The CEO of Ubank, a digital offshoot of the National Australia Bank, has issued a company-wide warning after an executive was sacked over a 'disturbing' incident at the office Christmas party. An anonymous employee reported that a photo booth captured an image involving the executive and a junior colleague staging a mock act of terrorism.
According to the employee, the junior colleague wore a towel like a 'headdress' in an attempt to depict a terrorist, while the executive knelt with hands behind their back as a hostage. The junior colleague stood over the executive, making gun signs with their hands. The incident allegedly made several colleagues uncomfortable, including Jewish staff who left the party.
CEO Kanishka Raja confirmed the executive's departure in a statement, saying: 'Senior leaders are expected to model appropriate behaviour consistent with our policies. We have investigated thoroughly and acted swiftly.' In a Slack message, he reminded staff of their responsibility to uphold the company's Code of Conduct.
Employment lawyer Dan Feldman noted that the holiday season is a busy time for such cases, often involving alcohol or drugs. He warned that employers owe a duty of care at work-sponsored functions, even off-site.
