An employer that failed to comply with its own harassment policy must pay damages to an employee, but according to an employment law specialist, the liability should have been a simple one to avoid.
The Productivity Commission plans to look specifically at whether perceptions of the unfair dismissal jurisdiction match up to reality, as part of its broad workplace relations review.
In a decision that contains useful guidance for HR professionals on when "undesirable" management behaviour is also "unreasonable", the Fair Work Commission has ruled that displaying intolerance or low-level anger towards a worker does not necessarily constitute bullying.
This year has been an exceptionally challenging one for HR professionals. The new anti-bullying jurisdiction kicked off; social media evolution outpaced the development of associated workplace policies and responses; and there was no shortage of new case law on everything from unfair dismissal to restraint clauses.
Potential reputation damage from a stop-bullying application is so great that employers should always request confidentiality, even if the Commission is reluctant to grant it, says an employment law expert.
Employers that fail to act on swearing in the workplace could be putting their people and reputations at risk, but how is HR supposed to decide what words should and shouldn't be tolerated?
Every day, HR professionals are required to defend and explain their practices in courts and tribunals, with far-reaching ramifications including legal liability and reputational harm. Watch this webcast to understand how to protect yourself.
Employers that initially fail to deal with social media misuse in the workplace could be waiving their right to address that misconduct at a later date, warns an employment lawyer.
The Fair Work Commission finalised nearly 200 anti-bullying applications in the first six months of the new regime, but upheld only one, its annual report shows.
Certain leadership styles can increase workplace psychosocial risks, so employers must take this into account in leadership selection and performance management processes, argues a psychologist.
The challenges employers face in managing underperformance continue to intensify, in light of flexible work arrangements, psychosocial obligations, and more. Minimise your legal risks and maximise your outcomes by attending this HR Daily Premium webinar.