Need help finding the right courses that align with your needs and goals? Contact Post University’s School of Continuing Education for help. There’s a wide array of available coursework covering multiple areas of study. Whatever the reason you are interested in taking professional development courses, you will find that they offer value and support for you to achieve both your professional and personal goals.

This HR Corner is brought to you by Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP. Written by Attorney Nick Zaino

While there is no “cookie-cutter” approach that applies to every situation, an effective investigation should generally follow these basic steps:  

Determine Whether an Investigation is Necessary. If an employer has any notice of wrongdoing, an investigation should be conducted. However, an investigation is not always necessary where an employee is simply expressing dissatisfaction with their job that does not raise any legal issues. When in doubt, investigate.

Determine Whether Interim Relief is Necessary. Employers should consider providing the complaining employee “interim relief” while an investigation is being conducted. Examples include rearrangement of the reporting relationship; temporary transfer; and paid leave. Employers must ensure that the interim relief is not punitive. 

Determine Who Should Conduct the Investigation. If done internally, the person(s) selected to conduct the investigation should be a respected unbiased management level employee who has knowledge of the employer policies and procedures. In some cases, it’s advisable to have an independent third-party conduct the investigation.

Preserve, Obtain and Review All Relevant Documents. This includes written and electronic documents.

Understand the Potential Legal Issues. Understanding the legal issues involved will help the employer ask the appropriate questions.

Determine the Time and Place to Conduct the Investigation. Generally, employers should conduct interviews in-person and in a private area that allows employees to be candid and forthright.

Separately Interview Individuals With Knowledge of the Subject Matter. Generally, interview the complaining employee first. Ask/learn about others who may have relevant information. Develop an outline of questions to ask. Ask open-ended questions and listen carefully. Conduct follow-up interviews if necessary.

Take Copious Notes and Prepare a Report of Findings. Take contemporaneous notes and ensure they are factual. The investigator may ask the employee to review the notes and indicate if anything in the notes is not accurate. The investigation report can summarize the key findings and, in some circumstances, the recommended course of action. 

Take Appropriate Action. The decision maker(s) should review all facts relevant to the conduct in arriving at a decision. Some factors that should be considered include: severity of any misconduct; disciplinary record; past practice; and future precedent.

Follow Up. Employers must continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the issue has been resolved. 

If you have questions, please contact a member of Carmody’s Labor and Employment team.

Urban Air

Did you know that as a Waterbury Regional Chamber member, you can get 10% off tickets to events at the Palace Theater in Waterbury? Use code "WRC" the next time you purchase tickets; some restrictions may apply.

For additional information about this benefit or any others, contact Finance and Member Relations Director Mandy Allen-Fischer via email or call 203-757-0701, Ext. 306.

Summer is over and for many retailers, their peak shopping season is on the way. A recent survey found that three out of 10 consumers have begun their holiday shopping as of September, while 70 percent expect to start before Thanksgiving. Do you have an upcoming event you would like to share with other Chamber Members and the public? A reminder that Small Business Saturday is on November 26. Submit your news item or special events for the November 2022 newsletter by November 1.

Some ideas for Small Business Saturday, courtesy of WebFX

If you are interested in advertising an upcoming sale on the Chamber's website by purchasing a banner ad, visit this page for more information. Members can also purchase dedicated eblasts that will be sent to the Chamber's robust contact list. For more information, contact David Huck.

Individuals are encouraged to invite a friend or two. Registration is free. Register here.

The owner of Viron Rondo Osteria restaurant, Fascia’s Chocolates, and local rehabilitation clinic Peak Physical Therapy will each be honored during the 2022 Harold Webster Smith Awards breakfast later this month.

To read more about the recipients, click here.

Sponsorships provide a wide array of marketing benefits for your business or organization, including inclusion of your company name or logo on the event invitation, speaking opportunity at the event, recognition in marketing, radio promotion, and more—depending on the level of sponsorship. To show your support for the Chamber and this year’s recipients, contact Chris Caulfield or call 203-757-0701.

A personal and career development program which creates lifelong partnerships and develops community awareness among future leaders in civic, professional and community organizations in the Greater Waterbury area. Its goal is to provideeative, interactive environment for the participants to meet regional leaders and discuss the challenges that affect Greater Waterbury.

Applications are now being accepted for the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce Foundation's new economic investment initiative, the Central Business District Investment Program, aimed at helping central business district property owners to lease their vacant storefronts.

Come and celebrate the holidays with community spirit! Join the Southbury Chamber on Wednesday, December 7 at the Heritage Hotel Golf, Spa, and Conference Center for an evening of decorated wreaths, live music, photos with Santa, and a pasta dinner. The cost to attend the event is $25 per person; children under 10 are free with a paying adult. Admission includes pasta and salad buffet, cookies, hot chocolate and cider, 5 raffle tickets, and a door prize entry. Participants will have the opportunity to win one of over 50 decorated wreaths, including several Grand Wreaths valued at $500+! Door prizes will be awarded every 15 minutes. Open to the public!

Join the Watertown Oakville Chamber on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at Grand Oak Villa for our 56th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. During the event, we will honor Robert LaBonne Jr. of LaBonne's Markets with the Community Leader of the Year Award; Tom DeMatteis of Martino's Pizzaria with the Unsung Hero Award; and Ivy at Watertown with the Beautification Award.