Workplace investigations are an essential part of maintaining a fair and safe work environment. Whether they address allegations of harassment, discrimination, misconduct, or other serious issues, these investigations are crucial for ensuring that an organisation responds appropriately to concerns.
Understandably, attention is often focused on the subjects of these investigations; the employees who are directly involved. Quite rightly so, and there is some brilliant being work done through the HPMA’s Avoiding Harm programme on this topic.
However, the emotional and psychological toll on the investigators themselves is frequently overlooked. As investigators we are often tasked with navigating sensitive situations and are under a significant amount of scrutiny and pressure. This can lead to considerable emotional strain and conditions like vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.
ibex gale conduct in the region of 200 workplace investigations a year and so we know first hand the effect this can have. We have also seen the impact within the organisations we work with and explore this subject when we deliver investigating officers training.
It is a regular topic of discussion with our team to ensure they are safe and well-supported. In this article, we explore the impact of workplace investigations on investigators, and discuss the challenges we face, as well as some of our strategies for mitigating these effects.
The Emotional Weight of Workplace Investigations
Workplace investigations typically involve sensitive issues, such as allegations of harassment, bullying, discrimination, and even criminal behaviour. Investigators are often exposed to deeply distressing accounts of workplace misconduct and hear personal stories that are both emotionally charged and traumatic. As professionals, we approach these situations with neutrality and impartiality, but the emotional toll of hearing about the suffering of others can be significant.
Vicarious Trauma: When the Stories Become Personal
Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma, occurs when an individual is exposed to the traumatic experiences of others and begins to experience some of the emotional and psychological effects of that trauma themselves. For investigators, this means hearing first hand accounts of things like abuse, discrimination and bullying in the workplace, which can lead to feelings of distress, anxiety, and sadness.
While as investigators we may not directly experience the events we are investigating, the emotional residue of those stories can still take a significant toll. We may find ourselves replaying the accounts we’ve heard and feeling personally affected by the injustice described.
Compassion Fatigue: The Exhaustion of Empathy
Compassion fatigue refers to the physical and emotional exhaustion that occurs when someone has been continuously exposed to the suffering of others.
Over time, compassion fatigue can lead to feelings of burnout, decreased empathy, and emotional numbness. As investigators, it is incredibly important that we prevent compassion fatigue setting in so that we can ensure we’re maintaining the level of care and attention required to conduct thorough investigations.
The Pressure of Scrutiny: Professional and Personal
The scrutiny that investigators face in workplace investigations can be intense. We are not only being evaluated by the parties involved in the case but also by the organisation, colleagues, and possibly even external regulatory bodies.
Given that investigations can have significant consequences for the individuals involved, as investigators we have to ensure we make objective and well-informed decisions. However, the scrutiny that comes with this responsibility can be overwhelming. The weight of getting it ‘right’ is significant when the findings we make can affect careers, reputations, and even the legal standing of the organisation.
Coping Strategies: Supporting Investigators and Mitigating Emotional Impact
With this in mind, these are some of the strategies we have implemented to help mitigate these effects and support the well-being of our team.
- Training and Awareness
Our investigators are highly experienced and trained, not only on the legal and procedural aspects of investigations, but also on how to recognise the signs of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness can help us process our emotions in a healthy way and seek help when necessary. - Supervision and Support Networks
Supervisors and colleagues play a key role in supporting investigators through difficult cases. Regular supervision and peer support sessions, where we can discuss our emotional reactions and challenges, can be invaluable. - Mental Health Resources
Promoting access to mental health resources, such as mental health first aiders, counselling services or employee assistance programs, to help cope with stress is crucial. - Self-Care and Boundaries
We encourage our team to set boundaries between their professional and personal lives. Taking breaks, practising mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining social connections outside of work are all crucial for preventing burnout and compassion fatigue.
Conclusion
The emotional toll on investigators is often overlooked. Vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and the intense scrutiny investigators face can have significant consequences for our well-being and professional performance.
By acknowledging the emotional impact on investigators and providing the necessary resources, training, and support, we can ensure that those tasked with conducting these important investigations are equipped to handle the challenges they face and continue to perform their roles effectively.
In the end, for ibex gale, protecting the mental health of our team is not just a matter of caring for individuals, it’s a matter of ensuring the integrity and quality of the work we deliver.
If you require support with an investigation, or would like to discuss how we can support and develop those individuals within your organisation who conduct investigations, you can contact us at contactus@ibexgale.com
Author: Zoe Wood, Associate Director
