News: Blog
Corporate hit with big fine for racial discrimination
The Federal Court has ordered a major postal company to pay $40,000 in compensation for race discrimination to a worker called a “f…..g black b..tard” by a colleague, but has…
Thousands accept 18-month pay freeze in new deal in exchange for family-friendly provisions
A leading Australian airline carrier has agreed to provide 10 days domestic and family violence leave and increase its paid parental leave from 12 weeks to 14 weeks to all…
HR Manager takes home her personnel file in an attempt to avoid sacking as workplace dispute spirals out of control
A recent case before the Fair Work Commission where a HR Manager was dismissed for taking her personnel file without permission, shows the importance of employer’s intervening early to prevent…
Bullying in the workplace: New research reveals big risk to modern workplaces
Startling new research by the University of Melbourne and Deakin University has found that female health professionals are susceptible to greater incidents of bullying and harassment, and are at twice…
Failure to formalise dismissal of accountant for breach of contract costs company a pretty penny
In most cases, the detail of an employment contract are not disputed between the parties. However, the importance of a well-drafted and enforced employment contract is critical when employment relationships…
Performance review or bullying: Have you crossed a line when addressing your staff’s workplace performance?
When does an assessment of workplace performance become bullying? Depending on the circumstances, the difference between the two can be difficult to determine – and there is fine line that,…
Address bullying and discrimination early – before they become multi-million dollar cases of the courts
Unfortunately, workplace bullying remains a feature of many Australian workplaces, with recent research by the University of South Australia finding that Australia ranks sixth in the world for cases of…
Fair Work Commission upholds “cat and mouse” traffic bullying dismissal after workplace investigation
A recent case before the Fair Work Commission highlights the importance of employers investigating allegations of inappropriate workplace behaviour such as bullying, harassment and discrimination, irrespective of whether a formal…
When workplace disputes snowball: How to manage mediation and avoid costly court proceedings
A multi-million dollar workplace dispute case has recently emerged in Queensland, demonstrating the important role professional workplace mediators can play in resolving conflicts before they end in litigation. A former senior…
‘Cashing out’ annual leave: How can you manage new leave provisions with your workforce?
Australian workplace reforms recently introduced by the Fair Work Commission now allow employees to voluntarily exchange annual leave for wages. This essentially allows them to ‘cash out’ their leave entitlements to…
Mental health issues in the workplace costs employers $11 billion each year: better mental health makes for better business
Mental illness is one of the leading causes of absenteeism and long-term work incapacity in Australia. Did you know that mental health conditions are costing Australian businesses almost $11 billion…
Poor leadership drives bullying culture: Is there a gap between ‘theory’ and ‘practice’ in your workplace?
Recent allegations of systemic harassment and bullying within a high profile law enforcement agency illustrate the importance of ensuring that important workplace policies and procedures are actually implemented within organisations.…
