HR policy & employment contracts Archives | Mapien

Use of an Independent Facilitator in Performance Improvement Processes

This article draws on first-hand experience facilitating performance improvement processes within several government organisations. While the use of an independent facilitator is not widely discussed, practical experience suggests it can significantly strengthen the effectiveness, fairness and safety of these conversations. We outline how the role works and where it can add the most value.

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January 19, 2026

Implications for employers requesting and managing employee medical evidence

Discover essential guidance for employers on managing medical capacity issues in the workplace. This blog explores best practices for employment agreements, fitness-for-work policies, and handling extended absences, with practical advice drawn from a recent FWC decision to help ensure fair, lawful, and effective management of workforce challenges.

August 11, 2025

A new attitude towards Probation Periods

A recent decision of the Federal Court of Australia suggests employers need to be more cautious when terminating an employee’s employment during their probationary period. Here we examine the implications of this case and provide helpful guidance on ways in which this risk can be mitigated.

What to Do When a New Hire Isn’t Working Out

Sometimes, it becomes apparent in the first weeks or months of a new starters employment that the employee is not working out in the role. We provide key advice about the employment laws that apply in the unfortunate circumstance when it becomes necessary to terminate a new employee’s employment during the probationary period.

Employment contracts and Visa extensions – Implications for employers managing Visa-dependent workers

A significant decision handed down by the Fair Work Commission has clarified the obligations of employers when managing employees whose right to work in Australia is visa-dependent. This case serves as a timely reminder for employers to align their HR practices with both employment and immigration requirements.

Contracts, Policies and Processes – The slips, trips and falls of employment

Employers continue to face difficulties when employment matters are escalated to courts and tribunals, often due to unclear employment policies and procedural errors that form part of the employment contract. This case brings a number of employment related lessons to the forefront.

January 22, 2025

Why meaningful face to face training on bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination is more important than ever

A recent decision by the Fair Work Commission highlights the importance of providing comprehensive, interactive training on workplace policies and reveals the risks employers face when they fail to ensure that employees fully understand their workplace obligations.

November 6, 2024

Far Away in a foreign land

This case reminds Australian employers to carefully consider their obligations when engaging foreign-based employees and to take proactive steps to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Failure to do so can result in costly legal consequences and reputational damage for companies operating in a globalised workforce.

Drawing the line between Employees and Independent Contractors

The recent introduction of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No.2) Act 2024 has seen the implementation of various changes aimed at providing greater clarity with regard to Employees and Independent Contractors. Learn more about the changes that have already taken effect and others soon to be implemented here.

Stealth Expectations and the Importance of Shared Understanding

Looking for a tool to communicate expectations in the workplace? We introduce the Stealth Expectations leadership coaching framework and four steps to apply it.

January 16, 2024

Five Good Reasons To Review Your Contracts of Employment

Having contemporary contracts of employment is not only a compliance issue and good business practice, but it is a valuable investment in maintaining good workplace relations. So, what are some of the reasons why you should be reviewing your contracts heading into 2024?

Helpful Tips for Drafting Effective HR Policies & Procedures

Taking the time to draft good HR policies and procedures can save you time dealing with problems that may arise from their absence – including, workplace bullying, workplace accidents and dealing with unhappy team members. Here are our key tips for drafting policies and procedures that have maximum effect!

February 1, 2022

GP Not Required To Hand Over Patient Records

In a recent decision, the Fair Work Commission (‘FWC’) has rejected an application for an order that a General Practitioner produce patient records for a workplace bullying claim, with concerns that production of the documents could possibly be harmful to the applicant’s health and wellbeing .

The Art of the Workplace Review

There are occasions in workplaces when things just don’t seem right. Employers need to understand what the issues are and how they can be fixed - and the best way to find do this and to improve the workplace - is to talk to those directly affected.