0 The Difference Between Responding and Reacting

The first step to achieving collaboration is to recognise that in every situation we have a choice to react or to respond. Reacting comes from a place of fear and a need to defend oneself – whether this is achieved by attacking someone with aggression or avoiding a person or situation. When choosing to respond, […]

0 Assertive Communication To Reduce Workplace Stress

Now more than ever our workplaces seem to be a place that exposes us to stressors and depending on our psychological health at the time, our reactions to stress can be varied. While each of us are responsible for how we react in every situation, you can play a significant role in communicating effectively to […]

0 Workplace Stress And The Role Of Low-level Poor Behaviour

Often in the workplace, staff members exhibit ‘poor behaviours’ that may not be serious in isolation but can often lead to workplace stress because of their persistent nature. This can include such things as banter with other staff, comments about peers, being unnecessarily loud, interrupting other staff who are working, inciting competition among team members […]

0 Reoccurring conflict is not grounds for dismissal unless…

This item looks at what can we learn from a Fair Work Commission decision dated 5 December 2014. The case was Jacqueline Lumley v Bremick Pty Ltd Australia t/a Bremick Fasteners (C2014/5516). Reoccurring conflict between the same two parties may be grounds for dismissal if all reasonable steps have been taken to resolve the matter underpinning the […]

0 Six Questions We Should Ask in Performance Review Meetings

Not every team member will be interested in fostering collaboration with others, being innovative or show a willingness to learn and be challenged, but managers should still encourage the development of these characteristics within performance review conversations. Strengthening these personal characteristics will reduce workplace conflict, increase team harmony and improve productivity.

0 Can your organisation afford to pay out $1.3 million for avoidable damages?

0 Is ‘unfriending on Facebook’ a form of workplace bullying?

It is important for HR Practitioners to be aware of the inquiry into Australian Workplace Relations as changes put forward by the Productivity Commission could lead to changes in the Independent Contractors Act 2006 and Fair Work Act 2009 (FWA).Even such actions as unfriending on Facebook may be considered a contributor to a culture of […]

0 Productivity Commission Draft Report: Workplace Relations

It is important for HR Practitioners to be aware of the inquiry into Australian Workplace Relations as changes put forward by the Productivity Commission could lead to changes in the Independent Contractors Act 2006 and Fair Work Act 2009 (FWA). Federal Treasurer, The Hon Joe Hockey MP, requested the Productivity Commission undertake an inquiry into […]

0 Brisbane Courts Support Alternative Dispute Resolution Options

Mediation is proving to be a very successful alternative process to resolving disputes. If the courts are endorsing the use of workplace mediation then it makes sense for workplaces to follow suit. The Queensland Magistrates, Supreme and District Courts use Alternative Dispute Resolution in civil cases to help parties (organisations and individuals) to reach settlement […]

0 Unfair Dismissal Upheld Due to Lack Of Process

The recent case of Poultry Harvesting Pty Ltd, highlights how a justifiable reason for dismissal does not meet the requirements of a fair dismissal if a fair process has not been followed. In this case ( [2015] FWC 3126) a worker was sacked for allegedly being intoxicated while at work and causing the death of […]