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, fun snippets, a case 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 across the workplace world?
Clients wanting help with redundancy scripts and letters.
My inbox tells me more about the state of the economy than the unemployment statistics.
Jobs of the Week
Apparently the best 25 places to work are…
LinkedIn’s annual Top Companies List is out and the Commonwealth Bank has landed the top spot.
The finance industry is well represented, along with tech companies, however, other industries also get a look in – both Shell and ExxonMobil make the list, along with Caterpillar.
See: LinkedIn Top Companies 2026: The 25 best employers to grow your career in Australia
Buzzterm of the Week: Spray and Pay
When jobseekers fire off applications for a stack of roles in the hope one actually sticks.
It’s the recruitment equivalent of throwing spaghetti against a wall after 2 minutes in the saucepan: technically airborne, but clearly headed for the bin.
When Mariah Carey Becomes the Recruitment Filter
As a result of the surge in AI generated job applications employers are becoming creative. One hiring manager (and superfan) reportedly asked candidates to include a picture of Mariah Carey in their application – to see who had actually read the ad and could demonstrate attention to detail.
Take-Out Point: When every application starts to sound like the same cover version, employers need a way to hear the real voices. A small attention-to-detail task can help separate the candidates who are genuinely interested from those just joining the chorus.
See: How this company is using Mariah Carey to filter out excessive job applications.
When the Family Member Has Four Legs
Can caring for a sick pet ever justify time away from work? It can… in Italy.
It all stems from a situation a few years ago in Rome, where an employee at a university asked for leave to care for her sick dog. The request was linked to Italy’s animal protection laws, which penalise those who do not provide proper care to animals.
Take-Out Point: Pet leave may sound like something dreamed up by a Labrador with a LinkedIn profile, but it is only a matter of time until it becomes part of the broader conversation about work, care and flexibility.
See: Italy introduces paid leave options for employees caring for sick pets
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence: Federal Court Issues Practice Note
The Federal Court has issued a Practice Note on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence.
In the Practice Note the Court recognises that while Generative AI has benefits, such as the potential to increase efficiency and the reduction of legal costs, it says it must be used appropriately, responsibly and with due care.
The Practice Note covers a range of issues, including expectations for the use of Generative AI, risks, disclosure of use, and dealing with confidential, suppressed or private information.
Take-Out Point: Treat Generative AI like a very enthusiastic junior assistant: useful, fast and occasionally completely wrong. It can help with efficiency, but humans still need to check the facts, protect confidential information and take responsibility for what goes out the door.
See: Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Practice Note (GPN-AI)
and Generative AI Resources: GPN-AI
Payday Super: Reminder of What You Need to Know
From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super at the same time as wages, not quarterly. This means the 12% super contribution must reach the employee’s super fund within 7 business days of payday – weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Super only counts once it hits the fund, not when it’s submitted. The ATO is urging employers to review payroll systems, cash flow timing and super processing now.
The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House closes on 1 July, so employers using it must switch to another payment method before then.
Take-Out Point: Late payments may lead to penalties, interest and extra compliance costs. So check your systems and get ready for Payday Super. Now!
See: ATO: Payday Super
CASE YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Skinny-Dipping Allegation Sinks Without Proof
The Fair Work Commission has awarded compensation to a mine site cleaner who was dismissed over claims he went skinny-dipping at a Christmas party.
The Commission found the employer had not proved the allegation through witness evidence at the hearing, meaning there was no valid reason for the dismissal. The cleaner was not seeking reinstatement, but his compensation was reduced because he had not looked for new work for six months. The Commission limited compensation to six weeks’ pay, being the period it considered he should reasonably have taken to find another job.
Take-Out Point: What happens at the Christmas party does not always stay at the Christmas party – but if it is going to justify dismissal, the employer needs proper evidence. Compensation can also take a dip if the employee fails to make reasonable efforts to get back into work.
See: Lester Box v Sirrom Co. Pty Limited [2026] FWC 301 (22 April 2026)
6 May – No Diet Day – Eat the cake. Professionally.
8 May – World Donkey Day – Underappreciated animal, underappreciated workforce metaphor.
18-24 May – National Volunteer Week – Perfect for celebrating the people who keep many organisations afloat while asking for remarkably little except perhaps a biscuit and basic admin support.
20 May – International HR Day – The annual opportunity to thank HR for holding together the people, policies and occasional personality crisis.
1 July 2026 – Payday Super commences. Start preparing now! Please don’t leave it until 30 June.
1 July 2026 – Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave Scheme increases again and reaches 26 weeks, paid at the minimum wage.
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,
I have sent out so many job applications I am starting to feel like a human mail merge with low self-esteem.
My cover letter has now been recycled more times than a supermarket bag.
How much personalisation do I really need to do before recruitment becomes a full-time unpaid job?
Cheers,
Jaded Jade
Dear Jaded Jade,
Ahem. Until someone starts paying you, applying for jobs is unfortunately your full-time unpaid job – terrible benefits, no Christmas party, and very limited snacks.
If you want to have a reason to get out of your pyjamas every day, stop sending employers the application equivalent of a limp handshake.
Read the ad, tailor the cover letter, connect your experience to what they actually asked for, and make it easy for them to see why you are worth interviewing.
Prove you are not just clicking “apply” with one hand and eating cereal with the other.
Good luck!
Cheers,
Jen
Kitty Flanagan’s Bad Company has arrived on ABC iview and, happily, it is very good company. Dry, clever and laugh-out-loud in that “oh no, I recognise this person” kind of way.
Loved Succession? Netflix has now released the documentary version – Dynasty: The Murdochs.
In Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV), Elle Fanning plays a college student whose affair with her professor leaves her pregnant and broke. Fortunately, her mum, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, her estranged pro-wrestler dad and OnlyFans are there to help – because apparently it takes a village and a subscription platform.
Pour the tea, straighten the silver and say ta-ta to the Crawleys in the movie-length Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on Netflix.
Trust Me: The False Prophet, a Netflix documentary series, is pure car-crash TV. This investigation into a polygamist cult leader is dark, disturbing and very hard to look away from – which is exactly how Netflix gets you at 10.47 pm.
