A new guide and fact sheets on "Harmony in the Workplace'', prepared by the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia says bosses should stop calling migrants "ethnic" because it might be discriminatory - and instead use the politically correct term "CALD", or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse.
The official document says the Australian accent can baffle even English-speaking migrants, and tells bosses and workmates to speak slowly, clearly and simply.
"Remember some people, including native English speakers ... may have trouble understanding the Australian accent,'' the guide says.
"Keep in mind common Australian expressions may be misunderstood, for example, 'bring a plate', 'this machine is cactus' and 'he really spat the dummy that time'.
"For some people, casual swearing may also be seen as aggressive or provocative and new employees may not be sure how to respond.
"If it appears your new employee is baffled by the sense of humour and the jokes of your other employees, have someone help them out.''
The guide is accompanied by taxpayer-funded fact sheets on "Harmony in the Workplace'', prepared by the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia.
FECCA says the word, ethnic is "an illogical term with negative and potentially discriminatory connotations'' when used to describe individuals.
It says migrants should not be referred to as "ethnic'', but as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse or CALD.
Referring to someone as an 'ethnic' is not acceptable, given its assumptions and stereotypes, and connotations between the term and other racial slurs such as 'wog', 'chink' and other discriminatory labels,'' its fact sheet says.
The Harmony in the Workplace guide also explains that some migrant workers will need time off work for prayer. One in four Australian workers was born overseas, and 17 per cent hail from non-English speaking countries.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is known for his penchant for using Aussie colloquialisms but the new report frowns upon slang in the workplace, in a new guide for employers.
