Hello!
I’m back from a quick trip overseas. So much is happening, but fear not, I’m here to catch you up on the things you need to know and a few things that will make you laugh out loud.
In this issue there’s a workplace trend, news snippets, a case 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?
Trump tariff trauma.
Some clients are already planning redundancies based on anticipated profit hits. What impact will the tariffs actually have on our workforce? Hard to say.
Today’s tough talk might not survive the week.
Buzz Word Of the Week: “Job hugging”.
The the act of holding onto a job “for dear life”. Reflects employees’ perception of the labour market and their chances of getting another job.
See: Job Hugging
AI Instruction Of the Week:
“Stop making sh*t up”!
Qantas Beard Ban Sparks Global Study
Ever wondered why Qantas pilots don’t have beards? (No, me neither).
Apparently, Qantas’ aeromedical consultants believe pilots’ facial hair could interfere with the seal of oxygen masks, and so Qantas mainline and Jetstar pilots must be clean shaven because when it comes to safety, stubble is trouble.
Qantas is currently considering the pilots’ submissions.
Watch this space…
See: Qantas Beard Ban
Right to Disconnect Now Relevant to Small Businesses
From 26 August 2024, employees in businesses with 15+ staff gained the right to disconnect – that is, to reasonably refuse to monitor, read or respond to work contact outside their hours. As of 26 August 2025, this right also applies to small businesses.
Take Out Point: Small businesses need flexibility to function, but employees also deserve boundaries. Make sure you are across the requirements.
See: Right To Disconnect
Is That a Laptop or a Recording Device or Both?
Victorian police are investigating claims that a leading compliance training company turned employee laptops into covert listening devices.
The CEO admitted that some underperformers working from home were monitored, with laptop mics allegedly picking up any nearby sound – raising all sorts of questions about privacy, consent, and whether Big Brother now wears a headset.
The company’s defence? Employment contracts and the fine print in its surveillance policy.
Two employees who raised complaints were later terminated – legal proceedings are underway.
Stay tuned (but maybe not through your laptop mic).
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
Case You Need to Know About
High Court Expands Employers’ Redeployment Duties in Redundancies
The High Court of Australia has clarified that before making a role redundant, employers must now consider all possible redeployment options – not just vacant roles. This includes looking at positions currently held by contractors and labour hire workers.
Until now, only suitable vacant roles needed to be considered.
Take Out Point: Expect more scrutiny from the Fair Work Commission around redundancy decisions. The best way to avoid a Commission detour? Be transparent during consultation – talk through the structural changes and business needs early and clearly.
See: Helensburgh Coal Pty Ltd v Bartley & Ors [2025] HCA 29
Dear Jen,
I work at a resort. A number of people in the office get to work from home a day or 2 a week.
I have asked my boss a number of times if I can do the same, but she keeps saying that my Job Description requires me to work on site at all times. I don’t think it’s fair that I don’t get the same benefit.
What can I do?
Cheers,
Charlie
PS I am a chef in the resort’s main restaurant.
Dear Charlie the Chef,
Here’s the thing: working from home only works when your job can actually be done from home.
The rest of the team, the equipment, and the occasional health inspector are all at the resort.
Lifeguards can’t do their shifts from the couch. Neither can you.
Forget about other people’s perks – focus on your purpose.
Bon appétit,
Jen
What I Inhaled (On Netflix)
In “Hostage” the newly elected British Prime Minister is having a particularly bad day. After her doctor husband is kidnapped by mercenaries in French Guiana, she asks the French President for help – but she’s having a particularly bad day too… Number 1 on Netflix.
What I Watched (On Netflix)
In “Untamed” Special Agent Eric Bana and his horse investigate a woman’s death in Yosemite. Loved it. Bring on season 2.
What I Watched (On Apple TV+)
“Smoke” is a fabulous crime drama that slipped under the radar. Taron Egerton (Elton John in “Rocketman”) is an arson investigator who is under pressure to stop two serial arsonists. It’s tense, smart, and totally binge-worthy. Will he catch them? No spoilers here but clear your weekend.
What I’m Annoyingly Being Drip Fed (On Stan)
“The Rainmaker” is a new take on the Grisham novel. If you like shows about underdog lawyers and corporate greed this one’s for you.
What I Watched (On Netflix)
Want to know if all those folks on “The Biggest Loser” in the US kept the weight off and lived happily ever after? The 3 part doco “Fit For Life: The Reality of the Biggest Loser” answers that and then some. It’s eye-opening and eye-watering… strap yourself in to this “can’t turn your head away TV”.
What I Watched (On Max)
Most music docos disappoint, but for this Gen X’er, “Billy Joel: And So it Goes” did not. Loved it (and the fact that I still know the words to every song).
