When determining what led to a certain set of events or making an important decision, it is essential for investigators and decision makers to have regard to an objective standard. In trying to get to the bottom of a situation or establishing an appropriate course of action, relying on the ‘reasonable person’ ensures that […]
The Christmas period tends to bring out the best- and worst – in people. It is a time of year filled with parties, merriment, laughter, great weather and a lot of socialising. But Christmas can also be a challenging time in the workplace, as employees may engage in inappropriate conduct at work related social […]
With new whistleblower protections to take effect in early 2019, it is essential that organisations understand the broad legislative changes to the Corporations Act 2001 due to be debated in Parliament. In addition to the requirement for formal mechanisms and strategies to protect and assist whistleblowers, both public and large private corporations will need […]
Engaging in a difficult workplace conversation is one of those tasks that most managers and business owners would prefer to avoid. Yet the reality is that from time to time, workplace behaviour or performance will be below par and will need to be addressed. The key to conducting a challenging conversation at work that […]
Bullying is the scourge of many workplaces. There are few things which destroy office morale, tear apart team cohesion or cause good staff to leave as quickly as victimisation and harassment in the workplace. Interestingly, research has identified 22 different types of bullying conduct which might be encountered in the average workplace. We outline […]
When conducting investigations or otherwise making determinations in the workplace, it is essential to avoid bias, whether conscious or unconscious. It is equally important to avoid a situation where co-workers believe decisions made in the workplace are biased – whether real or perceived. What is unconscious bias? Unconscious bias may take a number of […]
It’s the end of a long year. Employers and staff alike have worked hard and are looking forward to the opportunity to catch up, celebrate, network and relax. The work Christmas party is often anticipated as an ideal way to farewell the working year, reward staff, and anticipate the year ahead. However, employers must […]
Effective procurement requires the ability to foster productive relationships and to secure the best possible terms within a contract or project. However, there can be a fine line between savvy negotiation and a gradual descent into corrupt and/or fraudulent behaviour. Despite robust legal and policy requirements relating to procurement activity, fraud is nevertheless an […]
Developing a positive working environment where all employees are supported is key to looking after the mental wellbeing of your staff, and freeing them up to be their most productive selves. A safe and healthy workplace is one which is inclusive and caters for the needs of all workers. According to the Australian Human […]
What can employers do to support and effectively manage employees who may be struggling with their mental health? With an estimated one in five Australian adults suffering from a mental illness in any given year, this is becoming an increasingly important question for organisations to answer. From talking to an employee with a mental […]