Workplace policy training
Employers who have trained their staff on up to date workplace policies are in a better position to defend themselves against unfair dismissal claims and other litigation.
The legal environment of a business is constantly changing. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to have well-written and up to date policies and procedures in place to reinforce the behaviour and conduct.
Training staff on these workplace policies promotes a stronger awareness of how and when the policies might apply and ensures employees are well-informed of their obligations. The Fair Work Commission (FWC) stresses the importance of policy training to succeed in defending unfair dismissal proceedings.
A business’s workplace policies should be regularly reviewed to ensure that they are:
• Consistent with the values of a business.
• Compliant with current legislation.
• Clearly communicated in plain English.
• Easily accessible and available on request.
FWC recently dealt with a claim that involved a business dismissing an employee for serious social media misconduct. The employee had posted offensive comments about two of his managers on his private Facebook account. However, the business did not have a clear social media policy in place to effectively inform employees on social media conduct.
Even though the comments made by the employee were foolish, the FWC determined the business had unfairly dismissed the employee and ordered his reinstatement. The case accentuates the invaluable protection that such policies provide an employer when faced with unfair dismissal complaints.
Need help in your business? Speak with the team at Leenane Templeton Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. Call 02 4926 2300.
Comments are closed.