Workplace Investigations

Contributing Editors


Workplace investigations are growing in number, size and complexity. Employers are under greater scrutiny as of the importance of ESG rises. Regulated industries such as finance, healthcare and legal face additional hurdles, but public scrutiny of businesses and how they treat their people across the board has never been higher. Conducting a fair and thorough workplace investigation is therefore critical to the optimal operation, governance and legal exposure of every business.

IEL’s Guide to Workplace Investigations examines key issues that organisations need to consider as they initiate, conduct and conclude investigations in 29 major jurisdictions around the world.  

Learn more about the response taken in specific countries or build your own report to compare approaches taken around the world.

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24. What next steps are available to the employer?

24. What next steps are available to the employer?

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Finland

Finland

  • at Roschier
  • at Roschier

The employer decides whether misconduct has taken place or not. Depending on the case, the employer may recommend a workplace conciliation in which the parties try to find a solution that can be accepted by both sides. The employer may choose to give an oral reprimand or a written warning. If the legal conditions are met, the employer may also terminate the employment agreement.

Last updated on 15/09/2022

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Portugal

  • at Uría Menéndez - Proença de Carvalho

Once the preliminary investigation ends, the employer must decide whether or not, in its view, there are grounds to bring an accusation against the employee and enforce disciplinary action or if it should be dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

When the employer decides to enforce disciplinary action, the following sanctions may be applied:

  • verbal warning;
  • written warning;
  • financial penalty;
  • loss of holiday;
  • suspension with loss of pay and length of service;
  • dismissal with cause and without compensation.

The first five penalties are usually called conservatory sanctions, enabling the continuity of the employment relationship, as opposed to dismissal, which is deemed a measure of last resort.

Last updated on 15/09/2022