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

Jens Lens

What trend am I seeing out there in the workplace world?

Downsizing.

I’m drafting more scripts and termination documents than contracts for new roles.

Take Out Point: Many businesses are hurting because of cashflow strain due to delayed client payments, plus employers simply can’t afford to (and don’t want to) keep on poor performers.

See: Surge In Late Payments Hurting Businesses

BRIEFLY…

Job Application Idea of the Week

During September, Pizza Hut helped a few lucky NYC job applicants get the attention of prospective employers by printing their resumes on a pizza box – complete with a pizza inside. Pizza Hut said they were “hoping to help resumes drum up the same excitement as office pizza and help the applicant make a lasting impression. Who could possibly ignore a resume when it is delivered as a delicious pizza?” 

Take Out Point: No word on whether any vegan bosses received pepperoni pizza resumes…

See: Pizza Box Doubles As A Resume


Side Hustle Idea of the Week

The cost of living crisis and a desire for a profile, has resulted in many employees seeking huge social media followings. For example “lawfluencing” is where lawyers build huge Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube followings to share details of a day in their life, or their “outfit of the day” – pocketing up to $10,000 for a minute long video! Tradies and other professionals are in on this as well.

Take Out Question: How much would a company pay to sponsor a “tracky dacks of the day” look? (Asking for a friend).

See: Side Hustles Can Boost Your Cash Flow


Fair Work Ombudsman 

The Fair Work Ombudsman is increasing its social media presence with 331,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This is a terrific and accessible way for the public to stay up to date with developments in workplace law.

FWO LinkedIn: LinkedIn 
FWO Instagram: Instagram
FWO Facebook: Facebook 


Buzz-acronym of the Week

“WFI”: Working From Italy. (Yes, really – see article).

See: “My snowflake Gen-Z staff terrified me into quitting. And I’m SO glad I did!”


Issue Making Clients Pull Their Hair Out – Employee Entitlement Syndrome

Don’t get me wrong, some Gen Z employees are great. Innovative. Ambitious. Creative.

But… what do you do if a very highly paid employee:

  • arrives at 9am, spends 20 minutes making toast, and then asks for “overtime” because they worked until 5:15pm?; or

  • asks to take 6 weeks annual leave at a critical time for your business?; or

  • wants to be paid 5 days salary to work a 4 day week without putting in the hours?

No I am not joshing you. This is happening all over Australia (and the world).

It is critical when organisations hire and onboard, they make their expectations for the performance of a role, very clear. And, if a cheeky request pops up, provide an explanation for your response within the context of the needs of the business and the Position Description the employee agreed to. (Or call me for some words of wisdom – literally. I provide employers with scripts for these difficult, but necessary, conversations).

See: “My snowflake Gen-Z staff terrified me into quitting. And I’m SO glad I did!”


Issue Taking Many Clients By Surprise – Super Obligations For Independent Contractors

There is a common misconception that companies do not need to pay super for contractors who have an ABN – i.e. sole traders who do not operate under a “Pty Ltd”. If independent contractors are paid mainly for their labour, they are employees for superannuation guarantee (SG) purposes. A failure to pay can have serious consequences, including an obligation to make a large back payment, significant fines and personal Director liability. It’s critical that businesses are on top of this issue. Seek financial or legal advice if you have any doubts. Getting this wrong can be very expensive.

See: Super Contributions For Independent Contractors 

Jen's Difficult Conversations in the Workplace

Don’t let unresolved workplace issues hold you or your business back… or result in an invitation to attend the Fair Work Commission.

The ‘Awkward to Awesome’ Workshop will empower your managers and team with essential skills and techniques to confidently tackle challenging conversations.

Empower your team with the skills to have difficult conversations. Increase productivity. Decrease recruitment costs. Boost profits! Check out the ‘Awkward to Awesome’ Workshop.

Or grab the most practical online course in town. Run, don’t walk to my website for my highly informative and entertaining online course – “Difficult Conversations In The Workplace: A Lawyer’s Guide to Not Needing a Lawyer”. Spend an hour with your favourite unlawyerly lawyer for just $149 plus GST, or organise a coaching session.

Dear Jen,

My junior staff are taking advantage of me and doing things that I would never have dreamt of doing when I was an employee.

They don’t know how to interact with clients. They clock watch, take long coffee breaks and frankly, just see me as the person who funds their holidays and yoga.

Whatever happened to wanting a “career”?

Was this generation raised by wolves or did I miss a memo?

Cheers,
Disenchanted Dan



Dear Disenchanted Dan

Neither.

Every generation is different, and it’s our job as bosses to give our team the skills and guidance they need to excel. The plague changed things alot. School leavers and graduates missed out on crucial learnings and face-to-face interaction. They became used to dealing with “images on screens” rather than “people”.

There will always be employees with attitudes that no amount of coaching or training can fix.

Forget about them. Focus on nailing your recruitment process so you hire the “can do’s” rather than the “what can you do for me’s”?

Cheers,
Jen

CATCH UP ON PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS

Previous newsletters are available at our website. To catch up on earlier legal updates or viewing recommendations, head there now!

Jen's After Work

There aren’t enough hours in the day to hold down a job AND watch bad TV. I take my role as your After Work advisor seriously. Follow this guide for your essential viewing.

Returning Shows – Oh The Joy! (Even Though Most Are Dropping 1 Episode a Week)

Favourite shows with new seasons: “Fisk” (ABC iview), “The Lincoln Lawyer” (Netflix), “Fire Country” (Paramount), “Greys Anatomy” (Disney), “Skrinking” (Apple TV+), “FBI” franchises (Paramount) and “The Diplomat” (Netflix).

What I Inhaled (On Disney+)

The best show of the year – “Rivals” – an 8 episode adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel about an English TV station in the 1980’s. A hilarious romp set in the Cotswolds, complete with Lords, TV stars, stately manors… and naked tennis. Brilliant cast, including David Tennant (who does not indulge in naked tennis). Once finished, head over to the companion podcast “Rivals: The Official Podcast”. You’re welcome!

What I Also Inhaled (On ABC iview)

Anything starring Brendan Cowell or Asher Keddie is compulsory viewing. They are both in “Plum” – a  brilliant 6 part series based on Cowell’s novel about a retired rugby league legend Peter “The Plum” Lum. Plum is diagnosed with a brain disorder. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and won’t want it to end (even if you don’t like footy).

What I’m Loving (On ABC iview)

I confess. I love property p*rn. The latest season of “Grand Designs Australia” features the original property p*rn star Kevin McCloud in the season opener.

What I’m Watching (On Apple TV+)

“La Maison” is a tres fabulous drama series about a scandalous French family behind a couture house. Fashion, Paris, a castle in Brittany, and horrible people, make having to endure sub-titles totally worth it.

What I Watched (On Disney+)

As a serious history buff (ahem), I adored the documentary, “In Vogue: The 90’s”. (I’ve heard a rumour she can be a tad grumpy, but I am obsessed with the career longevity of Anna Wintour).


 

Workplace Law Meme

 

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