Welcome!
Welcome to the first edition of your favourite workplace newsletter for 2026. Catch up on the things you need to know and some things that will make you laugh out loud.
In this issue there are articles, legislation updates 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?
AI is everywhere.
Being comfortable with AI – and actually using it – is now non-negotiable for most roles. That’s the clear message from LinkedIn’s 2026 Jobs on the Rise list.
The AI boom is not only increasing the demand for AI Engineers but also leading to other employment-related changes, such as executive leaders adding AI skills to their LinkedIn profiles.
Take Out Point: Whether you lead a team, or want to stay employable, effective use of AI isn’t optional – it’s essential.
Buzzword Of the Week
Workslop: Low-quality, AI-generated content that looks good but actually isn’t. The illusion of progress that in reality, slows down a task.
It’s the office version of instant noodles: fast, hot, and strangely unfulfilling.
Job of the Week
Employer: OpenAI (yep, the ChatGPT people)
Job Title: “Head of Preparedness” (because “Chief Doom Anticipator” didn’t look great on LinkedIn?)
Salary: $555,000 USD + stock (that’s $155K more than the US President… but with fewer parades).
Key Duties: Prevent AI from triggering cyber-attacks, helping the baddies do their baddest, and mass existential dread. (You know, casual stuff).
Take Out Point: Who wouldn’t want a role with great pay, flexible hours, and the crushing weight of humanity’s future?
See: OpenAI Offers $555,000 Salary
Perks That Matter: Think Beyond Beanbags
According to Randstad’s latest Workmonitor report, 83% of employees now prioritise work-life balance over pay – and more than a quarter have quit jobs due to a lack of flexibility. And they’re not alone. Research by SEEK shows 65% of workers value lifestyle over salary. In short, it’s less “rise and grind,” more “can I pick up the kids and still hit my KPIs?”
Take Out Point: In 2026, happy teams aren’t just nice to have – they’re a retention strategy. Employers not offering what employees want will lose to employers who do.
Not sure what benefits to offer or ask for? Play a round of Benefits Bingo for inspiration. Find it on my here.
See: Australia’s Top Work Perks Revealed
Aussie Call Centres Are Saying Bali Hi!
The Philippines and India have long dominated the offshore call centre game – but Bali’s making waves.
Lower operating costs and fewer workplace regulations are attracting Australian companies eager to escape increasingly complex employment laws at home. One provider predicts that 30% of its Kuta-based staff will be Aussie expats within two years.
Take Out Point: “Working remotely” could now mean working really remotely… for someone else… in Bali.
See: Why your next customer service call could be answered by an Aussie in Bali
Unlocking Leadership Potential
Behind every high-performing team is a leader who is continuously evolving. Managers and leaders are expected to deliver results, inspire people and navigate complexity, often all at once. Sometimes, what’s needed isn’t more information but a space to think differently, explore new angles and gain clarity.
Leading HR Consultant Deborah Stonley works with leaders and managers who are ready to:
- Grow their leadership impact
- Navigate sensitive people dynamics
- Take the next step in their careers
- Think differently and explore new angles
Deborah offers individual programs that unlock potential, build confidence, and align personal growth with business outcomes.
Contact Deborah: deborah@jenniferbicknell.com.au | 0419 203 600
Or Jennifer Bicknell: jen@jenniferbicknell.com.au | 0411 275 920
WHS Overhaul: Extended Absences, Violent Incidences & Suicides Will Soon Be Notifiable
On 5 December 2025 Safe Work Australia released amendments to the national model Work Health and Safety Act (Model WHS Act). This includes major changes relating to the incident notification requirements.
Key amendments include expanding the incident notification obligations for PCBUs by introducing new notification duties for extended absences, violent incidents and work-related suicide and attempted suicide.
The Notifiable Incidents, Extended Absences and Suicides Handbook is available on the Safe Work Australia website.
Take Out Point: The amendments are not operative until adopted by each State or Territory (or in the case of Victoria, its WHS laws are amended). If you’re a PCBU, stay across these changes – they signal the direction workplace notification obligations are heading.
See: Notifiable Incidents, Extended Absences and Suicides Handbook
NSW to Lead on WHS for Digital Work Systems
The NSW Government is paving the way for Australia’s first WHS duty focused on digital work systems. The Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025 (NSW) proposes amendments to the WHS Act 2011 to clarify what PCBUs must consider when using tech to allocate work.
Under the Bill, PCBUs will be expected to assess whether a digital work system causes:
- Excessive or unreasonable workloads
- Overly harsh or unrealistic performance metrics
- Excessive monitoring or surveillance
- Discrimination in decisions about work.
Take Out Point: There is opposition to this controversial proposed law as it will give unprecedented access to parties (such as unions) to business data and confidential algorithms. Watch this space.
Introduced to Parliament on 19 November 2025, you can track the Bill’s progress Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025 (NSW)
Dear Jen,
My boss gave me a book for Christmas: “How to Write a Killer CV and Land the Job You Deserve.”
I thought she was being helpful, but now I’m wondering if she’s trying to help me out…of the building.
What should I do?
Cheers,
Feeling Unwanted
Dear Feeling Unwanted,
That wasn’t a present – it was a paperback performance review. Your boss didn’t have the guts for a real conversation, so she wrapped it in tinsel.
Take the hint – and your dignity and talents – to someone who deserves you.
Cheers,
Jen
What I’m Watching
So many shows dropped over summer – here’s what to watch, what to obsess over, and what might ruin your sleep schedule.
The Pitt
Oh the joy! The Pitt (HBO Max) is back for Season 2. Still the best medical drama ever – no notes, just defibrillate me.
Drops of God
The long-awaited return of Drops of God (Apple TV+), the best show about family wine feuds since, well, ever. Pour yourself a glass and go in.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton is back. Thank you, Netflix, for the noble titles and the not-so-noble behaviour.
Steal
In Steal (Amazon Prime), London pension fund boredom explodes into a £4 billion heist. Easily the most excitement retirement planning’s ever seen.
The Walsh Sisters
The Walsh Sisters (Stan) is catnip for Marian Keyes fans. Dublin, drama, and characters you’ll want to text IRL.
Simon Cowell: The Next Act
Pop fans, Simon Cowell: The Next Act is for you. Picking the final band felt like solving a murder mystery – and I’m proud to say, I nailed it. Ready when you need me Simon!
Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry (HBO Max) brings ice hockey, enemies-to-lovers energy, with more tension than a tied game in overtime.
Ripple
Ripple (Netflix) is a Sliding Doors-style drama where four strangers collide in NYC. Beautifully tangled and full of what-ifs.
