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Stamping out workplace bullying has to be a leader-led initiative, but executives are largely escaping HR's attention. "I see a lot of HR departments focusing on managers and staff, and really struggling to influence that executive layer of conduct," says Corporate Dojo founder Karen Gately.
The "no costs" feature of claims brought under the Fair Work Act will not always apply to class action funders, the Federal Court has ruled in an important case. The funder of two class actions must now provide security upfront, and has flagged its "appetite" for class actions might change.
New amendments to anti-discrimination laws aim to provide clarity to employers, but HWL Ebsworth partner Brad Swebeck warns HR to "tread carefully" in this space. "What you don't want are employers making decisions about someone's ability to perform a role or work in a particular industry by the simple fact only that there's a criminal offence," he says.
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Reducing stigma around mental health issues and offering a high level of flexibility is helping Seek boost employees' wellbeing in ways that work for individuals, teams and the organisation. Group HR director Kathleen McCudden provides insight into the organisation's approach, and why it won't offer 'mental health days'.
There is "movement afoot" in industrial relations reform, with changes likely in many areas of employment law and regulation. Herbert Smith Freehills partner Natalie Gaspar discusses the Coalition Government's priority areas, and also outlines key considerations for employers, with regard to what's next for the union movement; and ALP/ACTU priorities, including bargaining reforms and strategic legal challenges.
The Federal Court has rejected an employee's application for an injunction restraining her employer from monitoring her social media activity. She is being investigated for breaching the code of conduct by criticising her employer on Twitter, and persisting in tweeting despite being warned.