workplace policy

Tuesday, 18 June 2013 5:05pm

A new National Australia Bank (NAB) policy is offering free counselling, flexible work and paid leave to workers who are suffering from domestic violence.

Monday, 17 June 2013 7:25am

The Fair Work Act's bullying amendments will make it more difficult for employers to address performance issues at work, according to Maddocks partner, Ross Jackson.

Thursday, 04 April 2013 7:26am

Employers tend to overlook their health and safety obligations to employees who work from home or other off-site areas, but it is neither difficult nor onerous to take the necessary compliance steps, says employment lawyer Kristin Ramsey.

Wednesday, 13 February 2013 7:18am

An expert investigator has outlined what HR professionals should consider when deciding whether to audio-record or take notes during workplace investigative interviews.

Monday, 11 February 2013 7:10am

Fair Work Australia's reinstatement of a Virgin flight attendant, who was sacked following a dispute over his hair length, should not discourage employers from enforcing grooming policies, says Hicksons partner Brad Swebeck.

Monday, 10 December 2012 7:04am

How to manage an employee's positive drug test at work will depend on the circumstances and their role, but the first step should always be to re-test and confirm the result, says Mills Oakley associate Allison Grant.

Friday, 07 December 2012 4:58pm

Every HR and safety practitioner will potentially have to address drug and alcohol issues at work, but none should take action without a solid understanding of the legal landscape.

In this presentation, Luke Connolly and Allison Grant, from Mills Oakley Lawyers, explain:

• When - and how - it is appropriate to conduct workplace drug tests;
• How to respond to incidents of drug and alcohol use at work;
• Drafting considerations for drug and alcohol policies; and
• Legal risks arising from workplace drug and alcohol management.

Thursday, 06 December 2012 7:18am

Before implementing or updating social media policies, employers should weigh up the risks of allowing various levels of use against the benefits, lawyer Fay Calderone has told an HRD Plus webcast.

Wednesday, 05 December 2012 2:30pm

Implementing a policy to regulate employees' social media behaviour puts employers in a "much better place" to prevent some of the damage that can occur, says employment lawyer Fay Calderone.

In this webcast she covers:

• the "blurry" line between personal and work use of social media;
• vicarious liability, confidentiality and post-employment restraint issues;
• preliminary steps to take before developing a policy;
• what to include in your policy;
• including what not to do;
• implementing the policy; and
• considerations when enforcing policy breaches.

Thursday, 15 November 2012 7:26am

Speech time at the work Christmas party is a good opportunity for employers to pause the flow of alcohol and help prevent incidents arising from excessive consumption, says the Australian Drug Foundation's head of workplace services, Phillip Collins.