Realising productivity after the holiday period
Everyone needs a break from work to stay focused and productive. Expecting employees to work continuously for months on end is not healthy and can lead to burnout. But returning from an extended holiday can cause loss of productivity as well.
Key findings about Workplace Training
The 2019 Industry Survey: Training in the Workplace conducted by iHR Australia in 2019 saw over 200 responses from a diverse range of participants. In this week’s article we highlight some of the key findings from the survey results. A full version of the report “The hidden workplace training[…]
Cultural fit or diversity?
Cultural fit and diversity have become popular buzzwords in recruitment and HR circles, but do they complement one another? Are they compatible and, most importantly, can we hire for cultural fit and still utilise the benefits of diversity?
Racial vilification complaint ends up in Tribunal: how Contact Officer training can reduce risk
A court has rejected a worker's claims that he was discriminated against, victimised and vilified because of his Indigenous heritage, noting his colleagues apologised for isolated inappropriate comments and that he was not subjected to less favourable treatment.
Can a breakdown in working relationships be salvaged? How mediation can be an effective first line of defence
In an ideal world, we would all easily cultivate and successfully maintain good professional relationships in the workplace, be it with co-workers, superiors or subordinates. Organizations would undoubtedly be highly productive entities with exemplary employees who were all harmonious, cooperative[…]
Former employee awarded $1 million in workplace bullying case illustrates big risk for Australian businesses
A former employee of a government agency has been awarded more than $1 million, after the bullying she was subjected to – which stemmed from one single incident – left her unable to work again. The payout was awarded for the consequences of a single incident that took place five years ago, when the[…]
Performance review or bullying: Have you crossed a line when addressing your staff’s workplace performance?
When does an assessment of workplace performance become bullying? Depending on the circumstances, the difference between the two can be difficult to determine – and there is fine line that, if crossed, can lead to costly litigation and court fees.
Failure to formalise dismissal of accountant for breach of contract costs company a pretty penny
In most cases, the detail of an employment contract are not disputed between the parties. However, the importance of a well-drafted and enforced employment contract is critical when employment relationships break down and, as in the case below, end up in the Supreme Court.
Prison officer with mental health issues wins job back after assaulting three inmates
The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has ordered the reinstatement of a decorated senior prison officer who assaulted three inmates in separate occasions while suffering from a mental illness. The events leading to the employee’s dismissal may have been avoided or minimised had the employer[…]