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 […]
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 […]
Being aware of job stress, and proactive about its potential effect on staff and their ongoing mental health, is an important component of ensuring employee satisfaction and OHS in any business. But it is crucial not to confuse job stress with a psychological injury, which may or may not have been caused by the […]
At any given time, there are multiple generations operating in the workforce: new starters, more established professionals and those heading towards retirement. While this can create a diverse positive workplace, where a range of different experiences, attitudes and learnings can be shared, it also creates a possible environment for age discrimination. Age discrimination can […]
When an employee complaint alleging workplace discrimination or harassment is lodged, it is usually seen as a negative moment in the life of the organisation. However, it is possible for an employer to view this as a positive phenomenon, rather than a sign of complete failure. This is because well-handled complaints can illuminate hidden […]
Most adults like to indulge in the use of alcohol from time to time. Some even like to partake a little more frequently – which is generally not problematic, in the privacy of one’s own home and social sphere. But occasionally problems with alcohol or even drug consumption can creep into the workplace, with […]
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 […]
There are many different skills which are required for an effective leader – such as excellent communication skills, perseverance, the ability to inspire and motivate staff, clarity of thought, and efficiency. But one detrimental trait that many leaders may possess is aggression. Although it is often accepted that a domineering personality seems to go […]
Maintaining professional distance in the workplace can be challenging at the best of times. There is a very fine line between managing interpersonal relationships, ensuring that colleagues and co-workers get along with each other, and developing such close relationships that potential conflicts of interest or social problems arise. This juggle has become even more […]
A Code of Conduct sets out the ‘golden rules’ or guidelines in which employers and industry bodies codify acceptable standards of behaviour in the workplace. Individual businesses can develop their own Codes of Conduct applicable to their specific interests. Many professional bodies also implement standardised Codes of Conduct covering behaviour which is perceived as […]