The prevention of workplace bullying, discrimination and
harassment is an increasingly important issue for employers around
Australia as general community tolerance for this conduct decreases
and attention from legislators has increased.
There have been changes to the Fair Work Act and Sex
Discrimination Act to adopt some recommendations from the
Australian Human Rights Commission's
Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry
Report. So, it is a good time for employers to take stock
and make sure they understand their obligations. To help, this
article answers five key questions that employers frequently
ask.
1. What Is Bullying and Harassment?
Bullying in the workplace is generally considered to be repeated
unreasonable behaviour directed towards an employee or group of
employees that creates a risk to their health and safety. It can
include behaviour that humiliates, intimidates or offends an
employee at their workplace.
