Client Overview

Care Home is a private senior care facility providing independent living services to elderly residents. Known for its warm hospitality, home-cooked meals, and faith-centred values, the organization enjoys a strong reputation among its clientele and staff. However, like many workplaces, it faced a significant internal challenge requiring immediate and impartial HR support.

In Spring 2025, multiple complaints surfaced alleging that a long-standing employee, serving as the Head Cook Supervisor, had been taking inappropriate photos or videos of young employees while they worked. Red Rock HR Ltd. was brought in as an external third-party investigator to conduct a formal investigation and provide recommendations based on the findings.

Problem

Care Home lacked the internal HR capacity to conduct a proper investigation. The allegations involved a ten-year employee in a supervisory position accused of inappropriate conduct toward younger team members (ages 17–20). Although the employee had no prior performance concerns, several staff members brought forward reports of inappropriate workplace behaviour.

Key concerns included:

• Allegations of photos/videos being taken of young staff while bending or working

• A previous concern regarding unsolicited text messages in late 2024

• Six formal complaints and two letters of concern filed within 48 hours

• A socially awkward supervisor with no prior discipline history

• Fear among staff of returning to work if the accused remained employed

Care Home’s leadership was unsure how to proceed and concerned about the loss of trust among staff, regardless of the investigation’s outcome. They needed a neutral, timely, and compliant process to assess the validity of the complaints and determine next steps.

Action Steps

Red Rock HR Ltd. initiated a structured, unbiased workplace investigation, including:

• Engagement & Planning
  – Respondent was formally notified of the investigative suspension
  – Scope of investigation and communication protocols were outlined
  – Interview planning began within 2 days of the initial complaint

• Evidence Collection
  – 13 total interviews were conducted (6 complainants and 6 witnesses)
  – Interviews held in person during evenings/weekends to accommodate student employees
  – All interviews recorded, with transcribed notes signed by interviewees
  – Relevant evidence collected, including text messages and image files

• Assessment & Analysis
  – Additional witnesses added as names arose during interviews
  – Two-pronged test applied to assess whether behaviour met the definition of harassment
  – Credibility assessments conducted for all parties
  – Evidence evaluated against Care Home’s internal harassment, cell phone, and conduct policies
  – Final report drafted and submitted to management

• Employer Support
  – Red Rock HR provided guidance on policy breaches
  – Assisted Care Home in preparing a compliant termination letter
  – Ensured the investigative process followed all legal and procedural best practices

The central determination was whether the behaviour constituted workplace harassment under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code, and if it violated internal company policies.

Results

The final investigation report concluded that, on a balance of probabilities, the employee likely engaged in inappropriate behaviour by taking unauthorized images or videos of subordinates. Although the employee had a clean disciplinary record, a pattern of escalating behaviour over 6–8 months was identified.

This pattern included:

• Boundary-pushing conversations

• Overly friendly and inappropriate messaging

• Situational behaviours that, when viewed collectively, demonstrated a power imbalance and lack of judgment

The consistent, credible testimonies of multiple staff supported the conclusion that the supervisor’s conduct created an unsafe and uncomfortable work environment. Care Home proceeded with termination, supported by Red Rock HR Ltd.'s report and recommendations.

Are you facing a sensitive issue in your workplace involving employee behaviour or harassment?

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Whether you're dealing with complex allegations, policy breaches, or concerns about impartiality, we’re here to help.

Schedule a free consultation today to discuss how we can help your business build a strong HR foundation.