Being able to conduct a competent workplace investigation is essential for employers, especially when allegations of bullying, misconduct or inappropriate office behaviour are made. Mistakes made during an investigation may result in serious consequences, including legal action. Let’s take a look at the basics of an investigation, and some key mistakes to avoid. WHy […]
Getting the mix of personalities in the workplace right can be extremely challenging. Creating a harmonious workplace is difficult at the best of times, and if a toxic personality is thrown into the equation, it can disturb the equilibrium of the workplace. Let’s take a look at how you can identify and deal with […]
Mediation can offer effective resolution of workplace disputes. It’s a fair process that allows parties to be heard and encourages them to find a resolution both sides are satisfied with. Mediation should only be used when parties are willing to discuss their differences. In the case of a bullying complaint, an investigation is required […]
The thought that some of the most vulnerable in our society – the elderly – might be at risk of harm in residential aged care facilities is abhorrent. But even with the best of intentions and the proper guidelines in place, there is still potential for abuse and assault to occur. Abuse allegations in […]
Anyone who has been following the news recently will be aware that scandalous sexual relationships in the workplace have become something of a common theme. The stories of Seven West Chief Executive, Tim Worner and his former executive assistant (a relationship which ended in legal action), the forced resignations of senior AFL executives over […]
A suite of robust policies and procedures is an essential element of good governance in any organisation. Often employers discover that their policies and procedures are inadequate, only once their actions are reviewed by a tribunal or court. Adequate workplace policies are key mechanisms for outlining exactly what the standards of conduct are in […]
Maintaining workplace harmony should be a key focus of every organisation. Conflict in the workplace can lead to behaviours such as bullying, harassment and discrimination. Staff can lack motivation, fail to work as a team and be generally unhappy. So how can employers and staff deal with conflict, and encourage staff to work together […]
To any outsider, the job of investigative interviewing seems fairly straightforward – questions are asked and then answers are provided. Yet as we know, the job of interviewing parties in the course of a workplace investigation can be anything but simple. For example, the investigative interviewer must ensure procedural fairness at every step along […]
Most employers and employees are likely have at least some contact with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) during their working lives. This might be as simple as obtaining information about award conditions and employee rights, or as contentious as appearing before the FWC in a workplace dispute or unfair dismissal matter. So how does […]
For an employee who is on the receiving end of disciplinary action, performance management or a workplace investigation, it is an upsetting, and even a potentially traumatic experience. Every employee involved in such a process is entitled to have a support person present during any meetings or interviews. A failure to afford an employee […]