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, news snippets, 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?
Unemployment.
For months, I’ve been helping clients restructure and make roles redundant but now the data has caught up. Australia’s unemployment rate has hit 4.3% – the highest in 4 years.
Take Out Points:
- Managers: check in on workloads – “doing more with less” can’t be the default.
- HR folk: now’s the time to revisit your redundancy procedures. Not later. Make sure you are compliant.
- Business owners: your best people are also someone else’s dream hire. Show them now why they should stay.
Buzz Word Of the Week: “Poly-employment”
Juggling multiple jobs to cope with cost-of-living pressures.
Job of the Week: Antarctica is Calling
Fancy a workplace with zero traffic, no meetings that could’ve been emails, and co-workers who definitely won’t steal your lunch?
The Australian Antarctic Program is hiring with 39 roles up for grabs.
Perks include: breathtaking views, bragging rights, and learning to live without Uber Eats or Netflix. (Not convinced that’s a perk).
See: Antarctica Jobs
Job Interview of the Week
A Millennial fashion company founder has raised eyebrows after conducting a job interview at Bondi Beach.
She invited a candidate to chat beachside about joining her bath and beach robe brand—and later defended the move, calling it the ideal setting to assess cultural fit. The founder shared “when we were splish-splashing in the water, we ran through her skills and capabilities, because I feel like it’s good to judge someone based on all types of environments and whether they can think on their feet whilst going over or under a wave.”
The candidate was offered the job, but the internet’s still debating the merits of the laid back recruitment method.
See: Job Interview on the Beach
“5 Minute Rule” or 5 Star Micromanagement?
Move over 5 second rule – a US employer has introduced the 5 minute work-from-home rule, and it’s making the rounds on TikTok for all the wrong reasons.
After an employee took a few minutes to reply in a group chat, their manager sent a helpful reminder: “We have the 5 minute rule, I just wanted to check in to make sure everything is okay and to remind you of our policy”. The manager told the employee that if they step away from their desk for any reason, including to use the bathroom, they need to “notify the team”.
The internet had thoughts, with over 200,000 views and comments like:
“5 min? Are you saving lives through that keyboard?”
Take Out Point: If your WFH rules sound more like parole conditions than performance expectations, you’re managing trust – not productivity.
See: 5 Minute WFH Rule
“Payday Super” Legislation: Coming (Soon) to a Payslip Near You
The Federal Government has introduced “payday super” legislation – and if it passes, it’ll be a game-changer.
From 1 July 2026, employers would need to pay super within 7 business days of each payday (not quarterly, as many do now).
Watch this space…
See: Home page – Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025
Victoria’s New Psychosocial Regulations: Be Ready For 1 December 2025
Victoria has introduced standalone Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025, specifically targeting psychosocial risk management.
Unlike other states, Victoria isn’t just adding to existing OHS regs – it’s created a separate set. All employers in Victoria must comply with these new regulations to meet their OHS obligations. They take effect from 1 December 2025.
See: Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025
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
Dear Jen,
Managing a remote team feels like air traffic control with no radar. I’ve got software tracking clicks, scrolls, and (probably) thoughts, but how do I know they’re not sneaking off to Bunnings or assembling flatpacks between Teams messages? I just want real-time updates – is that so unreasonable?
Cheers,
Anon
Dear Anon Air Traffic Controller,
If you’re tracking clicks, scrolls, and psychic vibes, it’s not a monitoring issue – it’s a hiring one.
Hire grown-ups you can trust, then stop counting keystrokes and start counting profits.
Also: if someone can assemble a flatpack and hit their KPIs, give them a promotion. Or ask them to run your next logistics project – they clearly have range.
Cheers,
Jen
What I’m Watching (On Disney+)
Hooray! “Grey’s Anatomy” season 148 has landed, and my medical training can resume. By Christmas, I should be able to complete a craniotomy and survive 14 love triangles.
What I Inhaled (On Netflix)
Season 3 of “The Diplomat” is here, and it does not disappoint…and we’ve got a mini West Wing reunion! Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell are joined by CJ and Josh – yes, Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford. My political drama heart is full. Walk-and-talks for days.
What I’m Watching (On Disney+)
There can never be too many fire fighter shows. “911: Nashville” has it all. Burning buildings, a singing firefighter, and a suspicious number of denim jackets.
What I Watched (On Netflix)
An actual movie (I know, wild). “The Woman in Cabin 10” has had mixed reviews – but it stars Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham and a superyacht so fancy it deserves its own agent. I escaped into it, and honestly, didn’t even check my phone.
