Hello!
In this issue there’s a workplace trend, news snippets, 1 July updates, and a sage advice 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?
EOFY Expectations
Employees are expecting employers to hand out generous pay rises like Oprah handed out cars – “You get a raise! You get a raise! EVERYBODY gets a raise!”
While the cost of living crisis is real for everyone, pay discussions need to happen in the context of productivity.
Want more money? Show the extra value you’re bringing to the table. Employers can “show the money” if employees show the results.
Buzzword of the Week: “Silent Meetings”
Apparently companies are now building reading time into the first 20 minutes of meetings because they know people show up unprepared. Talk about admitting defeat!
I vote we call these ‘Meetings for Lazy People’ until shame kicks in and participants promise to do their homework.
Internship of the Week:
Actually it’s a “winternship”.
As the Goat Doofer Wintern, you will help to put on a mini music festival at a farmlet at a place called Penguin (no, I’m not kid-ding). You will be responsible for keeping the mini-goats on their best behaviour – essentially making sure they don’t eat the DJ’s vinyl records.
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.
Important Changes to Minimum Pay And Super From 1 July 2025
All Australian employers should prepare for significant changes to minimum wage and superannuation rates taking effect from 1 July 2025.
Key Changes:
- The National Minimum Wage and all modern Award minimum wage rates will increase by 3.5% to $948.00 per week ($24.95 per hour).
- The superannuation guarantee will increase from 11.5% to 12%.
Action Required: From 1 July 2025, adjust payments for employees paid minimum rates. Check that annualised wage arrangements still satisfy minimum award obligations. Increase superannuation contributions accordingly.
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 need urgent help.
My calendar is booked solid all day with back-to-back meetings every single day.
I don’t have any time to actually DO any work.
My to-do list is mocking me and my heart rate soars whenever I receive an Outlook notification.
What should I do?
Cheers,
Meeting Zombie
Dear Meeting Zombie,
If your boss has a sense of humour, pop into her office and say…
“Now that I’m a Full Time Meeting Attendee, can you please let me know who I should delegate my work to. Also, should I update my LinkedIn title to “Senior Vice President of Nodding Thoughtfully”?
If your boss doesn’t have a sense of humour, print out your calendar, and organise a meeting (oh, the irony) to discuss “workload capacity”.
Cheers,
Jen
What’s back for another season?
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One of THE best medical dramas – “Chicago Med” on 9Now.
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Police and firefighter combo perfection – “911” on 7plus
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Carrie Bradshaw and friends – “And Just Like That” on Max.
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Warm and fuzzy – “Sullivan’s Crossing” on Stan. (Think “Virgin River” in a different picturesque setting).
What I’m Watching (On Netflix)
Fans of Dr House or Jackson Lamb from “Slow Horses” will love “Department Q”. Edinburgh DCI Carl Morck is a wounded officer who is stuck running unwanted cold cases from the basement. He’s brilliant, damaged and spectacularly difficult to work with. [His colleagues really need my online course].
What I’m Watching (On Max – via Foxtel or Max App)
In “Mountainhead,” Steve Carell plays one of four tech bros who gather in the Rockies for poker night, only to watch the world burn thanks to deepfakes spreading on their own social media creation. Jesse Armstrong (“Succession”) wrote and directed this dark, twisted thriller. These digital dudes are so unlikeable you’ll want to throw them off the mountain, but you’ll hang in there because it’s pure car-crash tv.
What I’m Re-Watching (On Disney)
I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane (or should I say Wisteria Lane) with “Desperate Housewives” – where the neighbourhood watch actually has something to watch.
