Social media and blurry work/life boundaries mean employers can learn a lot about employees' out-of-work activities, but they should be very cautious about addressing them, according to employment lawyers.
Leading cultural change demands strong focus, an unwavering determination and a willingness to be held accountable, says Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick.
Industrial tribunals have responded well to the challenges posed by social media misconduct, and employers shouldn't be afraid to take action in appropriate cases, says barrister Elizabeth Raper.
A senior corrections officer who was dismissed following his third domestic violence conviction has been reinstated, after a tribunal found an insufficient connection between his out-of-hours conduct and his job.
HR professionals who recognise the warning signs of someone who may be stealing from their company can take steps to stop fraud or theft before it goes too far, Lander and Rogers partner Craig Higginbotham and senior associate Aaron Goonrey told an employer briefing recently.
Most HR policies fail to deal with modern bullying, discrimination and harassment challenges - including after-hours misconduct and misuse of social networks - says workplace lawyer Brad Swebeck.
Most HR policies fail to deal with modern bullying, discrimination and harassment challenges - including after-hours misconduct and misuse of social networks - says workplace lawyer Brad Swebeck.
In this presentation, he and fellow Hicksons Lawyers partner Stewart Cameron outline:
How to detect, prevent and manage bullying, discrimination and harassment;
New psychological injury risks posed by misuse of social networks/media;
What to include in bullying and harassment policies;
Your rights and responsibilities when managing employees' out-of-hours behaviour;
Appropriate responses to employee complaints;
Lessons to be learned from successful claims brought against employers;
How to defend spurious claims;
How to avoid claims arising from performance management; and
HR managers' liability for psychological injury under the existing and new OHS national framework.
Employers planning to shut down business over the Christmas and New Year period face risks from both an employee engagement and a legal compliance perspective, workplace experts warn.
Do you have to offer employees a support person at disciplinary meetings? What is the support person's role? Can you refuse to allow a requested support person to attend meetings? Lander & Rogers senior associate Amanda Harvey answers these questions and more.
Employers could be found vicariously liable for the way their customers and clients treat employees following recent changes to the Federal Sex Discrimination Act, says Workplace TrainWise managing director Karen Maher.
All employers should consider putting in place a workplace s-xual harassment prevention plan, even though such plans are only expressly prescribed in one jurisdiction, according to a risk management expert.
Recent events have shone a spotlight on whistleblowing, placing employers firmly on notice that their response to a protected disclosure could be subject to intense scrutiny. Watch this webcast to understand the role HR plays in this challenging space.
