Recorded Webinar: Conduct Unbecoming: Where to Draw the Line on Employee Behaviour and Opinion

The line between private life and professional life has become increasingly blurred, particularly as remote working sees a further step away from the collegiate atmosphere of the organisation. How far can an employee express him or herself without breaching their employment obligations? This session will examine the way formerly “private” behaviour and opinion is being increasingly viewed through the employment lens and what the rights of the employer are, including:

• Where does private life end and professional life begin? How far can an employer seek to regulate an employee’s private life?
• Is there a right to free speech and freedom of expression? The lessons of Comcare v Banerji [2019] HCA 23 and James Cook University v Ridd [2020] FCAFC 123 and the appeal to the High Court
• Can and should the employment contract regulate what an employee does outside of work?
• Staff Codes of Conduct and associated policies as a tool for behaviour guidance – are they effective?
• Restrictions on employees and social media – how far can you go? Practical tips for management and enforcement
• Consenting relationships in the workplace – what rights and duties does the employer have?
• Guidance for employers in proactively identifying and managing conflicts of interest and associated issues in personal office relationships