Appropriate Behaviour At Work

Appropriate behaviour at work is often understood as behaviour in the office during working hours. The standard reaches further, and the gap between what staff assume and what actually applies is where problems start.

• Work functions. Christmas parties, farewells and team drinks are connected to employment, including where alcohol is involved and attendance is voluntary.
• Travel and accommodation. Conferences, site visits and shared accommodation.
• Digital channels. Team messaging apps and group chats, including outside hours and on personal devices, where the contact exists because of work.
• Client and supplier settings. Someone else’s venue, where standards feel looser.

The test is connection to employment rather than location or timing. A policy that does not say this plainly leaves managers interpreting a clause written for the office.

The Australian Human Rights Commission covers the employer duty. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s appropriate behaviour at work functions course and code of conduct training.