An increasing number of Australian employers recognise the business value of a diverse workforce, but most are implementing strategies that neglect a key cohort, says Australian Network on Disability CEO, Suzanne Colbert.
A US employer that refused to make assumptions about what people with disability can and can't do – and was willing to see them fail if it meant giving them a chance to succeed – has dramatically improved the diversity of its workforce and reaped unexpected benefits along the way.
An employee sacked for using foul language during an altercation with his supervisor will receive compensation, after the Fair Work Commission found an HR manager misrepresented a "crucial issue" when documenting the incident.
When seeking to return an ill or injured employee to work, employers should be prepared to ask for - and provide - a great deal of detailed information, says employment lawyer Helen Donovan.
Managing long-term absent employees requires a cautious and proactive approach, or employers risk facing claims involving the whole gamut of employment law.
Watch this webcast to understand how to:
manage prolonged absences from work;
identify the 'inherent requirements' of a position;
consider 'reasonable adjustments';
ensure compliance with the proposed amendments to Commonwealth anti-discrimination laws;
determine what material to provide in an independent medical assessment;
return employees to work on suitable duties; and
evaluate relevant legal risks before a termination of employment.
Can HR professionals restrict who attends investigative interviews as a support person? How should interviewers deal with uncooperative respondents? When is it OK to audio-record interviews? This Q&A with expert investigator Harriet Stacey answers these questions and more.
Employers contemplating redundancies this year should consider the lessons from five rulings before taking any steps, says Lander and Rogers partner Neil Napper.
Costly legal disputes continue to highlight the many risks employers face when managing, disciplining, or dismissing employees while they are absent, injured or incapacitated. Attend this webinar for an up-to-date review of the legal framework applying to workplace absenteeism, injury and incapacity, and lessons from recent case law.
