Hello!
Welcome to your favourite workplace newsletter – a combination of things you need to know and things that will make you laugh out loud.
In this issue there’s a workplace trend, articles, and sage advice in the “Dear Jen” column.
And of course, I share my recommendations for your viewing pleasure.
I hope this newsletter brings you some wisdom and joy!
Cheers, Jen
What trend am I seeing out there in the workplace world?
Confusion about the enforceability of restraints.
I get it, the law isn’t the same in each state (I’m talking to you NSW).
Each case has to be determined on its facts.
And everyone has a different view of what is “reasonable”.
Take Out Point: There are compelling reasons for and against restraints which are affected by factors such as the nature of the work and the employee’s access to confidential information. It comes down to what is “reasonable”…(and in NSW, the Restraints of Trade Act).
Sorry it’s behind a paywall, but for AFR subscribers, see: Non compete clause for your hairdresser overkill
BRIEFLY…
Job of the Week: General Practitioner, Julia Creek (Qld)
Salary: $680,000
Accommodation: Free
Annual Leave: 5 weeks
Population: 500
I have to confess, with 20 years of “Grey’s Anatomy” experience under my belt, I considered throwing my hat into the ring for this gig, stat!
But alas, the fine people of Julia Creek deserve a real Doctor.
Craze of the Week
Type this into ChatGPT for a giggle:
“Please act as my drunk bestie to explain what I do for work”.
Take Out Point: Do not make this your new LinkedIn bio.
Pedant Declared Employee of the Month (Despite Not Being Employed)
A guy wandering around his local shopping centre noticed that a sign directing people to McDonald’s had a “mildly irritating” error (involving the letter ‘D’). So he did what most of us would do…headed home and whipped up a new letter ‘D’ using his 3D printer.
After sharing his handiwork on social media “more than one million people saw [it] via the Dull Men’s Club group, gaining more than 50,000 “likes” on Facebook”.
Despite not being employed by the shopping centre, he was presented with a framed “Employee of the Month” award.
Take Out Point: As a fellow pedant, I’m glad he’s getting his moment. Meanwhile, I’ve been saving customers from ordering “desert” for years with nothing to show for it.
NSW Govt Seeking To Curb Explosion of Workplace Psychological Injuries
The NSW Government is introducing reforms to WHS and workers’ compensation laws regarding psychological injuries.
The number of psychological injury claims has doubled in 6 years, compared to other injuries which have grown by 16%.
On average, 88% of workers who suffer physical injuries return to work within 13 weeks, however 40% of workers with psychological injuries are still off work 1 year later.
Under the proposed changes, a bullying and harassment claim will need to be heard by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission before it can made through the workers compensation system.
Take Out Point: Some bullying claims arise after an employee is subjected to performance management. The requirement of a finding of bullying by the NSW IRC may act as a deterrent to unmeritorious claims. The Commission will determine whether the employer’s conduct amounts to reasonable management action or unreasonable bullying behaviour.
See: Workers Compensation Ministerial Statement
Difficult Conversations Suck – But You Don’t Have to Suck at Them
No one hands you a manual for tough workplace talks – so I wrote one, turned it into a workshop (and added an interpretive dance).
In my “Awkward to Awesome” workshop, you’ll learn:
✅ A simple, step-by-step way to handle tricky conversations without making it weird
✅ Exactly what to say when it matters (and what not to say)
✅ How to give feedback that actually lands (instead of backfiring spectacularly)
✅ How to avoid putting your foot in your mouth (and what to do if you already have)
✅ How to handle performance issues before they become disasters.
I’ll give you:
✔️A practical skillset you’ll use forever
✔️A serious upgrade to your leadership skills
✔️ A major confidence boost for your next tough talk
✔️A few laughs (possibly at my expense)
❌ No cringey role-plays. (We practice, but in a way that makes you better – not more uncomfortable)
REMEMBER… AVOIDANCE ISN’T A STRATEGY!
Contact Jen on 0411 275 920 or at jen@jenniferbicknell.com.au
Dear Jen,
We have a fairly relaxed dress code at work. We are not customer facing so we wear jeans and T-shirts.
This week my boss told me not to wear my Crocs anymore.
Does she have the right to do this?
Cheers,
Shoe me the rules
Dear Constantly Hitting Refresh,
I say this with love.
She’s doing you a favour.
Take the tip.
Cheers,
Jen
CATCH UP ON PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
Previous newsletters are available at our website. To catch up on earlier legal updates or viewing recommendations, head there now!
What I Watched (On Netflix)
One of the many reasons why “Adolescence” is the most extraordinary show this year* is that each of the 4 hour long episodes is shot in a single unbroken take. We’re immersed in real time into the story of a 13 year old boy accused of murdering a female classmate. I’ll admit the subject matter initially put me off watching it. I’ll also admit that I recently lost my phone while holding it, which makes the one-take cast and crew nothing short of human unicorns.
*“The Pitt” (Foxtel/Binge) is the other most extraordinary show of the year (but you know that because I’ve already recommended it).
What I’m Watching (On Netflix)
I normally love everything Shonda Rhimes makes, but I am a bit on the fence about “The Residence”. It’s a murder-mystery set in the White House, where the crime takes place during a state dinner for Australia. (Delightfully, our PM is played by Julian McMahon, the son of a former real life PM). A mixture of clever and cringey, but I’m sticking with it for the Kylie cameos.
What I Binged (On Apple)
Just when you thought medical dramas had peaked, along comes a German one set in the country’s “sh#ttiest hospital” – and somehow, it’s brilliant. “Berlin ER” delivers chaos and charm (and yes, it’s worth putting up with the dubbing and sub-titles).
What I’m Watching (On Apple)
Every wannabe movie star dreams of top billing. “Number One on the Call Sheet” is a powerful 2 part doco produced by Jamie Foxx and Kevin Hart. It shines a light on the fight Black actors faced to become the household names we love.
