Season 08 Episode 05: Is it a crime? The syrupy sweetness of criminal recovery, comebacks, and swearing in the workplace

WARNING: This episode discusses human rights breaches - we advise listener discretion.

Does a criminal record mean a life sentence of unemployment? This episode dives into how past convictions keep people locked out of work. Alan reflects, “Inclusive hiring isn’t charity. It’s good business sense. We should not define skills and character by a past conviction.” Alan recounts a case of a government employee hampered by a past criminal investigation. Listen in to learn about the results of this worker’s subsequent appeal to the Human Rights Commission. Trajce offers, “When we shut people out because of old mistakes, we create cycles of disadvantage that hurt everyone—individuals, families, and communities.”

Alan also shares a story about the punitive treatment of a manager whose swearing at a barista prompted a workplace review. “Someone needed their caffeine,” remarks Sara. The workplace investigated reproachable behaviours occurring outside of the principal place of work. The retelling of this story triggers bloopers and bleepers in this episode! For more on swearing at work, check out AIHS story on recent rulings by the Fair Work Commission on swearing in the workplace.

Listen to this episode as the podcasters untangle the legal, social, and human sides of criminal records and employment. Find out how some employers are leading with fairness in and out of the workplace, and why workplaces that give second chances often discover untapped loyalty and talent.

To learn more about Psychosocial Risk Management and Integrated Solutions for Employers (PRAiSE), check out ViVID Design Labs - Designs: https://www.vividdesignlabs.com.au/vivid-designs/