Given how much time employees spend at work every week, it is hardly surprising that romantic relationships develop in the workplace. But what happens when a romance is inappropriate, or attraction crosses the line into sexual harassment? inappropriate vs unlawful While there is nothing illegal about a workplace relationship between two consenting adults, 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 […]
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 […]
Most employers are aware of the importance of conducting workplace investigations to deal with complaints or allegations. But what happens after the investigation is over? There may be a sense of disconnectedness, embarrassment, awkwardness or even anger amongst staff, particularly if disciplinary action has been taken or an employee has left the organisation. Although […]
Many people start off each year with a bundle of resolutions – to eat better, to exercise more, to spend more time with the kids… the list goes on. The start of a new calendar year is also a fantastic time for businesses to take stock and reassess. If your workplace culture is getting […]
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 […]
In the often stormy seas of workplace investigations, the issue of investigator bias lurks in the undercurrents, a trap for the unwary employer. One of the most regular complaints we hear from people who have been the subject of an investigation is that the investigator was biased and the decision was predetermined, and they […]