Appropriate workplace behaviours

Sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination are ongoing issues for all workplaces. Both managers and employees need to understand their rights and obligations in the workplace. This involves understanding where to draw the line on inappropriate behaviour, particularly in relation to "grey" areas such as use of social media and work-related events. 

We recommend that organisations conduct training in this area at least every two years to strengthen the prospects of success when relying on the "all reasonable steps" defence if a worker makes a discrimination or harassment claim. This training is particularly timely before key social events, such as end-of-year celebrations (which are a high-risk time for harassment complaints).

Our Workplace Behaviours programs

Ashurst's Workplace Learning practice has been delivering training programs for over 15 years that address the risks of inappropriate workplace behaviours. Our program options can be tailored to your policies, codes of conduct and culture, and include:

• Appropriate workplace behaviours for employees – to help employees identify the "grey areas", when they may be crossing the line and understand their personal liability
• Appropriate workplace behaviours for managers – to focus managers on their responsibilities, practical steps for what to do when they become aware of issues, and how to work through their role in your grievance procedure
• Contact officer training – to train contact points, other than managers and HR, to identify issues, receive complaints and perform their role under organisational policy appropriately; and
• Leading diversity in the workplace – run in conjunction with actors, this program helps achieve cultural change by reflecting back to participants through acted scenes what their workplace looks like, why it is inappropriate, and how to change it.

Recommended for: All staff

Learning outcomes

At the end of these programs, participants will understand:

1. Key definitions: discrimination (direct and indirect), sexual harassment, harassment, bullying, victimisation, vilification, adverse action, and personal and vicarious liability
2. The boundaries of "grey areas" – which behaviours fall within the legal terms and policy definitions and so expose them to risk; and
3. How to raise and manage grievances in this area. 

We can also work with you in advance of any training to conduct a gap analysis and review your policies and procedures.

Why Ashurst?

Many of our lawyers are experienced trainers with expertise in developing and facilitating informative, practical and interactive training programs. Our lawyers are also clear, concise and engaging seminar presenters.

Organisations that have benefitted from our Client Tailored Workplace Learning options include the Australian Federal Police, Australian Taxation Office, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bank Australia, BOC, David Jones and Country Road Group, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ipoh, Mitsui, Monash University, Morgan Stanley, Newcrest Mining Limited, Qantas Airways Limited, University of Queensland, Westpac, and Woolworths.