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Workplace relationships aren’t new, and most employers know they happen whether they like it or not. But with the recent viral media case caught on kiss cam at the Coldplay concert highlighting just how messy and damaging things can get when...
As more Australian businesses outsource administrative, technical, and even professional roles overseas, a recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision is a timely wake-up call. On 27 June 2025, the FWC confirmed that an offshore worker, a paralegal based in the Philippines, could...
Every year around this time, organisations roll out the usual reminders “Be respectful at the Christmas party.” “Drink responsibly.” “Remember it’s still a work function.” But a recent Supreme Court decision involving a former senior partner at a Big Four consulting firm offers a far...
The Federal Court has just handed down one of the most important underpayment rulings in years in a 201-page decision spanning two class actions and two Fair Work Ombudsman prosecutions against Woolworths and Coles. While the spotlight is on the supermarket...
Mental health challenges are at an all-time high. Hybrid work has blurred attendance expectations, and employers are juggling increased duties with fewer resources. Against this backdrop, disputes about job abandonment are becoming more common, and more complicated. A recent unfair dismissal case...
As we approach the busy end-of-year public holiday period, it’s essential for employers, especially those operating 24/7 services, shift-based environments, healthcare, hospitality, mining and resources, and other essential operations, to ensure compliance with public holiday staffing requirements. Recent case law has...
A few weeks ago, I had to stop a team meeting mid-way through. Two managers, both good at what they do, were yelling at each other across the table. The rest of the team sat silently, eyes down, tension thick in...
Small words, big impact Leadership is often spoken about in terms of strategy, decision making, and accountability but one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit is also one of the simplest, encouragement. Recently, I had the chance to watch a...
I once worked with a manager, let’s call her Sarah, who avoided conflict like the plague. She was warm, well liked, and genuinely cared about her team. The kind of manager who would bring in birthday cakes, remember your dog’s name,...
Many business owners believe that as long as they don’t encourage bad behaviour, they’re doing enough. The truth is, under Australian law, workplaces now have what’s called a positive duty, a legal obligation to proactively prevent unlawful conduct, not just respond...