Have you ever been part of an HR investigation? Whether you were the subject, the investigator or simply an outside observer, there is growing evidence of the significant harm they can cause.

In this episode of our Transforming Business podcast series with Martin Parker, Andrew Cooper and Adrian Neal, editors of ‘Under Investigation: Transforming Disciplinary Practice in the Workplace’, discuss the issues with these processes.

They explore the impact employee investigations can have on organisational culture and show that prioritising employee wellbeing, alongside the application of these processes, is not only possible but essential.

Andrew Cooper is the Head of Programmes for Employee Wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales. Adrian Neal is the Head of Employee Wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales and a Consultant Psychologist.

Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/professional-business/under-investigation

The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/11/11/podcast-when-hr-hurts-why-workplace-discipline-needs-a-rethink/

Timestamps:

1:23 - What is your book doing?

2:30 - What potential harms are there, outside of the person going through the process?

6:19 - What angles are you both approaching this issue from?

8:17 - What stories stand out to you?

13:19 - What should we be doing instead?

17:12 - How does giving voice open these processes for investigation?

24:59 - How does scale affect the application of these processes?

31:21 - How do these findings apply on a broader scale?

35:04 - Who would you like to read this book?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com 

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