Hello!
Welcome to your favourite workplace newsletter – a combination of things you need to know (and things you didn’t know you needed to know).
I hope this newsletter brings you some wisdom and joy!
Cheers, Jen
What am I seeing out there in the workplace world?
Employers hesitant to make tough calls when a new hire just isn’t working out.
I get it. Sunk costs. Recruitment takes time.
But remember, employees never try harder than they do in probation.
Take Out Point: If probation didn’t inspire effort, permanent employment definitely won’t.
BRIEFLY…
Job of the Week: Chief Hangover Officer (CHO) – Requires Travelling the World and Drinking
I got excited about the $100,000 salary and travel to 3 continents and 5 countries.And I’m qualified:
- Over 18 – TICK!
- Valid passport – TICK!
- All over social media trends – TICK!
But alas, I am NOT happy to ingest a dried bull pizzle.
Over to you!
Buzzphrase of the Year (2020): “Work From Home”.
Buzzphrase of the Year (2025): “Return to Office.”
Underpaying Staff Could Get You 10 Years In Jail!
From 1 January 2025, employers who intentionally underpay employees may face criminal prosecution.
Underpayment includes failing to pay the correct wages, penalty rates, overtime, allowances, or other required amounts under an award or enterprise agreement. It can also include unpaid superannuation.
If convicted, individuals could face a maximum of 10 years in prison or significant financial penalties.
See: Criminal Underpayment Laws
New Casual Employment Laws
Eligible casuals can provide their employers with written notice that they want to change to full time or part time employment.
Employers should acquaint themselves with the changes, as they can only refuse a request for certain reasons.
See: New Casual Employment Laws
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 boss wants me to work three days per week in the office, but I don’t want to. Should I quit?
Cheers
Freedom Fighter
Dear Freedom Fighter
Three days in the office? Outrageous. Next, they’ll be asking you to make eye contact and wear real pants.
Quitting seems extreme, but sure, quit. But only if you have a rock-solid plan that doesn’t involve launching a failed podcast about “the remote work revolution.”
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!
What I Watched (On Foxtel/Binge)
“The Pitt” is a new medical drama. Remember Noah Wyle who started out as a medical student in the classic show “ER” in the 1990’s? Well he is all grown up now. He’s the boss of an ER in Pittsburgh and he is awesome. As is this show. Best new show of the year so far.
What I Watched (On Disney)
“Paradise”. Dumb name for a show about a President and the secret service and…cannot tell you the rest, because that would amount to the biggest spoiler ever (and explain the dumb name of the show). Don’t Google it. Just watch.
What I Watched (On ABC iview)
“The Split” season 3 is set in Barcelona. That means we get to watch the next instalment of one of the best shows of the past few years in a divine setting. Three episodes are not enough, but I will take any opportunity to watch Nicola Walker and the rest of the Defoes make family law look sexy.
What I Watched (On Netflix)
I love real estate p*rn – especially, when it is set in NYC. Trashy, yes. Did I binge “Selling the City”? Absolutely!
What I’m Watching (On Netflix)
The latest season of “Drive to Survive” has dropped, and it couldn’t come soon enough for us F1 fans. Vroom!
What I Won’t be Watching (But you can, if you’re keen to know how to freeze flower petals in ice cubes)
“With Love, Meghan”. (Why, Netflix, why)?