Resolved complaint (214) about sex-based harassment and victimisation in employment

About the complaint

The complainant was employed as a service officer with the respondent technology company. She alleged a colleague subjected her to sex-based harassment and a hostile workplace on the basis of sex, including by ranking women in the office on the basis of their appearance, spreading rumours that she was sleeping with a married man, and implying to colleagues that she was harassing him. She also alleged that her manager subjected her to sex-based harassment by comparing her to other women in the office and saying words to the effect 'that is why you are not my favourite'. The complainant further alleged that after she raised concerns about this conduct with the company, the company victimised her, including by subjecting her to unfair disciplinary action and threatening to terminate her employment. The complainant said she felt she had no option but to resign.

The company denied the allegations and said it took reasonable management action to address performance concerns. The individual respondents denied the allegations or offered an alternative context to the alleged interactions.

The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the company write to the complainant assuring her that it had taken her concerns seriously and acknowledging the impact of the experience on her. The company agreed to pay the complainant $10,000 in compensation for economic loss, hurt and distress. The company also agreed to provide the complainant with a reference and nominated point of contact for future employers.  Finally, the company agreed to review its policies and procedures to clarify internal and external escalation pathways and supports available to those raising concerns and incorporate such information into its training programs nationally.

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