When a Linfox employee made disparaging comments about company managers on his Facebook page, the company fired him for serious misconduct. The employee applied to Fair Work Australia for unfair dismissal. The Commissioner sided with the employee. Why? Because Linfox did not have a policy covering employee use of social media. In the complete absence of a policy defining appropriate conduct, the employee could not be guilty of any
Joking and generally having fun at work can increase productivity and employee engagement. It may reduce stress, build harmonious relationships, improve teamwork, promote creativity, aid communication and reduce absenteeism…who would want to miss out on some enjoyable activity at work? But remember the less than hilarious Joker from Batman lore? Described as an anarchist and an agent of chaos…his example reminds us that there is good reason to bear
Rates of sexual assault and harassment as well as threatening or abusive conduct have been declining in the public sector. Worryingly however, reports of bullying, racism and discrimination are on the increase. The annual WA Public Sector Commission 2016/17 report revealed that 534 minor misconduct complaints were received during that year. Comprising of 969 separate allegations, 64% (621 complaints) were regarding staff behaviour with almost one third of those
