If someone says “Can I have a quick word?” and your stomach drops, last week was about grievances. This week is what comes next.

Investigations.

And this is where most small businesses wobble a bit.

Not because you’re doing anything wrong.

Because you’re trying to figure it out on the spot, while everyone else is already feeling stressed.

In this episode of Buzzing About HR, I walk you through how to run a workplace investigation properly. No drama. No overcomplicating it. And definitely no “corridor justice.”

At its core, an investigation is simple. It’s a fact-finding exercise.

Not a disciplinary. Not a verdict.

You are gathering information so you can make a fair decision later.

We go step by step through what that actually looks like in real life.

How to pause and steady things first if emotions are high

How to write a clear scope so it doesn’t spiral into “and another thing…”

How to focus on the right evidence without dragging half the team into it

And how to keep a simple log so you are not relying on memory later

We also talk about the bit people find hardest. The conversations.

You will get simple ways to open meetings so people feel calmer, and questions that get to the facts without putting words in someone’s mouth. Because “everyone knows” is not evidence. It’s gossip in a nice outfit.

Then we bring it back to what really protects you.

Not a perfect process.

Just a fair one.

Clear steps.

Consistent approach.

Short, factual notes.

And giving people a proper chance to respond.

If you run a small business or manage people, this is one of those moments where a bit of structure makes everything feel more manageable.

Press play, take what you need, and next time something lands on your desk, you will know exactly where to start.

If you’re not 100% sure how your HR is really holding up, take our free HR Health Check. It’s short, jargon-free, and gives you a clear score on what’s working — and what needs a bit of love.

And if you do it before 1st April 2026, you’ll get a bonus 7 Pillar Strategy-on-a-Page, tailored to help you manage HR brilliantly for the year ahead. That’s it for today, but if you fancy a bit of friendly HR advice in your inbox (with zero waffle), come and join our newsletter.

We send out bite-sized tips, plain-English updates, and handy things you’ll actually use — no spam, no fluff.

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If you're not sure how your HR is really holding up, take the free HR Health Check. It's short, jargon-free, and gives you a clear score on what's working and what could do with a bit of love.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe so you never miss one, and leave a review if you've got thirty seconds. It honestly does help more small business owners find the show, and it's the cheapest good deed you'll do all week.

Got a question or need actual HR support? Find Kate at kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email [email protected], or follow along on social.

Until next time, keep buzzing, and take care of your people.