Outsourcing workplace investigations to third-party professionals offers organizations numerous advantages, including time efficiency, immediate responsiveness, impartiality, specialized expertise, and enhanced confidentiality. These benefits contribute to maintaining a fair, compliant, and productive work environment.

Time Efficiency

Conducting internal investigations can be a time-consuming process often requiring the diversion of resources from core business activities. Outsourcing allows organizations to allocate these resources more effectively, ensuring investigations are handled promptly while greatly reducing the disruptions to daily operations. This efficiency is crucial in addressing issues before they escalate, thereby preserving workplace harmony. Notably, 75% of employees have reported having been a witness to, or a victim of some form of workplace misconduct, emphasizing the need for timely interventions. 

Immediate Responsiveness

Third-party investigators are equipped to initiate investigations immediately upon engagement, ensuring timely resolution of workplace issues. This prompt action significantly helps in the prevention of these conflicts escalating and demonstrates the organization's commitment to addressing employee concerns quickly and effectively. Given that 62% of workplace misconduct cases result in the resignation of the victim, responding immediately is essential to retaining talent and maintaining morale. 

Impartiality and Objectivity

External investigators provide an unbiased perspective, free from internal relationships or office politics that could adversely influence the investigation's outcome. This impartiality enhances the credibility of the investigation process and fosters employee trust in the organization's commitment to fairness. 

Specialized Expertise

Professional investigators possess extensive experience and specialized knowledge in handling complex workplace issues, including harassment, discrimination, and misconduct. Their expertise ensures thorough and accurate investigations, which are essential for making informed decisions and mitigating legal risks. 

Enhanced Confidentiality

Outsourcing investigations aids in maintaining confidentiality, as certified EEO investigators are adept at handling sensitive information discreetly. This approach protects the privacy of all parties involved and minimizes the risk of information leaks, thereby safeguarding the organization's reputation. 

Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation

External investigators are well-versed in relevant laws and regulations, ensuring that investigations comply with legal standards. This compliance reduces the risk of legal repercussions and demonstrates the organization's commitment to upholding ethical and legal obligations. 

Cost-Effectiveness

While there is an upfront cost associated with outsourcing, it can be far more cost-effective in the long run. By avoiding the need to train internal staff or hire temporary employees to fill workload gaps, businesses can manage their budgets more effectively. Considering that workplace sexual harassment costs companies $2.6 billion in lost productivity and $0.9 billion in other costs, outsourcing can be a prudent financial decision. 

Final Thoughts

Outsourcing workplace investigations to third-party professionals offers significant benefits, including time savings, immediate responsiveness, impartiality, specialized expertise, enhanced confidentiality, legal compliance, and cost-effectiveness. These advantages contribute to a fair, compliant, and productive work environment, ultimately supporting the organization's overall success. 

For assistance in reviewing your current processes or to explore how empathiHR can assist your company in mitigating its risks to claims of harassment & discrimination, contact 866-240-6618 or hello@empathihr.com