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A Gold Coast compensation expert has shared how local businesses have fared off the back of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bruce Simmonds of Parker Simmonds Solicitors & Lawyers has weighed in on the impact the pandemic has had on Queensland workplaces, with flaring tempers on worksites among the primary concerns.
“There’s uncertainty that has been spreading across the workforce all year and it has stretched tempers to breaking point.
“Some workplaces are also suspected of skirting safety issues, as we’ve seen a worrying rate of workplace accidents since COVID struck.”
Mr Simmonds noted he’s seen several cases underway that are presenting a “real challenge for the HR departments at workplaces to be mindful of workers’ overall wellbeing rather than just hiring and firing routines”.
“Quite often the HR department in the public service and large companies only look at hiring and firing people and not dealing with ongoing issues such as illness and injury,” he said.
“The state government has recognised psychological issues in the workforce by recent amendments to the WorkCover legislation; however, enforcement by the workplace safety regulator needs to be reviewed and pursued.”
Mr Simmonds said that while Australia has escaped the worst ravages of the virus, “we are not immune to the economic impact if overseas markets’ collapse or China’s accelerating bans on Australian products bites into our economy”.
“All of this undermines morale at the workplace and, sadly, impacts on domestic relationships, with serious concerns raised about the incidence of domestic violence now,” he said.
“Our HR people need to reach out to staff to do wellness checks as physical and psychological issues become more entrenched because of COVID.
“The lesson for HR is this virus not only kills people, it can also destroy work and home relationships.”
