Nora Rohman and Zaneta Seidel of Oppenheimer Investigations Group presented “Workplace Investigations in Politically Charged Times” at the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Annual Conference on November 7, 2025 in Atlanta, GA.
As workplace investigators, we do not operate in a vacuum. The allegations we investigate and people we interview are not isolated from current events or the polarized climate in which we find ourselves. The task for investigators becomes remaining impartial while navigating external factors that may be impacting our investigations.
The presenters:
- Highlighted heightened social, political, and cultural issues that may come up in investigations, and suggest conscientious techniques for probing sensitive topics;
- Suggested methods for maintaining boundaries and balance between investigator’s work and civic engagement;
- Discussed social and emotional stressors investigators may experience working in a politically charged climate, and suggest ways to maintain self-care, professionalism, and impartiality;
- Discussed the trending reaction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the impact and pressures it places on our work as investigators.