As the Fair Work Commission continues to dripfeed information about its new 'unfair contracts' jurisdiction, a lawyer sets out what to expect under its new expanded powers.
High and low job demands are two common psychosocial hazards that can arise in any organisation, and it's crucial for employers to mitigate the risks of both, an employment lawyer says.
Recent and upcoming legislative changes require HR professionals to carefully review existing and template employment contracts to mitigate their risk of non-compliance, a workplace lawyer stresses.
"Mapping out" how, when and why employees are contacted after hours will help employers prepare for the right to disconnect reforms, and alleviate some of the uncertainty that accompanies these changes, according to a workplace lawyer.
Employers are being urged to regularly review their control measures in performance management processes, to reduce their risk of workplace psychosocial hazards and workers' compensation claims.
The importance of engaging and communicating with employees about enterprise agreements cannot be understated, a lawyer stresses, noting HR professionals have a "critical" role to play in the new bargaining landscape.
Managing unplanned absences can be fraught with risk, particularly when employers haven't strictly enforced certain obligations in the past, a lawyer warns.
Employers are being warned not to dismiss complaints they believe are misconceived or lacking in substance, with a recent case showing that doing so may put them on the wrong side the Fair Work Act's general protections provisions.
Exiting a difficult employee too often becomes a "train wreck", but certain tactics increase the likelihood of successfully negotiating a mutual separation, a workplace lawyer says.
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.
