Upcoming Events

Building respectful and inclusive organizations: Combating mistreatment at work
Presented by the Michigan State University School of Human Resources and Labor Relations

We all want to feel included and respected in our workplaces. But all too often, people mistreat each other. Mistreatment can range from mild to severe; it can range from a single event to everyday occurrences. In this three-part session, we will talk about some of the common forms of mistreatment, what to do about them, and how to conduct fair investigations when necessary.

Part 1: Incivility and Microaggressions
Both incivility and microaggressions are recognized as forms of mistreatment that are less severe than bullying or physical violence. They are also more common, and when people experience them on a regular basis, they have a cumulative harmful impact. We’ll talk about things that individuals can do to respond to them, and things that leaders can do to prevent them from happening in the future.

Building respectful and inclusive organizations: Combating mistreatment at work
Presented by the Michigan State University School of Human Resources and Labor Relations

Part 2: Bystander intervention
What can you do if you are a witness (i.e., it’s happening to someone else, not to you) to workplace mistreatment? What should you do? We’ll talk through some of the issues and concerns people have when they witness something and aren’t sure whether or not to respond. And we’ll also talk about how to respond, if you choose to do so.

Building respectful and inclusive organizations: Combating mistreatment at work
Presented by the Michigan State University School of Human Resources and Labor Relations

Part 3: Workplace Investigations That Build Trust
How a workplace investigation is conducted sends a powerful message about an organization’s values. When done well, investigations demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee well-being and a clear stance on acceptable behavior. This is especially critical in cases involving bullying, harassment, or other trauma-related incidents, where mishandling can cause lasting harm.

In this fast-paced 30-minute session, Dr. Riley will walk employers through the essential steps of a respectful and effective workplace investigation. Participants will learn practical strategies to build trust, protect psychological safety, and ensure a fair process—especially during sensitive employee interviews.