Navigating the Presence of a Third Party in Workplace Investigation Interviews
One of the most common and challenging scenarios for HR professionals and workplace investigators is when a participant asks to have another person present during an interview. For those conducting investigations, handling the presence of a third party requires a careful balance between procedural fairness, compliance with law and applicable policies, and the integrity of the investigation itself. This blog explores how to navigate these situations effectively, including how to manage an overzealous advocate, what to do if the support person turns out to be a witness, and what the proper role of a third party should be.