Tag: conduct
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Workplace Investigations
Need an independent workplace investigations expert? Our Gold Coast Workplace Investigations team can assist.
As an employer, it is almost inevitable that you will be faced with a complaint from one or a group of your employees at some stage. So why is it so important to ensure you conduct appropriate workplace investigations?
Employers must be able to establish the facts of what actually happened in order to make appropriate decisions for the matter. Without a thorough and considered approach, employers are more likely to make ill-informed decisions and face greater liability and potential litigation.
Getting it wrong can be costly. There are numerous avenues a disgruntled employee can choose such as unfair dismissal, adverse action, anti-bulling etc. The average cost of a workplace discrimination claim is $200,000. Which means that investing in a proper process to protect yourself and your business makes complete sense and could save you tens of thousands of dollars in the future.
Most employers fall into the trap of conducting a workplace investigation themselves or choosing the cheapest option possible. It is worth using an experienced workplace investigator who has solid experience and sound knowledge of the process – this will offer valuable protection down the track. Our Gold Coast workplace investigations team delivers professional workplace investigator services to help your organisation sit in a defensible position in the event a claim is raised by an employee.
Our Gold Coast workplace investigations team are appropriately trained in how to manage an investigation and determine findings. Failure to carry out a procedurally fair and robust investigation could come back to haunt you at a later date.
Industryus HR specialises in conducting workplace investigations Australia wide, however large or small. We also work with law firms where an independent workplace investigation is required.
Call us on 07 5655 4047 or click here if you need advice or assistance.
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Extended lunch breaks
Q: One of my employees has recently been pushing the boundaries with his lunch break. This week alone he has been late back from lunch twice and I am worried it will continue. I have tried to address it by making a comment or joke each time it occurs, but he doesn’t seem to be getting my hints. How can I manage this better to stop him taking extended lunch breaks?
A: It can be uncomfortable managing undesirable behaviours of our employees, particularly in a small business where everyone works so closely together. Unfortunately the reality is though, if the situation isn’t addressed it may be interpreted as the employer condoning a flexible approach to lunch breaks and other employees may follow suit.
I read a great quote today; you can be comfortable or courageous, not both. Being comfortable is continuing to drop hints to the employee in the hope he will one day see the light and show some respect. Being courageous is tackling the issue head on so he understands that the behaviour will no longer be accepted by you.
If you are ready to tackle the issue, set up an informal one on one meeting with your employee with the aim of having an open and honest discussion about his lunch breaks. Explain to your employee why you are meeting together. I.e. to discuss some instances where you noticed he was late back from his lunch break. Don’t be afraid to be specific and to explain to the employee how the behaviour is impacting the business. Make sure you also give your employee some air time to explain their side of the story, even if you don’t agree with their justification. Before you finish the discussion, reiterate your expectation in relation to lunch breaks and that you expect to see immediate improvement.
In most cases, this gentle and informal approach should see your employee’s behaviour improve. Should the extended lunch breaks continue, we recommend you seek assistance from a HR specialist such as Industryus HR, who can provide advice on how to commence a more formal approach. Call us on 07 5655 4047 or visit industryus.com.au.