VCR Mediation & Consulting

04/24/2026

Check out our most recent article published today with the AFCPE Standard.

In this article, Dr. David Fernandez explains how an AFC® can help during uncertain financial times, such as divorce.

04/24/2026

Are you prepared for a discrimination claim in your workplace?

Workplace discrimination claims represent a significant risk for any organization. In 2022 alone, an estimated $513 million was owed to workers in the U.S. due to workplace discrimination claims. When allegations of discrimination or harassment arise, employers must act swiftly to conduct internal investigations.

However, a flawed investigation can be just as legally and financially damaging as the underlying misconduct. For example, a recent federal jury awarded $11.5 million to a former employee after finding that an organization discriminated against her and retaliated against her for reporting it. Key to this costly verdict were questions about the impartiality and qualifications of the internal HR investigator, who had an active role in communications with the accused and lacked proper training for the investigation.

To protect your organization and employees, it is crucial to follow Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) best practices for internal investigations:

1. Act Promptly: Investigations should be conducted as soon as reasonably possible after a complaint is raised to prevent inaccurate recollections and further issues. In the federal sector, initial investigations are usually completed within 180 days.

2. Ensure Impartiality: The investigator must be well-trained, objective, and ideally have nothing at stake in the result. Importantly, they must not report to the alleged wrongdoer. The federal sector requires investigators to have, at a minimum, a 32-hour initial training and a yearly 8-hour refresher training on conducting investigations of EEO claims.

3. Document Thoroughly: Clear documentation of both the steps taken and the findings is essential to show the employer's commitment to preventing discrimination and retaliation. Federal investigators have strict requirements for creating an investigative plan and a report of investigation.

At VCR Mediation and Consulting, our business consulting services guide businesses through neutral, evidence-based EEO investigations, as we are certified to the Federal standards. By prioritizing impartial and structured processes, we help businesses ensure compliance, minimize legal risks, and foster a culture of fairness.