Poor performers are an unfortunate reality for many workplaces, so employers need a process that mitigates their legal risks when managing employees "up or out".
The risk of facing an adverse action claim is now a constant threat for employers and individual HR managers, but as case law in the area grows, well briefed employers are more likely to successfully defend them, say employment lawyers.
The Fair Work Act's adverse action provisions are the biggest cause of headaches for employers and should be modified, according to employment lawyers.
When an employee is under-performing, or their conduct is unsatisfactory, they can have a "rotten apple" effect on other workers, damaging productivity, engagement, and retention levels, says employment lawyer Brad Petley.
In this webcast he explains:
how difficult employee behaviour can manifest;
why employers must manage unsatisfactory conduct or performance;
employers' rights and obligations when managing difficult workers;
how to minimise your exposure to legal claims associated with difficult employees; and
It is nearly impossible for employers to completely understand how the Fair Work Act's adverse action provisions might affect them, but they should "sit up and pay attention" to developing case law, says Hicksons partner Brad Swebeck.
Employers considering shedding staff in reaction to economic uncertainty must ensure they have updated their redundancy processes, says employment lawyer Lisa Berton.
The Fair Work Act's flexible work provisions have been in place for well over a year, but many managers still don't have a "proper grasp" of them, and base their decisions on misunderstandings and prejudices rather than fact, says Mills Oakley partner Luke Connolly.
In the two years since the Fair Work Act's adverse action provisions commenced there have only been a handful of court decisions, but employers shouldn't assume they are unlikely to face a claim, says employment lawyer Natalie Spark.
In the wake of two recent judgments, employers appear to have more onerous obligations when defending claims brought under the Fair Work Act's adverse action provisions, say employment lawyers.
Employers that fail to properly investigate workplace issues and complaints before taking action risk falling foul of the Fair Work Act's procedural fairness requirements, says workplace lawyer Brad Petley.
When an employer receives a complaint or becomes aware of a conduct issue, it's not always appropriate to go down a traditional disciplinary path. This HR Daily Premium Q&A will discuss alternative options and how to determine which is best in various circumstances.
Recent constructive dismissal claims highlight the risks involved in accepting a resignation from an employee who is experiencing mental health issues. Watch this Q&A to understand the rulings' implications for all employers.
