Ticketek owner TEG impacted by allegations of ‘toxic workplace culture’

Allegations of a ‘toxic workplace culture’ at entertainment giant TEG have emerged in the wake of long serving Chief Executive Geoff Jones moving to the role of company Chairman.

As reported by the Australian Financial Review (AFR) and Rolling Stone AU/NZ, a senior lawyer at the company distributed a 23-page letter to executives alleging the ticketing and live event group had a serious workplace problem with senior management displaying aggression toward staff, humiliating and bullying them, with actions including actions like “aggressive late-night” messages and “humiliating public critiques.”

The document was sent in September after the lawyer left the company, with the letter suggesting ed management hire a human resources consultant to explore the issues raised and undertake audits on a number of senior managers.

The document’s contents were described to the AFR by a quartet of people who requested anonymity based upon their having non-disclosure agreements.

The four people said the letter was not a formal complaint, but instead detailed shortcomings.

TEG announced late on Wednesday night that Jones would become the company’s Chairman - being replaced by former Woolworths Chief Executive Brad Banducci

A spokesman for Jones refuted allegations there were workplace problems or that he regularly shouted at staff, telling the AFR “there have been no formal complaints ever made against the CEO during his 14-year tenure in the role.”

In response to questions about the document sent by the lawyer, the spokesperson advised “all information gathered is reviewed by appropriate senior personnel with a view to drive continuous improvement.

“Actions have been implemented and will continue to be so from this process.”

However, the AFR reported one staff member as saying Jones would shout at people “until the walls shook”.

After the issues were raised, the company wrote to its staff and said it would “treat these matters extremely seriously and remain committed to investigating all allegations”.

Jones wrote in the email “I would like to reassure everyone that there is no place for bullying, harassment or misconduct at TEG.”

The TEG spokesman disputed claims in the document that there was a high turnover among staff, noting that levels were at “a historic low … for our technical team on a year-to-date basis”.

It is further alleged that TEG’s HR department “buried” two claims of bullying and harassment, while the company’s board were notified of the behaviour and did not take any action.

In a statement given to Rolling Stone AU/NZ, TEG advised “There is no place for bullying, harassment or misconduct at TEG.

“We do not have the details of the allegations made at this stage, however, we treat these matters extremely seriously and remain committed to investigating all allegations.

“We have formal processes in place to investigate any allegation of workplace misconduct, including by external support.

“In addition, TEG has an open-door policy that encourages employees to share any concerns they have.

“We remain focused on creating a positive and respectful workplace for all.”

Lower image: Incoming TEG Chief Executive Brad Banducci (left) with Geoff Jones.