Gender transition is an "enormously confronting" issue, but a supportive work environment can literally mean the difference between life or death for employees who are going through - or contemplating - the process, according to Captain Cate McGregor.
A worker accused of sleeping on the job has been awarded $15,500 after a court found her employer had not closely followed the three-strike disciplinary procedure of its enterprise agreement.
Employers and HR professionals should ensure their social-media policies and training clearly cover use of digital photography, with photo-sharing apps creating a host of new bullying, harassment and other risks to manage, according to Holding Redlich senior associate Joel Zyngier.
Privacy Act amendments taking effect next week make it imperative for organisations to update their policies and procedures, according to Kemp Strang partner Vicki Grey.
From 1 April, organisations with more than 100 employees will need to report on the gender composition of their workforce and boards, along with their gender pay equity strategies, and more.
The Fair Work Commission has upheld an employer's dismissal of a worker who refused to sign an acknowledgement he had undergone social media training, arguing it is inevitable social media policies go beyond purely an "at work" context.
The combination of social media and a holiday atmosphere makes the festive season a particularly dangerous time of year for employers, warranting "extra care" on their part, says Holding Redlich special counsel Trent Taylor.
Allowing employees to work from home as well as the office can increase productivity and engagement, but instead of adopting a whole-of-company approach to introducing and managing telework, many employers are allowing it on an ad hoc basis, says expert Nina Sochon.
More than half of the population will experience a mental illness at some stage in their lives, and most will choose to conceal it, so employers need to beware of performance-managing workers who are unwell, says Swinburne University of Technology's Doctor Mirella Romanella.
In this 15-minute podcast, employment lawyer Kristin Duff (Ramsey) answers 13 questions from subscribers about employment contracts, in relation to probation periods, changes to remuneration packaging, terminating fixed-term contracts, employment offers and more.
General protections claims are the fastest-growing category of applications in the Fair Work Commission, with reforms now underway to stem the tide. This webinar will discuss important developments in both procedural issues and case law.