With an increasing number of executives disputing dismissal decisions via the Fair Work Act's adverse action provisions, rigorous termination processes have never been more important, according to employment lawyer Murray Procter.
The Fair Work Commission has issued its first substantive orders under the new anti-bullying regime, limiting contact between two workers except in emergency circumstances.
Organisations with overseas ownership, and those that send employees to work in other countries, often get caught out by employment laws for failing to provide the correct entitlements, according to employment lawyer Rick Catanzariti.
The laws that govern a union's right to enter a workplace have been around for years now, but many employers are still shocked and confused about what to do when a union official arrives at the door, according to employment lawyer Mark Branagan.
Discrimination based on workers' looks is alive and well in the Australian workplace, according to an academic, who says HR professionals should be aware of "lookism" in order to avoid its associated risks.
Employers and HR professionals should ensure their social-media policies and training clearly cover use of digital photography, with photo-sharing apps creating a host of new bullying, harassment and other risks to manage, according to Holding Redlich senior associate Joel Zyngier.
Workplace incidents that occurred before the new jurisdiction commenced can be considered as evidence in stop-bullying proceedings, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.
Just as it's becoming more common for senior executives to rotate through the HR department as part of their development, HR professionals should do a stint in other areas to gain experience and boost their credibility in the organisation, according to global HR authority Wayne Cascio.
Mandatory drug and alcohol testing in construction and other dangerous industries is a "common sense" move that would make it easier for employers to meet their safety obligations, according to employment lawyer Tony Wood.
Some employers have successfully stepped up to the task of managing psychosocial safety, but in many other workplaces, initiatives are falling flat. Join us for an HR Daily webinar to understand what's holding back progress in this critical space and how to move forward.
