Employers have a broad responsibility to investigate workplace issues...Do You Need To Investigate?

Mountain States Employers Council conducts internal investigations with the knowledge and experience necessary to instill employer confidence -confidence in the investigation process and confidence to support appropriate action. Thorough and impartial investigation demonstrates the exercise of reasonable care to prevent and correct inappropriate workplace conduct consistent with the affirmative defense recognized in the Supreme Court's Faragher and Ellerth decisions. Increasingly, society demands that employers engage internal investigation to address alleged improprieties.

Employees also expect employers to investigate in response to complaints of harassment, discrimination, unfair treatment, and hostile work environment. Gone are the days when "he-said, she-said" controversies are dismissed out of hand as unsubstantiated. A good faith analysis of the available facts and credibility assessment is the expectation.

MSEC conducts over 100 investigations a year for employers - employers who appreciate the necessity of a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation to support informed decisions and deflect liability. Beyond meeting the law's expectation for appropriate investigation, MSEC interviews provide individual participants with a unique opportunity to be heard by a third party. An MSEC investigation can de-escalate emotionally charged situations while creating comprehensive documentation to support appropriate corrective action.

Take the mystery out of your employee complaints and conflict issues with an MSEC workplace investigation. MSEC conducts investigations related to:

• Harassment and discrimination complaints
• Allegations of "hostile work environment"
• Workplace Violence
• Employee/supervisor misconduct
• Illegal activity, like drug use or theft
• Anonymous complaints
• Performance audit/Management audit

MSEC investigators work with you to assess the issues, identify the risks, and develop an approach to ensure a prompt and lawful investigation. MSEC also provides expert witness services.

Reliable Results
Count on our expertise for legally sound approaches to evidence gathering, interviewing and credibility assessment. Results are presented in a comprehensive investigation report, your legally defensible basis for informed decision making.

Post-Investigation Consulting
Your relationship with MSEC continues beyond the investigation process! Knowing the facts, once they are established, is not enough. As always, MSEC attorneys are available to assist with post-investigation analysis and resolution as a function of your membership. This separate analysis considers options in light of applicable law, past practices, and your own organizational culture. We also offer membership services such as policy review and development, and numerous relevant seminars for employees, supervisors, and your management team.

Member Fees
Your membership fee covers the initial assessment of your organization's needs and post-investigation consulting. Investigation services are billed at the Council's hourly rate.

Contact Us
For information on how to get started, contact Chris Chrisbens at 303.223.5469, Mark Flynn at 303.223.5313 or e-mail investigations@msec.org.