HR & Workplace Relations
Former employee awarded $1 million in workplace bullying case illustrates big risk for Australian businesses
A former employee of a government agency has been awarded more than $1 million, after the bullying she was subjected to – which stemmed from one single incident – left…
Read MoreCourt rejects executive’s $200,000-plus claim on contractual benefits – Employer saved by crystal clear bonus entitlement terms
Court rejects executive’s $200,000-plus claim on contractual benefits – Employer saved by crystal clear bonus entitlement terms As an employer, devoting the time and resources to develop a sound HR…
Read MoreBullying 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…
Read MorePerformance 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,…
Read MoreAddress 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…
Read MoreFair 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…
Read MoreMalaysian restaurant chain fined $300,000 for underpaying staff – some paid as little as $11 per hour
Malaysian restaurant chain fined $300,000 for underpaying staff – some paid as little as $11 per hour Employers have a legal obligation to ensure that employees are paid according to…
Read MoreWatertight contracts are crucial to preventing workplace disputes; “clumsy wording” leads to employer defeat in contracts matter in Commission
Watertight contracts are crucial to preventing workplace disputes; “clumsy wording” leads to employer defeat in contracts matter in Commission Drawing up an employment contract that accurately reflects an employee’s remuneration…
Read MorePoor 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.…
Read MoreEngage an external bullying investigation when transparency in doubt, says tribunal
Employers can pay heed to an organisation’s handling of unfounded bullying allegations which recently earned it the praises of the FWC. Even in light of this community services organisation’s thoroughness…
Read MoreAirport strike over pay negotiations highlights enterprise agreement risk to organisations
Airport strike over pay negotiations highlights enterprise agreement risk to organisations Recent industrial action across Australia’s airports has highlighted the risks that organisations are exposed to when up-to-date enterprise agreements…
Read MoreAnti-bullying claim dismissed by FWC – but ‘unreasonable’ employer ordered to accept employees’ voluntary redundancy
Anti-bullying claim dismissed by FWC – but ‘unreasonable’ employer ordered to accept employees’ voluntary redundancy The Fair Work Act defines workplace bullying to occur when ‘an individual or group of…
Read MoreEmployee sacked for visiting swimsuit site wins $25,000 award in unfair dismissal claim
Employee sacked for visiting swimsuit site wins $25,000 award in unfair dismissal claim The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has recently awarded $25,000 to a former employee of a car dealership…
Read MoreHow appointing a contact officer can reduce the expense of bullying allegations
It has been reported that workplace bullying is costing Australian businesses between $6 and $13 billion per year, due to drops in productivity, higher rates of absenteeism, higher staff turnover and poor…
Read MoreBullying in the workplace: how a culture of aggression or harassment destroys productivity
A culture of bullying can have debilitating effects on the productivity of a workplace and the damage can takes years to unwind. One serious example emerged recently in a hospital…
Read MoreWorker wins job back after being dismissed for making lewd and derogatory remarks
Worker wins job back after being dismissed for making lewd and derogatory remarks When faced with allegations of an employee misconduct, it is in the best interests of Australian employers…
Read MoreBullied to death: workplace bullying alleged to be a contributing factor in father’s suicide
According to John Boardman, Director Workplace Relations at iHR, both employers and employees have an obligation to create a safe working environment. If an employer or employee observes inappropriate workplace…
Read MoreMonty Pythonesque employee relations blasted by Fair Work Commission as employee wins nearly $100,000 in compensation
Monty Pythonesque employee relations blasted by Fair Work Commission as employee wins nearly $100,000 in compensation Good employee relations are crucial for business success, fostering teamwork and productivity. Poor employee…
Read MorePolice officer’s 18-month battle highlights why workplace investigations must be firm but fair
Police officer’s 18-month battle highlights why workplace investigations must be firm but fair A Victorian police officer who was first responder to one of worst train disasters in Australian history,…
Read MoreSacking of micromanaging and bullying manager upheld: why anti-bullying training is needed
According to John Boardman, Director Workplace Relations at iHR Australia, bullying has taken a devastating toll on Australian business costing more than $10 billion dollars a year. Boardman notes that…
Read MoreRestructuring parental leave mum out of the business not okay, says Fed Court – the importance of sound policy, procedure and advice
Restructuring parental leave mum out of the business not okay, says Federal Court – the importance of sound policy, procedure and advice A recent case before the Federal Circuit Court…
Read MoreDismissal of “smart a-se” during probation period unlawful, says Federal Court – what you need to know about probationary periods
Dismissal of “smart a-se” during probation period unlawful, says Federal Court – what you need to know about probationary periods Despite the popular assumption, employers cannot simply dismiss staff without…
Read MoreHurt feelings and workplace bullying are not the same according to Fair Work Commission
A common concern for managers is what constitutes workplace bullying. A recent case before the Fair Work Commission highlights the importance of managers understanding the definition of bullying and specifically the…
Read More4 key ingredients for an effective workplace bullying policy
As with many workplace issues, the first element of a prevention strategy for workplace bullying is to have a clear, up to date and well communicated policy in place. The…
Read More