With the holiday season approaching, employers need to beware that if they grant employees leave in advance there's a risk they won't be able to deduct it from the final pay packet, says DLA Phillips Fox senior associate Alex Manos.
Employers that don't adequately prepare for employees' imminent right to request flexible working arrangements could see the morale of their workforce eroded and face public scrutiny over their handling of requests, says workplace lawyer Brad Petley.
Knowledge gaps in contractor management issues have the potential to expose medium-to-large companies to serious financial risks, says payroll tax specialist Stacey Nolan.
Flexible work arrangements will be seen as solutions to the "problem" of women's employment until more men access them, says the director of the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA), Mairi Steele.
The employers that will get the most benefit from enterprise bargaining negotiations under the new system are those that have a strong handle on the drivers of their business, and who embrace "new thinking and new skills", says workplace lawyer Chris Gardner.
Employers that restrict the influence executives have on their own pay packets can avoid being "tarred with the same brush" as organisations perceived as rewarding failed leaders, the Productivity Commission says, but it has rejected a push to cap executive pay and bonuses.
Changes to the 457-visa scheme are mostly in favour of 457 holders, and will disadvantage employers that have relied on on-the-job training, according to Acacia Immigration Australia director, Mark Webster.
An employer's OHS obligations take precedence when an employee shows up at work under the influence of alcohol, but a regime that combines a clear policy, counselling and discipline ensures best practice, according to leading workplace lawyer, Michael Tooma.
The laws around engaging casual and contract workers have changed drastically this year. Understand how this affects your organisation by attending this HR Daily webinar.
From August, employees will have a legislated right to disconnect from work. Understand what this means for your organisation by watching this HR Daily Premium webcast.
