If you’re involved in conflict or dealing with challenging workplace dynamics, you might feel tempted to hit the record button perhaps to protect yourself, or to create a record of events without seeking consent…but be warned, recording conversations covertly in the workplace can land employees and employers in very hot water.
A FWC presidential member Deputy President Asbury, has issued a 10-point rebuttal of COVID-19-related arguments put by a sacked unvaccinated worker, to help her to consider whether to proceed with positions likely to be “irrelevant” in her unfair dismissal claim and that have been “emphatically rejected in numerous cases” before the tribunal and courts. After…
The Case In March 2021, Mr Keron, a Senior Relationship Manager with Westpac Bank, attended a Westpac-arranged professional development workshop. After the workshop, Mr Keron and his work colleagues went to a Westpac-organised social event at a nearby pub. Each employee wore a wristband that enabled them to obtain free access to alcohol for a…
CULTURAL REVIEW BLOG ‘I’m not sure what the problem is, but something’s wrong’ – the benefit of workplace Cultural Reviews. Managers are often aware there is a ‘cultural issue’ within the workplace – whether through informal complaints (more on this oxymoron another time!), poor productivity or disengagement by staff – however drilling down to the…
Wood v Department of Transport This case saw an individual’s claim of unfair dismissal upheld after he was terminated for providing information collated during a workplace investigation to the police to assist in a highly publicised criminal investigation into a murder. The employer argued that communicating information to the police was misconduct by way of…
The Council of Australia Governments’ endorsement of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations highlighted the importance of complaints and investigation processes which uphold the rights of children and young people. The NSW Ombudsman’s Complaints Handling Guide (the Guide) was produced to help organisations meet this goal, applying a child’s eye view to best practice […]
This year’s theme is: every child, in every community, needs a fair go. That includes children and young people who receive services from organisations, and those who volunteer or are employed in organisations. So, what can your business do to play your part in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people? Recruit […]
When does a staff members’ ‘likes’ on social media become a HR issue for employers? Vince Scopelliti – Thursday, September 02, 2021 These days most organisations have a reasonably robust social media policy. The topics generally relate to respectful and lawful behaviour online, not accessing certain websites on corporate devices, maintaining corporate confidentiality, and refraining […]
COVID Vaccines in the workplace Vince Scopelliti – Wednesday, September 01, 2021 As Australia’s vaccine program ramps up, many employers are asking questions about whether or not they can mandate COVID19 vaccinations as a condition of employment. The answer is, ‘it depends’. The Fair Work Commission have provided some helpful industrial advice for employers to consider when forming policy […]
Importance of Professional Development in Workforce Retention Vince Scopelliti – Tuesday, August 03, 2021 Providing your workforce with contemporary, relevant and engaging #ProfessionalDevelopment opportunities is an important part of workforce retention as well as essential to building capability and expertise within your business. This is particularly important in areas such as #HumanResources, #Complaints Management and […]