Protecting Your Workplace: Why Workplace Investigations Are Important

When an employee alleges harassment or discrimination in the workplace, California employers have a critical legal obligation to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial workplace investigation. Even when not legally required, workplace investigations can also help mitigate operational and financial risks. But a proper workplace investigation involves more than just asking a few questions, it requires careful planning and diligent execution to ensure it’s effective.

To understand best practices on running workplace investigations, register for CalChamber’s Conducting California Workplace Investigations seminar on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This intensive seminar includes a mock investigation conducted by our employment law experts that provides practical guidance conducting a workplace investigation from start to finish, while attendees can engage in a live Q&A with our employment law experts throughout the seminar.

Understanding best practices for conducting a proper workplace investigation is important because the California Supreme Court has held that an employer who reaches a reasoned conclusion “supported by substantial evidence gathered through an adequate investigation” is protected against wrongful discharge liability stemming from that investigation.

In CalChamber’s seminar, our employment law experts will discuss California’s workplace investigation requirements, including:

• Reviewing the legal requirements for investigations.
• Establishing a compliant workplace investigation policy.
• Understanding when investigations must be conducted.
• Watching the employment law experts conduct a mock investigation using a real-life scenario, including:
  • Developing the scope of the investigation.
  • Conducting witness interviews.
  • Evaluating evidence and assessing witness credibility.
  • Making conclusory findings.
  • Closing the investigation.

Internal missteps during workplace investigations can carry serious financial consequences. In fiscal year 2025 alone, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) resolved 26 Title VII sexual harassment lawsuits totaling over $5.4 million — a stark figure that represents just a fraction of the 37,397 charges alleging harassment filed with the agency that year.

[3.5-Hour Live Seminar] Conducting California Workplace Investigations

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026

Time: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT

Price: $299 ($239.20 for CalChamber Preferred Members or above)

Please attend the live, virtual seminar as no recording will be available.

This webinar is ideal for HR professionals, office managers, business owners and anyone else responsible for conducting or assisting with workplace investigations.

This webinar is approved for 3.25 California recertification credits toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI); 3.25 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities; and 3.25 MCLE credits.

This webinar is solely for informational purposes; it doesn’t serve as or replace legal advice.