It is the way managers deal with employee complaints - rather than the subject of the complaints - that can trigger workers to launch legal claims, according to Hicksons workplace relations practice manager, Brad Swebeck.
Employers faced with the prolonged absence of a sick employee - and a "spider's web" of associated legal obligations - are often scared into making hasty decisions, or paralysed by indecision, says workplace lawyer Brad Petley.
Checking and sending work-related emails at home has become part of the job for many employees - but employers have largely overlooked the implications for work overload, says University of Sydney researcher Dr Melissa Gregg.
A recent court case and fines totalling $330,000 show that employers with knowledge of inappropriate behaviour at work "have to do something about it", says Sparke Helmore special counsel, Adam Saunders.
Employers that support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) workers enjoy greater employee commitment, says former High Court Justice Michael Kirby.
HR Daily's most popular articles in 2009 fell into four broad categories - engagement and wellbeing, redundancies, leadership, and legal compliance - and here we bring you the year's top stories in each.
End-of-year celebrations have always been fraught with risk, but the proliferation of mobile devices adds "e-harassment" to the list of potential risks employers must address, according to lawyer Lisa Berton.
Employers who want their workers to return from the Christmas break rested and "fully charged" should consider a "leave-at-work policy" for mobile devices, says human capital expert Anthony Sork.
The links between employee engagement and profitability are well established, but there's been a lack of focus on the long-term impact on employees who have a high level of commitment to their employer, says Alice Streatfeild of research firm, ORC.
Team-building activities to revive weary workers and boost morale don't have to be expensive and time consuming, says Randstad head of outplacement and career coaching for Australia and Asia Pacific, Fiona Webster.
