Employers and particularly their HR departments could avoid the bulk of complaints about pregnancy discrimination through good communication with employees, according to a partner at Hicksons law firm.
Many employers assume they're "doing the right thing" when they stop communicating with employees on maternity leave, but according to seasoned executive Janine Garner, this is an ineffective - and potentially damaging - business strategy.
The parental-leave process can be fraught with confusion and misunderstandings, but according to return-to-work expert Emma Walsh, employers can take simple, inexpensive steps to make the transitions easier for everyone.
With expectant parents already able to file claims with the Family Assistance Office, employers need to know how to answer employees' questions about the imminent paid parental scheme, say Lander and Rogers employment lawyers.
A NSW employer that allegedly told a worker to "bear the consequences" of her "inconvenient" pregnancy, is facing fines of up to $231,000 following the launch of the Fair Work Ombudsman's first pregnancy discrimination case.
The Federal Government's paid parental leave scheme is due to take effect on 1 January next year, but smart employers are preparing now in order to capitalise on its benefits, says special counsel for Freehills, Elizabeth Ferrier.
The number of employers cited in the Federal Government's 2010 employer of choice for women list has dropped to 95, down from 111 last year and 99 in 2008.
More than 50 per cent of SMEs have a poor understanding of the National Employment Standards, which came into effect on 1 January 2010, a survey of 350 employers has found.
As an increasing number of baby boomers find themselves caring not only for children and parents but grandchildren as well, the NSW Equal Employment Practitioners Association (NEEOPA) is urging employers to reassess how they manage and support their caregivers.
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.
