fine line between being friendly and harassing someone sexually. This presentation seemed to help somewhat. Now, we have a zero-tolerance policy, and any investigation that finds proof of the accusations results in immediate termination without severance."

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I have led several work placement investigations, with a few leading to terminations."

Rachelle's Feedback

Can you elaborate further on the steps that you took in these situations without breaching any confidentiality agreements?

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I took a phone call from a crying personal support worker (PSW) who was being bullied by an RPN who worked on another shift with her client. Content of her texts confirmed she was called incompetent, stupid and negligent over a treatment the RPN believed the PSW should be doing on her shift. One of our RNs helped us investigate the care notes and care plan and determine the care was more than satisfactory on both sides, and the treatment was not in the PSW scope of practice but was to be completed by the RPN once a day. We found a new client for the PSW who asked to be moved out of working with her, and we spoke to the RPN about the scope of practice and appropriate communicating with coworkers."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds as though you handled the situation swiftly and with care - good for you! Was the outcome of the situation a positive one for all stakeholders?

How to Answer: Have you ever led a workplace investigation related to discrimination, bullying, or sexual harassment?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a HR Consultant job interview.

19. Have you ever led a workplace investigation related to discrimination, bullying, or sexual harassment?

How to Answer

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 31st, 2021

Entry Level

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 31st, 2021

Answer Example

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 31st, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I have led several work placement investigations, with a few leading to terminations."

Rachelle's Feedback

Can you elaborate further on the steps that you took in these situations without breaching any confidentiality agreements?

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds as though you handled the situation swiftly and with care - good for you! Was the outcome of the situation a positive one for all stakeholders?

Next Question