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Being fired from a job is the last thing anyone wants to have on their resume, but many Australian employees may be putting themselves at risk of just that – without even realising it. http://www.stevecafeandcuisine.com/Everyone is aware of the obvious ways to lose a job, such as consistently poor performance or attitude, but HR experts are now pointing to a whole host of new actions that employers can legally use as grounds for dismissal.

Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggest that the average full-time worker in Australia is spending more than 40 hours a week in the workplace. Colleagues can start to seem like family when you’re spending long hours in the office, but don’t get too comfortable, because employers are watching.

Embellishing your resume is a good way to break your employer’s trust before you’ve even started the job. A 2017 HireRight study showed that 85 percent of employers surveyed had caught potential employees fibbing on their resumes or job applications. Lying about skills or experience can quickly catch up with you and what might seem like a little white lie at the time could end up costing you your position.

Similarly, sharing rumours or gossiping has long been accepted as a form of workplace bonding, but beware your story-telling doesn’t cross the line into causing reputational damage to colleagues, or worse, bullying. According to Modern HR magazine, gossiping is not only considered unprofessional, it provides employers with grounds for termination.

Natalie Martin, editor at Modern HR magazine, said experiencing periods of frustration at work isn’t uncommon, but be careful who you’re talking to when you’re venting your feelings. Negatively representing your company can quickly result in your status changing from employed to job seeker.

“When in public, organisations expect their employees to act in a professional way, and to represent the company in a positive light. It’s not an unreasonable expectation and it’s not unusual to hear of dismissals resulting from an employee bad-mouthing their employer in a professional setting outside the workplace.”

Confidentiality breaches are another way employees can land themselves in serious trouble. Natalie says, “Before you get too chatty at the end of a long day, consider whether the information you are disclosing is appropriate conversation material. Companies frequently have employees sign non-disclosure agreements to protect intellectual property, trade secrets or sensitive company information. Breaching this type of agreement is a serious matter. If you work for a public company, you could face legal action or even criminal charges.”