Mediations
Bullying or performance management? The finest of lines
In many cases around workplace bullying a common thread is apparent– that there is a fine, difficult to distinguish line between performance management and bullying. What might seem reasonable and…
Read MoreBullying and the Workplace FAQs
1. What is workplace bullying? Each State and Territory has its own definition or legislation regarding workplace bullying. When proven, workplace bullying constitutes a breach of the relevant State Workplace…
Read MoreOpposition’s IR Policy: Summary and Reaction
Opposition’s Leader Tony Abbott’s industrial relations policy was released last week, key points from the policy include; Restrict union right of entry into workplaces. Create a Registered Organisations Commission to…
Read MoreBashing the boss – the rise of upwards bullying
When we first think of bullying we tend to automatically think of downward bullying. This is the situation where a manager/supervisor or a more senior worker, bullies and/or harasses junior…
Read MoreLateness; not a sacking offence – FWC
Repeated lateness was not an adequate reason for instant dismissal, the Fair Work Commission has ruled in a recent case about a tardy employee. A bridal shop worker was dismissed…
Read MoreCommunications – HR’s best friend?
Have you ever discovered that one of your colleagues was leaving when you saw their job being advertised? Or have you been alerted to a new promotion, product or campaign…
Read MoreWorkplace Investigations: Top 3 causes of workplace complaints
This year, iHR Australia is conducting research around our workplace investigations including the nature of complaints, contributing factors and key observations. Although the final results and report for quarter one…
Read MoreAustralian workplaces NOT racist… just ageist and sexist?
A groundbreaking study has found people from non-English speaking countries and religious minorities are no more likely to think they had been discriminated against by their bosses than other workers.…
Read MoreTackling bullying a work-in-progress for Victorian Government
Tackling bullying a work-in-progress for Victorian Government Combating workplace bullying remains a key priority for Victorian State Government, according to a new report from the State Services Authority.
Read MoreFrivolous or ignorant? Bogus bullying claims on the rise
Yesterday, the Age reported a rise in workplace bullying claims putting small businesses under pressure and leading to time and money wasted investigating frivolous claims. Whilst raising awareness of bullying…
Read MoreTough boss or big bully? Part 3
In this final part in our series on real-life bullying experiences, we share another story from a reader who experienced bullying – with an unfortunate outcome. (All these stories have…
Read MoreTough boss or big bully? Part 2
What does it feel like to be bullied at work? In part two of our series on real-life bullying experiences, we share another story from a reader. (All these stories…
Read MoreTough boss or big bully? Part 1
You hear a lot about workplace bullying and its cost to businesses, but it can be hard to get a real sense of what it’s like and what impact it…
Read MoreBully boys or nanny staters – does the draft Bullying Code of Practice make the workplace unworkable?
Bullying behaviour costs billions of dollars per year and the effect on individuals who are targeted by bullies can be devastating, however the draft Code of Practice introduces the concept…
Read MoreWorkplace Bullying: “We just want it to stop”
The House Standing Committee on Education and Employment as part of the House of Representatives inquiry into Workplace Bullying has tabled on 26 November 2012 a report titled, Workplace Bullying:…
Read MoreKer-ching! Flawed workplace investigation costs company $1.4 million
Getting dismissals and terminations wrong can be costly and time-consuming. iHR Australia’s Director of Workplace Relations, John Boardman commented, “This case once again highlights the need for consistency and procedural…
Read MoreVexatious Bullying Complaints are Workplace Harassment
Written by Stephen Bell, Managing Director, iHR Australia. Relevant workplace legislation has upped the ‘ante’ on the consequences of workplace bullying. In Victoria, politicians rightfully agreed that workplace bullying…
Read MoreSarcasm is the lowest form of wit…. but is it bullying?
The debate continues: when does a “robust” style of supervision become bullying? A Queensland supervisor’s occasional “unprofessional and inappropriate” communication style did not amount to workplace bullying and harassment, Fair…
Read MoreSick of sickies – Australia’s poor sick leave culture and what business can do about it
A recent survey has prompted estimates that absenteeism is costing the Australian economy $28 billion in lost productivity and wages per annum, with the public service alone bearing costs of…
Read MoreGrowth busters – the top 10 killers of innovation
There is a tendency in business to seek the magic formula that will produce breakthrough products and services. However, this breakthrough is much less likely to happen if there are…
Read MoreNowhere to hide – national anti-bullying laws take another step
The harmonisation of WHS legislation throughout Australia is affecting definitions and requirements for the handling of bullying and harassment complaints. A number of jurisdictions have now developed Codes of Practice for…
Read MoreThe Dos and Don’ts of workplace investigations
HR practitioners and Line Managers are more regularly being called upon to conduct investigations into complaints by staff members, corresponding with the increasing number of stress related workers compensation claims that relate…
Read MoreHitting the ground running – why employers want instant results from new employees
Settling into a job used to be like Test cricket. Induction day – tick; learn processes – tick; meet colleagues – tick; develop peer and client relationships – tick; gradually…
Read More3 top tips for managing workplace bullying
A brief look at recent case law involving workplace bullying makes it clear that it’s a serious issue for all employers. A well developed anti-bullying policy is essential, to define…
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