Advanced Employee Relations and Internal Investigations Certificate

Gain a Full Range of Employee Relations Skills

Proactively developing and managing employee relations and internal investigations has never been more critical for organizations in every industry.

In this live certificate program, you will gain current knowledge of ever-changing employment law issues and employee relations practices and policies. You will receive a comprehensive process for planning, conducting, and concluding internal investigations involving employees. You will develop techniques for addressing and preventing inappropriate workplace behaviors, problem solving, facilitating conflict, fostering communication skills, and navigating different working styles. You will discover a framework for conducting effective ER conversations with employees and managers. You will acquire the skills to help team leaders strategically manage employee performance coaching and counseling. During the sessions, time will be dedicated to applying the methods and skills for effectively engaging in employee relations conversations, providing performance feedback, conducting internal investigations and using problem solving techniques.

This program will be offered in-person. The sessions will include expert demonstrations, small and whole group case-study activities with feedback, discussions, Q&A, and sharing practices with peers. Networking opportunities will be provided.

Key Certificate Takeaways

• Examine the scope of employment laws that impact organizations, including strategies and preventive actions
• Practice applying a framework for conducting employee relations conversations with managers and employees
• Review strategies for preventing and responding to policy violations of harassment and retaliation
• Understand and apply tools for collaborative problems solving of conflicts
• Work strategically with managers to provide performance feedback to employees
• Review a structure and apply techniques for conducting internal investigations
• Practice interviews and gathering information through essential probing skills
• Practice conducting thorough, complex investigations, including handling difficult and emotional interviewees
• Engage with techniques for avoiding advocacy language and addressing credibility when reaching conclusions
• Review and apply a template for writing internal investigations reports
• Develop outcomes, recommendations, and implementation practices for an internal investigation

Who Should Enroll

• Entry-level to senior HR professionals
• Global HR managers
• Employee relations managers
• Generalists seeking to move into a specialized role
• HR, ER, EEO, compliance and security professionals

Additional Notes: 

• It is recommended to take CO111 Employment and EEO Laws first
• It is recommended to take CO251 Effective Employee Relations before taking any Investigations workshops
• CO340 Advanced Internal Investigations: Process and Application is required before taking CO240 Advanced Internal Investigations Reports

Learn More

We are now offering the Certified Internal Investigator - Certification Program. The Certified Internal Investigator credential enables experienced internal investigators and attorneys to demonstrate their expertise by taking an exam on conducting an investigation about potential policy violations by an employee. It will assess participants' application of the best practices, skills, and knowledge outlined in the Cornell ILR Internal Investigations Model and Guidelines.