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?
More and more employers are reluctant to have crucial conversations – fearful of Fair Work or stress claims. This is understandable given the record number of filings with the FWC and mental health claims accounting for nearly 30% of workers compensation claims.
But… ignoring a workplace issue is like pretending you don’t have a tooth ache. You can’t ‘will it’ away. Action is required.
BRIEFLY…
Job of the Week: Antarctica is Calling
Are you a tradie, chef, or IT expert, who loves “harsh winds” and “punishing temperatures”? Do you like the idea of escaping your family and crave spending weeks without daylight?
Great news! Over 200 positions are available for the Australian Antarctic Program’s 2025/26 season.
To apply go to www.jobs.antarctica.gov.au/
See: Work in Antarctica
Word of the Year: “Colesworth”
The Australian National Dictionary Centre has chosen “Colesworth” as the word of the year. The blended word references the public’s perceived anger towards Coles and Woolworths over grocery prices.
Take Out Point: Is it only a matter of time until employers receive pay rise requests due to “the Colesworth effect”?
See: Word of the Year
Mattel’s Wicked Blunder: P*rn Site Link Printed On Doll Boxes
Mattel has apologised after accidentally printing a link to a p*rn site on the boxes of its “Wicked” movie dolls.
The $40 dolls have been pulled from shelves, with buyers urged to ditch the boxes or cover up the offending link.
Sure, Mattel – or they could list them on eBay as ‘rare collectibles’ for $2,100.
Take Out Point: Always double-check website links – especially when kids’ toys are involved.
See: Website Link Blunder
London “Working From Home” in Bali (Almost) Outed by Noisy Dancers
A London-based employee jumped online in Bali to deliver an important presentation… just as a traditional dance performance started right outside her hotel door.
Her travel buddy took to Tik Tok: “I’m howling, it’s soooo loud and soo obvious she’s not in London right now”.
An online debate ensued about the impact of secret travel on the right to work remotely. Some thought it didn’t matter as long as the work got done. Others thought she was ruining things for everyone else.
But alas, she did not. On this occasion, no-one realised the employee wasn’t “working from home” in London.
Take Out Point: If your definition of “remote work” involves plane travel, have an honest conversation with your boss before heading to the airport.
See: Working From Home
Heartbreak Leave
In the Philippines, parliament is considering the “Heartbreak Recovery and Resilience Act” which would give employees varying amounts of unpaid heartbreak leave per year based on their age. Younger employees would get less because (apparently) they are more likely to bounce back quickly.
To qualify for “heartbreak leave”, employees would have to provide their employer “with a signed statement confirming the dissolution of their romantic relationship within the past 30 days”.
Take Out Point: No suggestion (yet) that this is coming to Australia, although affected employees are likely to use existing leave entitlements.
See: Heartbreak Leave
Survey Finds Workplaces Unaware of Sexual Harassment Obligations
A survey by OurWatch has found that a worrying number of workplaces are not aware of, or meeting, their legal obligations to prevent sexual harassment. Some 40% of leaders are unaware of the positive duty obligations introduced in December 2022.
The survey also found that only 76% of leaders know that sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal – despite this being the case for 40 years.
Take Out Point: Ongoing education about these obligations is critical. Ignorance of the positive duty will be no excuse for employers who do not safely manage end of year parties.
See: Sexual Harassment Obligations
End of Year Party Preparation
It’s that time of year again. End of year workplace functions are being organised.
Whilst parties are meant to be a fun reward for a year of hard work, there’s been way too many examples of #careerendingmoves.
If you don’t want to have to talk to your friendly employment lawyer in the post-party days, weeks and months, set clear behavioural expectations in advance.
Here’s a pre-party starter template that can be personalised for your business.
Download the Bicknell Law & Consulting email template for upcoming festivities.
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,
I’ve been reviewing your website and I’ve noticed that there are some things that can be done to improve your SEO. We can increase your engagement by 50% within 3 months.
Would you be open to a quick call to discuss strategies?
Warm regards,
Steve
Dear Spammer Steve,
Thanks for your unsolicited email. It really brightened my day.
As I’ve said to the other five marketers who shared their concerns about my website this week, rather than scheduling a “quick call”, can I suggest you Google Seth Godin’s work on “permission marketing”.
Until then, I suspect the sound of ringing phones won’t drown out those crickets at your end.
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!
Public Service Announcement: Chances are you didn’t get to watch all of this year’s recommended shows. But fear not… the “After Work” annual compilation is returning so you can catch up on the best shows of the year during your holidays. Drops via email, LinkedIn and on my website on 17 December.
What I Watched (On Binge/Foxtel)
Ever wondered what it would be like to work on a lame superhero movie? “The Franchise” is a fabulous satire from HBO/Sam Mendes. Brilliantly written and acted. An effortless watch with laugh out loud moments.
What I Inhaled (On Prime)
“Cross” is a gripping crime thriller about a Washington DC Detective who takes on a serial killer. Sure I watched some of it through one eye and a few fingers, but that’s a good thing. Couldn’t turn it off.
What I Can’t Wait For (On Netflix)
F1 fans are in for a treat when the limited series “Senna” drops on 29 November. I can’t tell you if it is any good yet, but I have a nagging feeling that we may not like the ending.
What I Will be Watching (On Binge/Foxtel)
“How To Make Gravy” is a film adaptation of Paul Kelly’s Christmas song. It has a stellar Aussie cast and drops on 1 December.
