As workers become more empowered and employers face up to tougher regulations, company-wide culture reviews are becoming increasingly common and important in corporate Australia.
But employment lawyers are warning these reviews are fraught with legal risks and also could descend into meaningless tick-a-box exercises unless employees believe they can speak up freely without repercussions.
Law firms are commonly brought in by companies to investigate internal issues. But sometimes they have to scrutinise themselves. Capital Brief this week reported on UK magic circle law firm Clifford Chance's move to appoint former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick’s consultancy firm EB&Co to undertake a cultural review of its Australian offices.
A spokesperson for Clifford Chance confirmed that a Perth-based partner at the firm was terminated in June following investigations into complaints of serious misconduct.
