Employers put on notice to manage workplace sexual harassment risks proactively
Starting in September, employers across Queensland will be required to proactively manage the risk of sexual harassment in the workplace as part of new reforms passed by the state government.
The Work Health and Safety (Sexual Harassment) Amendment Regulation 2024 requires employers to implement a written sexual harassment prevention plan. The plan must state the identified risks, control measures being implemented, and consultation undertaken to develop the plan.
According to the regulation, the written prevention plans must include:
- Information on how people can make a complaint
- How the complaint will be investigated
- The processes that will be undertaken
- How relevant parties will be informed of the result
The Office of Industrial Relations is developing extensive guidance materials to support employers to meet these new obligations.
More than a third of Australia’s largest organisations have no plans to implement sexual harassment policies
According to the The Future of Work: Insights for Australian Business more than one-third of Australia’s largest organisations have no plans to implement awareness, training, reporting pathways, or onboarding programs related to sexual harassment in 2024.
This study surveyed 300 senior workplace decision-makers across the nation, providing insights into the challenges and priorities shaping Australian workplaces in the year ahead.
Employee retention was seen as the greatest concern among 51% of Australian senior managers, highlighting the challenge organisations face in maintaining their workforce amid a competitive job market. This is significant in relation to workplace behaviours because people prefer a workplace culture in which they feel safe, supported, respected and valued.
Yet only 60% of those surveyed had implemented clear policies in relation to sexual harassment and only 53% had conducted awareness training in relation to sexual harassment. These are two foundational requirements to address and prevent sexual harassment.
Click here to read the full report.
Survey reveals that just 1 in 2 Australians are happy with workplace wellbeing
A survey commissioned by Sonder has found that only 53% of Australian employees are happy with the wellbeing support they receive from their employer. One in three respondents have no idea what wellbeing support is available to them, while one in five say they understand what is available.
The report also found that 49% have been feeling exhaustion or burnout in the last 12 months. Heather Walker, Culture Amp Senior Data Journalist, said employees who are less stressed feel more positively about their work and are also more likely to stay and recommend it to other people.
In companies that scored in the top 25% for ‘I generally feel positive towards work’, the survey data revealed:
- Commitment to stay: 23% higher
- Motivation: 19% higher
- Willingness to recommend the company: 24% higher
The cost to hire an employee in Australia is on average $23,000 per candidate and the cost of replacing an employee is approximately 1.5 times their annual salary. So taking care of employees is vital for their wellbeing and the bottom line.
