Ask an HR Advisor Webinar Series - Your Top Questions Answered: Workplace Investigations and Documentation
September 16, 2026 1:00 PM ET
Join SHRM Knowledge Advisors for an interactive webinar series designed around the real questions and challenges members are bringing us right now. Each session focuses on a timely, high-interest workplace topic, shaped directly by member inquiries. Our HR Knowledge Advisors break down complex issues, share best practices, and help navigate evolving workplace expectations.
This month, we will dive into practical approaches to conducting workplace investigations, documenting findings, and navigating challenging employee relations situations with confidence.
Send your questions in advance or ask them during the live chat to ensure your specific concerns are addressed.
You will leave knowing:
- Approaches for handling complex or sensitive cases, including when situations lack witnesses and when complaints are unsubstantiated.
- How to evaluate investigation findings to determine whether disciplinary action is warranted and the most appropriate corrective action to take.
- Strategies for minimizing retaliation risks during investigations and applying rules of confidentiality.
- How to communicate investigation findings and next steps to involved parties.
SHRM Knowledge Advisors will join the live webinar to answer your questions in real time—right in the chat. If we don’t get to your question during the session? No problem, SHRM members can head to SHRM Connect after this webinar to keep the conversation going with advisors for 30 extra minutes. This benefit is only for members who join the live webinar and not included later on demand.
Meet the Presenters
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Rue Dooley, SHRM-SCP
Rue Dooley, SHRM-SCP, has over 30 years of human resources experience across public and private sectors, including government contracting and nonprofits. After starting his career in accounting, Rue found his calling in HR and has spent over two decades supporting professionals at SHRM.
Currently serving as a Lead Specialist, Rue guides a team of Knowledge Advisors dedicated to helping members navigate complex workplace challenges.
Rue holds SHRM specialty credentials in Talent Acquisition, Workplace Investigations, California Law, People Analytics, and People Manager Qualification (PMQ).
Driven by curiosity, Rue prioritizes lifelong learning and seeks practical ways to make a positive impact.
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Karen Burke, SHRM-CP
Karen Burke, SHRM-CP, is an HR Knowledge Advisor at SHRM with over 20 years of human resources experience. Her expertise includes employee relations, benefits, compensation, ethics and compliance, and employee development, gained across industries such as law enforcement, retail, warehousing, trucking, transportation, higher education, and nonprofits.
At SHRM, Karen’s primary goal is to empower members to confidently apply labor laws within their organizations through thorough, practical support. She is also a published author in SHRM’s HR Quarterly.
Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology and SHRM specialty credentials in California Law HR, HR Department of One, People Analytics, U.S. Employment Immigration Law, Workplace Investigations, Veterans at Work, Getting Talent Back to Work, and People Manager Qualification (PMQ).
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Robyn Hopper
Robyn Hopper, SHRM-CP, brings more than 27 years of human resources experience across manufacturing, for-profit, and nonprofit organizations, supporting both large and small employers.
Robyn has extensive experience training HR professionals and supervisors on employment topics such as FMLA, ADA, recruitment, terminations, FLSA, and reasonable accommodation. As a Knowledge Advisor at SHRM, she is passionate about helping members navigate workplace challenges and find practical, compliant solutions.
Robyn has served as a Knowledge Advisor for over five years and values the opportunity to support members in meaningful ways.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies (Social Work specialty) from George Mason University and SHRM specialty credentials in California Law HR and the People Manager Qualification (PMQ).
SHRM certification has approved this webinar for 1 PDC toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification. A program code will be provided at the end of the webinar.