Questions

• I check a junior colleague's work and I know they are making lots of errors. My boss only sees the finished product and thinks they are doing great. How can I let my boss know what's really going on?

  HR expert Sharon McDonald says:

  This is certainly a tricky situation to address, especially given your colleague is not a direct report. However, with tact and planning you can address this and achieve a good outcome.

  If you feel able to, the best approach would be to be open and honest with your junior colleague. Focus on the positives first, by acknowledging their effort and strengths. Then, present the issues as you see them, giving factual examples. Focus on the issues at hand and not on them personally, ensuring they understand you are raising the issues to support them in being successful. Ask your colleague what you can do to help them improve and if there is any additional training or resources they may need, making sure to reinforce that you believe in their abilities.

  If you feel unable to approach them directly or the approach did not resolve the issue, then request a private meeting with your boss. Make sure that you have specific examples and present them in a tactful and factual way.

  Acknowledge your colleague’s strengths but explain the impact this is having on you and the work quality. Arm yourself with solutions to put forward, such as additional training or perhaps mentoring from yourself or others in a more structured way. Be sure that the impression you leave is one of a more senior team member showing concern for a junior colleague’s development and the quality of the work, rather than criticism of your colleague’s performance.

• I need to do some CPD hours. Is it reasonable to ask to use some work time for CPD or are you expected to do it in your own time?

  HR expert Holly Wilson says:

  When it comes to continuing professional development (CPD), whether you can use work time or are expected to complete it in your own time largely depends on the nature of your role, your employment contract and any applicable industry standards or workplace policies.

  Many professions in Australia have mandatory CPD requirements, and employers often recognise the value of CPD for maintaining and enhancing skills.

  In some cases, employers may offer paid time during work hours for CPD, especially if the development directly benefits the organisation or is required to maintain professional accreditation necessary for your role.

  On the other hand, some employers may expect that CPD is completed in your own time, especially if it is not directly required for your job or if there are no specific provisions in your employment contract or workplace policies.

  If CPD is critical to your role, and your employer is supportive of ongoing training and development, it is reasonable to discuss using some work time for these activities. I would recommend having an open discussion with your manager about the benefits of CPD for your role and whether they feel it is reasonable to use time during work hours for some or all of your CPD requirements.