In any workplace investigation, there will be multiple competing factors for an investigator to consider. One core issue is developing the appropriate interview strategy.
Investigative interviewing requires careful consideration of the purpose of the investigation, and exactly who will be interviewed. There is also the question of tone – ensuring that the interview remains cordial and does not begin to resemble an interrogation.
At WISE Workplace, we have a wealth of experience in investigative interviewing, including the best practice interview techniques to bring to the task.
the purpose of the investigative interview
The purpose of the investigative interview is to glean relevant information about a workplace allegation in a manner that is professional and fair.
In devising a good investigation strategy, the interviewer will carefully select who is to be interviewed during the process.
People with first-hand knowledge are the key – not those who simply heard a rumour or were told something second-hand. Such statements constitute hearsay, and can reduce the weight of the evidence and the overall value of the investigation if relied upon. It is important for the investigator to identify and interview those people who were directly involved, or who witnessed a situation first-hand.
Ideally there will be enough witnesses available to corroborate evidence. If facts such as the identity of an alleged bully can be verified between witnesses, or certain actions can be adequately cross-checked, the resulting findings and report are likely to be sound.
Having a support person available for witnesses is always recommended. Being interviewed for a workplace investigation can be stressful for any of the parties. The presence of a trusted support person can help to calm the witness.
interviewing or interrogating?
It is vital to create the right environment for the interview. At a fundamental level, the interviewer should avoid any method of questioning that could be seen as interrogating rather than interviewing.
Keep the tone conversational and allow enough time to develop rapport across the interview. Inviting questions around how the interview will work, plus describing procedural aspects like recording and note-taking can assist in reducing anxiety.
State the obvious. For example: “This is a difficult situation involving certain allegations in the workplace, and we appreciate your help here today“.
Offer the witness the option to stop and clarify any questions and to take comfort breaks if needed. Firing off questions and requiring immediate answers is no way to develop rapport and will not illicit the best information and or evidence.
Adopting a stern or hostile demeanour is unproductive and can also lead to claims of bias. A professional interviewer should never see themselves as a TV detective with a rough attitude and a light shining in the respondent’s face! The interview is not seen as a technique used to extract a confession from a witness. Building good rapport is the key to a quality investigative report that stands the test of time.
high-quality interview techniques
The experienced interviewer understands how to conduct the workplace interview with transparency and objectivity. While the personal information of others needs to be protected, the witness should be informed of all relevant material relevant to the allegations. Even alarming or distasteful allegations should be dealt with professionally and objectively.
Building rapport with a witness is essential for effective interviewing. Structured processes such as the PEACE model of interviewing can help interviewers to cover all aspects of a professional interview.
The PEACE model was developed in the United Kingdom to help investigators conduct the fairest and most productive interview possible. The model provides eight steps that should be undertaken which includes:
PLANNING: Examine what planning and preparation need to occur before an interview.
ENGAGE: Choose methods that assist in building rapport with the respondent, complainant or witness.
ACCOUNT: Gather interviewee accounts in a logical and effective structure. Seek clarification where needed.
CLOSURE: Complete the interview politely and professionally.
EVALUATE: Review the contents of your transcript and take any necessary next steps.
Other tools such as active listening and open questions are also excellent ways to gather the best information, without raising problems of biased interviewing – perceived or otherwise.
Don’t rush the witness as they tell their story. Ask open questions, which allow the witness to provide a spontaneous and genuine description of events, rather than being fenced in by closed questioning or unnecessary interruptions.
Mastering the Investigative Interview
Obtaining first-hand witness evidence by way of interview is essential to uncovering the facts of a matter. However, conducting interviews into serious workplace issues such as bullying and sexual harassment can be a difficult and sometimes a daunting task.
WISE investigators have mastered key interviewing techniques and have extensive experience in conducting investigative interviews across industries. We have developed a comprehensive guide to steer HR professionals and investigators through the process. Purchase our book Investigative Interviewing: A Guide for Workplace Investigators for the best tips on successful interview techniques.
