What happens if you don’t cooperate in a workplace investigation?

Law Discussions
1

If a company asks you to take part in a workplace investigation, can you say no without risking your job? Or is it better to just go along with it to avoid trouble?

2

From what I know, the right to stay silent only applies to criminal stuff. If it’s a work investigation, they can probably fire you if you refuse.

3

Peyton said:
From what I know, the right to stay silent only applies to criminal stuff. If it’s a work investigation, they can probably fire you if you refuse.

Yeah, true. The whole ‘right to remain silent’ is more for court situations, not workplaces.

4

@Kirby
Makes sense. So basically, refusing to join in could mean losing your job?

5

If you’re in an ‘at-will’ state, they don’t need a big reason to fire you as long as it’s not discrimination.

6

Hollis said:
If you’re in an ‘at-will’ state, they don’t need a big reason to fire you as long as it’s not discrimination.

Gotcha. So refusing could definitely backfire if they decide it’s grounds to let you go.

7

Hollis said:
If you’re in an ‘at-will’ state, they don’t need a big reason to fire you as long as it’s not discrimination.

Right. Unless it’s for something illegal, they’re within their rights to do it.

8

Honestly, in most cases, it’s probably smarter to just cooperate unless you’re protected by a union or some kind of contract.

9

Toni said:
Honestly, in most cases, it’s probably smarter to just cooperate unless you’re protected by a union or some kind of contract.

Yeah, sounds like it’s the safer option to keep things smooth at work.

10

If you’re worried about the questions, you could ask to have someone else there with you, like an HR rep.

11

Sidney said:
If you’re worried about the questions, you could ask to have someone else there with you, like an HR rep.

Good idea. Having a witness can help if there’s any confusion later on.

12

@Leith
Didn’t think of that, but sounds helpful. Could keep things more fair.

13

It’s all about covering your back. Document everything and maybe have someone in the room with you if possible.

14

Shiloh said:
It’s all about covering your back. Document everything and maybe have someone in the room with you if possible.

Thanks, that’s good advice. I’ll be sure to keep track of everything just in case.