The Fair Work Commission has identified that it may be prudent for employers to engage an independent third party to conduct a workplace investigation where an employee vigorously asserts that an internal investigation into bullying allegations will lack transparency or independence.

Background

In a recent decision of the Fair Work Commission, an employee claimed she had been bullied at work by her manager, against whom she had made a number of complaints previously. The allegations were the subject of two internal investigations that found the manager had acted reasonably. However the employee insisted that the investigations produced an unfair result.

Deputy President Sams was satisfied with the employer’s internal investigations, finding that they were “sound, appropriate and responsive” and allowed the employee “every opportunity” to present her version of events, and noted that it was the employee who was acting unreasonably.

In making his determination, Deputy President Sams said that “no matter what the result of any investigation of her complaints, particularly those conducted by the employer” the employee was “not prepared to accept any outcome, unless it unequivocally vindicated her complaints”. He then went on to recommend an external investigation where it is clear that the employee will not accept the findings of an internal investigation.

Lessons for employers

• Consider engaging an independent third party to conduct an investigation where it is apparent that an employee will not accept the findings of an internal investigation.
• Be mindful where an employee’s focus appears to be on exacting revenge or retaliation. That is not the intent of the bullying jurisdiction.
• A best practice investigation will be “sound, appropriate and responsive” and will provide the employee with every opportunity to present their version of events.
• Even though an employee is asserting that they are being bullied, this does not mean that they are insulated from any disciplinary action. For example, it may be appropriate for an employee to be disciplined where there is a constant refusal to comply with the reasonable directions of their manager.