Employers looking to implement workplace drug and alcohol testing must ensure that the process is completely transparent to avoid possible litigation - especially when it comes to sacking workers who test positive to prohibited substances, says Harmers Workplace Lawyers partner, Jamie Robinson.
"Corporate psychopaths" create workplace conflict and cause top talent to flee, but there are ways to recognise and remove them before it's too late, says organisational psychologist Jason Blaik.
One of the most common mistakes businesses make - particularly in a downturn - is to distribute remuneration evenly across their workforce, according to researcher Erik Berggren.
Nearly two-thirds of Australian employers are forecasting redundancies and plan to cut, on average, 5.5 per cent of their workforce, according to new research.
Retrenched employees in Australia receive lower severance pay than workers in 20 other countries, but a higher level of transitional assistance, according to a new study.
Employers are ramping up their alumni programs in a bid to maintain good relationships and maximise prospects for re-hiring staff that might lose their jobs during the downturn.
"Smart" employers are looking to mature-age workers to fill contract positions during the economic slowdown, to reap the benefits of their experience in challenging times, according to SageCo director, Alison Monroe.
Making employees redundant should be considered as a cost-saving solution only after all other avenues have been explored, according to HR business advisor at The Clarity Group, Greg Smith.
A $100,000-plus damages payout is a wake-up call for employers who fail to keep records of pre-employment discussions, according to Deacons partner Sally Woodward.
Employers forced to cut staff levels must ensure that remaining workers are equipped with the skills to deal with abusive customers, or risk exposure to litigation from distressed employees, a workplace lawyer warns.
