Stephen Oliver

“I was just joking!” It is the oldest excuse in the book. A colleague makes a comment about someone’s race, gender, or disability, and when called out, they hide behind “banter.” But let’s be clear: Discriminatory banter is not a joke. It is harassment. Whether subtle or overt, this behaviour creates a hostile environment that … Read more

Workplace investigations are one of those tasks you wish you never had to undertake. They are stressful, time-consuming, and fraught with legal risk. However, once you are aware of an allegation, you cannot ignore it. Whether it is a safety breach or a bullying complaint, it must be addressed immediately. A properly conducted investigation protects … Read more

The Australian workforce has grappled with workplace harassment and mental health issues for decades. However, recent government reforms offer hope for positive change. These reforms aim to create safe, fair, and respectful workplaces for all Australians. There has been a distinct shift from mere awareness campaigns to actionable legal requirements. Employers now have a positive … Read more

Workplace bullying is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for both employees and employers. It destroys morale, tanks productivity, and exposes businesses to significant legal liability. It is generally defined as a pattern of behaviour that intimidates, degrades, humiliates, or isolates an employee. While physical violence grabs headlines, psychological manipulation is far more … Read more

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that impacts countless individuals. Yet, despite the #MeToo movement, it often goes unacknowledged and unpunished. Every employee has the right to work in an environment free from harassment. But for employers, knowing how to manage a complaint is difficult. Often, a complex sexual harassment investigation is … Read more

When it comes to workplace harassment, the topic of “cultural differences” is delicate. Often, accused employees or even management will claim that behaviour labeled as bullying was simply a cultural misunderstanding or a difference in communication styles. But is this a valid legal defense? Can an employer dismiss a bullying claim just because the perpetrator … Read more

Geelong is a major economic hub for Victoria. As the region grows, so does the complexity of managing its workforce. For local employers, the workplace plays a critical role in the city’s social fabric. As such, robust workplace investigations are essential to ensure the rights and safety of all employees in the region. At Jolasers, … Read more

Conflict resolution is a vital workplace skill. To be successful in your profession, you must be able to identify, assess, and manage disputes quickly. These skills are especially critical for employees involved in workplace investigations. In this article, we discuss why conflict resolution matters, the different types of conflict, and the four-step process to resolve … Read more

Don’t look the other way. That’s the message employers in Albury Wodonga should take to heart regarding workplace investigations. Modern workplaces face a variety of issues, ranging from discrimination and harassment to safety concerns. Too often, employers ignore these red flags. They fear that a formal investigation will lead to costly legal action. However, the … Read more