Workplace investigations can be costly, time-consuming and difficult matters and, if not well managed, can lead to significant management, legal and/or reputational problems for an organisation. There are numerous reasons why it may be advisable to appoint an external investigator rather than to deal with the matter internally, particularly when the matter is complex, sensitive […]
Zero tolerance for sexually derogatory comments at work
The US Republican Presidential candidate’s recent comments regarding his attitudes and behaviour towards women are utterly appalling. In response to universal condemnation, Donald Trump has attempted to justify his behaviour by saying, amongst other things, that it was “locker-room talk”. This attempted justification appears to refer to some implicit rule that when men are in […]
Managing expectations during an external workplace investigation
Investigations by independent, external workplace investigators are increasingly common in Australian workplaces. The need for an external investigation particularly arises in circumstances where a complaint is complex, multi-faceted, sensitive, messy or “political”. For this reason, external investigations can tend to take longer than initially envisaged. The inherent risk associated with the behaviour that instigated the […]
How to ensure your workplace culture respects LGBTI staff
“To plebiscite or not to plebiscite”, that is the question While the nation debates the merits (or lack thereof) of a plebiscite on same-sex marriage, the important question for all workplaces should always be ‘how confident are you that your workplace culture is one which demonstrates respect and courtesy for all?’ Even at […]