Unspoken dress codes carry real risks
Dress codes have mostly been phased out, but organisations still need to be wary of not discriminating in their expectations of employees' appearances, a lawyer warns. » more »
Policies & procedures (341 items)
Performance management coming under tighter scrutiny
Employers' performance management and disciplinary processes are being more heavily scrutinised, with a lawyer stressing HR has a crucial role in ensuring leaders follow established procedures. » more »
Inaction after suicide attempt was a "systemic failure"
The Fair Work Commission has found an employee was fairly sacked for being intoxicated at work, but chastised his employer for its response to his workplace suicide attempt. » more »
Technology 'workaround' breached company policies, dismissal fair
Westpac was justified in sacking an employee for allowing a relative to use his work phone and transferring customer data to his personal email account, the Fair Work Commission has ruled. » more »
HR manager's "pattern of overreach" rendered dismissal unfair
The Fair Work Commission has found an employer had a valid reason to dismiss an employee for breaching its D&A policy, but the dismissal was harsh because of its HR manager's "pattern of overreach" towards him. » more »
Social media policies "fundamental" to managing online misconduct
Recent rulings highlight that many employees still don't know how to behave on social media, making workplace policies fundamental to mitigating employers' reputational damage risks. » more »
Prepare now for casual conversion requests
Employers should start preparing immediately for the risks and opportunities posed by the casual conversion clause that will soon be included in all modern awards, according to a legal expert. » more »
Instagram message to grad warranted dismissal; Why harassment training fails
The Fair Work Commission has rejected an employee's claim that his Instagram message to a young female graduate shouldn't have led to his dismissal. Meanwhile, two lawyers highlight why policies and training fail to reduce s-xual harassment risks. » more »
What HR needs to know about the GDPR
This week's roll-out of Europe's new data laws should prompt Australian HR professionals to consider how they're storing and using personal information, according to compliance and technology experts. » more »
Drinking dismissal upheld; Minimum entitlements proposed for gig workers; and more
In the latest instalment in a long-running dispute, the Fair Work Commission has upheld the sacking of a worker who breached his employer's zero-tolerance alcohol policy. Also in this article, Fair Work amendments proposed for gig workers; fixes for Australia's "insecure work crisis"; workplace favouritism findings; and more. » more »
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Managing executive performance and behaviour
Hall & Wilcox senior associate Clare Kerley will discuss areas including: handling complaints against senior staff; issues when managing 'star' performers; policy and contract considerations; and more.
