The modern business is pretty savvy when it comes to minimising the risks ahead of the annual end-of-year party. Much care is given to booking an appropriate venue and ensuring plenty of food is on offer to offset the  celebratory drinks An office-wide note is usually sent, outlining expected standards of behaviour and clarifying work function start and finish times. A responsible manager is often appointed to be on the alert for inappropriate behaviour and arrangements made for employees to get home safely. However, despite the careful planning and risk mitigation across areas like OH&S, sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying, it is called the silly season and things can still go wrong. The phones at lawyers’ offices usually start ringing in late December and early January of each year with businesses seeking legal advice around post-party fallout. So what should you do if your business experiences a festive season dispute? 1. Act immediately and effecti...

Sexual Harassment Investigation Sydney NSW/ACT With the increasing publicity surrounding sexual harassment in Hollywood and the #MeToo campaign it may only a matter of time before there is an increase in the reporting of sexual harassment complaints in the workplace, is your organisation ready to deal with complaints? Responding promptly and correctly is in the best interests of victims and the organisation.  For the organisation or business failing to deal with complaints can result in costly litigation, the loss of good staff, a toxic workplace culture, adverse publicity and damage to your brand image and reputation. If you receive a complaint of sexual harassment it is vitally important that; You respond in a timely and professional manner with a thorough investigation of the complaint. Your response is fair and balanced taking into accounts the needs of all the parties. Your investigation is carried out in a professional manner taking into account the investigative pro...