Support person in the workplace: Roles and considerations

Having a support person present in conversations which have the potential to have adverse implications for the employee's ongoing employment, such as disciplinary or performance processes, can make a significant difference for an employee. A support person is an individual who accompanies an employee to meetings with their employer, providing emotional support and assistance throughout the process. While there is no strict guideline as to who can be a support person, employers should carefully consider a number of factors before accepting or refusing an employee's choice. This article explores the importance of the appropriateness of the support person, reasonable refusal of a proposed support person, the role of a support person, and best practices for employers.