Employees need greater understanding of what bullying is not, and new language for conflict, so not all interpersonal issues are managed through workplace bullying processes, a mediation specialist says. » more »
An employer has failed to prove that documents from a s-xual harassment investigation were primarily created to obtain legal advice and shouldn't be made available to a dismissed employee. » more »
An employer that allowed a worker to secretly check her manager's computer for p-rnography has been ordered to pay him $25k in compensation for unfair dismissal. » more »
It was unreasonable, and "somewhat extreme", for a manager to request an employee meeting at short notice, via text message, and without mentioning its reason, a commission has ruled in a workers' compensation dispute. » more »
Do all organisations need a distinct bullying policy? What should an employer do when a worker wants to withdraw a complaint? How should employers deal with the fallout from a bullying investigation? A specialist answers these questions and more. » more »
A raft of new tribunal decisions are instructive for employers on how to manage bullying complaints and handle disciplinary action following employee misconduct. » more »
Employers can't rely on any general principle to dismiss employees for reputational damage, so those without an explicit policy requiring workers to act consistently with their good reputation could be taking a significant risk, a lawyer warns. » more »
The Fair Work Commission has rejected the findings of an HR manager's misconduct investigation after hearing she failed to interview key witnesses, including the accused employee. » more »
Workplace surveillance can deter unwanted behaviours and provide strong evidence to back up employment decisions, but only if the practice is clearly set out in policy, an employment lawyer warns. » more »
The Fair Work Commission has slammed an employer's investigation and dismissal of an employee for leaking "confidential HR information", describing the process as a "very regrettable display of incompetence". » more »
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When signs of workplace misbehaviour arise, it's not always necessary or even advisable to launch straight into a formal investigation.
