Hello!
I have been busy compiling 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, news snippets, a legislation update 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?
Redundancies.
With the election behind us and end-of-financial-year pressures mounting, businesses are crunching the numbers – and making tough calls about what (and who) they can afford.
According to the AFR, Westpac is gearing up for its “biggest redundancy round in a decade”. Nothing official yet, but 1,500-1,700 LinkedIn profiles may soon be getting a refresh.
Take Out Point: Employees – now’s the time to make yourselves indispensable. Employers – redundancies come with legal obligations, so be sure to get advice if you need to.
See: Westpac Readies the Axe For Its Biggest Redundancy Round In Years (Article behind AFR paywall)
BRIEFLY…
Job of the Week: Wee For Free!
How’s this for salary packaging?
A job ad for an Order Processor in China recently went viral for its unique list of staff benefits. Among them? “Free toilet use”, “free use of the lifts” and no electricity charges for overtime. Throw in four days off a month and a salary that barely buys lunch… and just like that, don’t you feel guilty for ever rolling your eyes at your company’s weekly fruit box and flu shots!
See: China Job Ad Featuring Free Toilet Use
Buzzword of the Week: “Tech Neck”.
A pain in the neck caused by screens, streaming, and swiping – often mistaken for productivity.
LEGISLATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT…
NSW Govt Backflips On New Workers Comp Laws
After pushback from workers, the NSW Government has pulled a semi-backflip (with pike) on its controversial workers comp bill.
Employees will no longer need the proposed NSWIRC ruling before claiming for psychological injuries caused by bullying or harassment.
Bonus twist: “Excessive work demands” is now officially recognised as a valid reason for a psychological injury claim.
Take Out Point: More tweaks are likely, but for now, the government’s plan to weed out so-called “unmeritorious” psychological claims via the NSWIRC is no longer in play.
See: Proposed changes to liability and entitlements for psychological injury in New South Wales
New Financial Year, Same Old HR Chaos?
Use this practical checklist to help spot the gaps, avoid fines, and stop HR dramas before they start. It’s short, sharp, and made for busy business owners who don’t have time to Google “Am I breaching the Fair Work Act?”
Click here to grab your HR Health Check now.
Spotted a gap? Don’t stress.
To book a free 15-minute consultation with our HR guru, Deborah Stonley email her at deborah@jenniferbicknell.com.au or contact Jennifer Bicknell on 0411 275 920.
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,
A team member refuses to drink the communal instant coffee and brings a personal espresso machine to work.
It feels like she thinks she is better than the rest of us.
Should I say something?
Cheers,
Instant Isla
Dear Instant Isla,
Instant coffee tastes like someone rinsed soil in warm water and called it a beverage.
It might be fine if you’re camping, but for work? Sorry, I’m firmly on Team Espresso.
Bring in some pods and bond with your colleague… or if you’re happy drinking river water, carry on bravely.
Be safe,
Jen
What I’m Watching (On Paramount)
Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren star in Guy Ritchie’s “Mobsters” – a gritty drama about natural selection with bullets.
What I’m Watching (On Disney)
My inexplicable obsession with a working class Welsh football team continues. “Welcome to Wrexham” is back for its fourth season. And yes, I’m still emotionally invested in a town I couldn’t find on a map 3 years ago.
Series I Binged In One Night (On Netflix)
Not to be confused with the Australian film, “Sirens” is a 5 episode dramedy about rescuing a sister from the clutches of billionaire EA life. Each episode ends on a cliffhanger, so don’t lie to yourself about watching “just one”. Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, Julianne Moore and Kevin Bacon deliver drama, while the fashion and real estate provide pure escapist joy.
Movie I Watched (On Netflix)
“Nonnas” is a movie based on a true story. After the loss of his mother, an Italian New Yorker (Vince Vaughn) opens an Italian restaurant with local grandmothers as the chefs. Won’t win any Oscars but a heart-warming watch. [Warning: you may feel compelled to have a pasta dish delivered while watching].
What I’m Watching (On Netflix)
Watch young women who aspire to become F1 drivers in “F1: The Academy”. This 7 part series is developed by Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine, so it’ll be worth watching even if you aren’t a petrol head.
