Learning Objectives

• Explain the key areas of the Workplace Fairness Act and its impact on HR policies.

• Understand the legal responsibilities of employers, managers and HR teams in ensuring workplace fairness.

• Identify and mitigate discrimination risks in HR practices.

• Implement practical compliance measures to align hiring, performance, and termination policies with the law.

• Recognise different types of discrimination cases and understand how to handle them professionally.

• Apply best practices in HR investigations and develop effective grievance handling processes.

• Strengthen organisational culture through fairness and inclusion.

Outline

1. Introduction to the Workplace Fairness Act

• Overview of the WFA and its legal implications

• Importance of fair employment practices

• Protections against discriminatory behaviors

2. Scope and Applicability

• Who is covered by this Act

• Responsibilities of employers under this Act

• Building fair and defensible employment practices

3. Key Features of the Workplace Fairness Act

• Key provisions and protected characteristics

• Defining Discrimination

• Types of workplace discrimination (direct and indirect)

4. Exceptions and Genuine Job Requirements

• Understanding when differentiation is legally justifiable

• Defining legitimate job requirements without bias

• Focus on skills, competencies, qualifications, and experience

• Review job descriptions and hiring criteria regularly

5. Enforcement, Risks, and Penalties

• Overview of enforcement mechanisms and compliance requirements

• Enforcement Measures

• Potential consequences of non-compliance

• Importance of documentation and audit trails