Workplace Investigations
and Culture Reviews
Workplace Investigations
We conduct independent workplace investigations across Canada and in the federal sector.
Our team handles sensitive and complex complaints, including systemic harassment, workplace violence, systemic discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. We have extensive experience investigating misconduct, breach of code of conduct, breach of conflict of interest, and whistleblower complaints. Our expertise also covers highly sensitive investigations involving C-suite executives.
We have conducted investigations across a variety of public and private sectors, including:
- Government ministries and municipal bodies
- Crown corporations and school boards
- Big Five banks
- Multinational corporations
- Professional organizations
- Start-ups
A Trauma-Informed Approach
All SWL investigators are trained in trauma-informed techniques.
We focus on balanced procedures that give participants a comfortable space to tell their story. In fact, respondents to complaints regularly share that they felt heard, respected, and treated fairly throughout the process.
We deliver clear, impartial reports grounded in all provincial human rights and occupational health and safety legislation, including the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Canada Labour Code, and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
These findings give executives and HR leaders the clarity needed to make reliable decisions.
Culture Reviews
A culture review assesses the overall health of a department or organization.
It identifies underlying tensions, communication breakdowns, and team friction—before those issues escalate into formal legal claims.
Difficult team dynamics often show up as high turnover, low morale, or recurring conflict. A culture review uncovers the root of these challenges by gathering candid, confidential feedback from staff across your business.
Through structured interviews and practical analysis, we give you:
- Clear visibility into hidden team friction
- Direct insight into what is driving low morale or employee turnover
- Practical steps to rebuild trust and stabilize workplace dynamics
Workplace Climate Review
Our workplace climate review process is designed to assess tension points in your workforce so you can solve the issue and move forward successfully.
When there is a team breakdown, whether from unproductive management, interpersonal conflicts, or other tension points, it can negatively impact your business. A workplace climate review identifies tension points and can provide recommendations for resolution.
Our typical climate review process follows a three stage approach:
1. Identifying the Issues:
We consult with you to get background information and identify the areas of concern for your business. We work with you to formulate our review questions which will guide the climate review process.
2. Speaking with Employees and Managers:
We meet with a selection of employees and managers to get to the bottom of the tension points. In our one-on-one interviews with employees and managers we provide a safe environment for everyone to share their lived work experience.
3. Climate Review Report:
SWL produces a thorough, readable, final report that explains the areas of concern, summarizes what we have learned, identifies the tension points, and suggests possible resolutions