Practical insights on resolving workplace complaints and creating a positive culture at work. Please note that the information in these posts is general in nature, and you should always seek specific advice that takes into account each unique situation.
So often when we are asked to undertake an investigation into allegations of problematic workplace behaviour, it becomes clear that it was all about the “how”, rather than the “what”. 1) How adept and skilled were the team members at responding to a range of stressors which may influence behaviour? 2) How competent was everyone […]
Identifying when the workplace, or a team, is heading ‘downward’ or showing signs of negative momentum, can sometimes be tricky. As an employer, you don’t always have visibility over the extent and causes of workplace problems. Bad behaviour and dysfunction can be hidden within teams, geographic areas, functional groups, or management hierarchy. Some of the […]
Bad behaviour and conflict are common in Australian workplaces. In a major 2016 survey, 14% of Australian workers described their workplace environment as ‘toxic’, 20% had experienced major problems in communication with a co-worker or boss, and 50% reported that they have experienced one or more serious incidents of conflict or other negative conduct at […]
Eleven years on from 2007, when we first started Worklogic, it is interesting to reflect on what the evolving approaches to managing workplace conflict and complaints. 1. Workplace Investigation remains the key tool for serious allegations A solidly conducted workplace investigation has been, is, and always will be a fundamentally important response when allegations of […]
Disagreements in the workplace are natural and can be healthy for business. Too much conflict or conflict that is not managed well, however, can devolve into destructive behaviours that can lead to loss of productivity, high turnover and workplace complaints. The causes and management of workplace conflict could fill a whole book. At Worklogic we […]
In previous blog posts we have explored the issue of vexatious complaints, and provided some key principles that should guide your approach as an employer in such situations. The recent case of Ms Linda Hanrick v Meridian Lawyers [2018] FWC 3256, decided on 5 June 2018, explored this issue, and offers a fresh example for […]
Secret recordings of conversations at work are becoming increasingly common. As mobile phones become ubiquitous, the ability to record a conversation in the workplace becomes as easy as a button discreetly pushed in a pocket or handbag. In the context of workplace conflict, where they can be presented by employees as supporting evidence for an […]
As you may know, the latest impact of our current post-Weinstein awareness of sexual harassment has been the announcement last week by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, of a national inquiry into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. It was interesting to note that Commissioner Jenkins specifically identified that “the global conversation about sexual harassment […]
There are certain key principles of procedural fairness which need to apply when conducting an workplace investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour at work. These include these two key rules: 1. The individual who is the subject of alleged misconduct has the opportunity to respond to specific allegations 2. Individuals have an opportunity to respond […]
The United Nations has designated 15 June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The objective of WEAAD is to raise awareness and to focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders and how best to reduce incidents of abuse of elders, increase reporting of such abuse, and to […]