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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04. Who should conduct a workplace investigation, are there minimum qualifications or criteria that need to be met?

04. Who should conduct a workplace investigation, are there minimum qualifications or criteria that need to be met?

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Poland

  • at WKB Lawyers
  • at WKB Lawyers
  • at WKB Lawyers

There are no legal requirements in this regard but it is good practice if the team of investigators or individuals who deal with the case consists of:

  • a person who has specific knowledge in a given field (concerning the violation);
  • a member of the HR team; and
  • a lawyer (it is recommended to engage an independent, external lawyer who can maintain the objectivity of the investigation, especially in complex matters or where a conflict of interest arises or may arise).

It is crucial that the investigators are independent (and they must be allowed to act independently).

Also, certain personal features are useful (eg, the ability to objectively assess a situation, empathy, and managing skills).

Last updated on 20/04/2023

23. Should the investigation report be shared in full, or just the findings?

23. Should the investigation report be shared in full, or just the findings?

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Poland

  • at WKB Lawyers
  • at WKB Lawyers
  • at WKB Lawyers

It does not need to be shared with the employees at all. It may be shared only to the extent such a disclosure will not violate any law, including personal data protection law or personal rights.

Last updated on 20/04/2023