Recent Posts
News•Feb 27, 2026
HR Manager "Opened the Door" To Discussions About Her Personal Life: FWC
The Fair Work Commission ruled on a dismissal claim by an HR manager at disability‑services provider Hands On People. The manager alleged adverse action after raising compliance concerns, filing a workers’ compensation claim and taking personal leave. The Commission found she voluntarily disclosed personal information, which “opened the door” to workplace discussion, and noted she had alternatives to quitting. Ultimately, the employer’s argument that she resigned was upheld, but the decision highlighted procedural shortcomings.
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 27, 2026
FWC Targets Meritless Gen-AI Claims with New Filing Rules
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) will soon require all employees and witnesses to disclose any use of generative‑AI in preparing their applications, with false statements subject to imprisonment. Justice Adam Hatcher highlighted AI’s dual role: it can help self‑represented litigants...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 27, 2026
Mindset Management Crucial to Burnout Prevention
A mindset specialist warns that current employee wellbeing programs miss a critical component. Mark Jones, a coach and author, argues that beyond nutrition, sleep, exercise, and healthy relationships, employees must manage their mindsets to prevent burnout. He emphasizes that individuals...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 26, 2026
"Managerial Cowardice" Contributed to Poor Leadership, Unfair Dismissal
The Fair Work Commission ruled that the University of Melbourne unfairly dismissed a professor who headed the Williams Centre for Learning Advancement after an 18‑month investigation into serious misconduct. Deputy President Ian Masson criticized the employer’s “managerial cowardice” for failing...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 26, 2026
"Candid" HR Evidence Highlights Performance Management Flaws
The Fair Work Commission ordered the University of Melbourne to reinstate a senior director, highlighting HR’s inadequate role in performance management. An 18‑month investigation concluded the director engaged in serious misconduct, yet the employer’s claims of rude and bullying behavior...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Negative Emotions Not Always Bad for Work or Wellbeing
A meta‑analysis of over 70 pandemic‑era studies across 20 countries finds that short‑lived negative emotions at work can spark functional outcomes such as higher performance and engagement. The research, led by University of Pittsburgh’s David Lebel, examined anger, anxiety, disgust,...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 25, 2026
D&I Action Hits Record High, but Discrimination Remains Widespread
The Diversity Council of Australia’s Inclusion@Work Index surveyed about 3,000 workers for 2024‑2025, finding that 76 % now support organisational D&I action, up from 74 % a year earlier. Opposition fell to a record low of 5 %, while 62 % say their employer...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 25, 2026
False Timesheet Explanation "Wholly Unconvincing", Dismissal Fair
The Fair Work Commission ruled that a Hansen Corporation database manager was fairly dismissed after falsifying timesheets. The employee, employed since 2019, claimed manager approval and a long‑standing pattern excused the false entries, but the Commission called his explanation wholly...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 25, 2026
Develop Leaders Who Don't Try to Be the Hero, but Build Heroes Instead
The article argues that leaders should stop positioning themselves as the "hero" and instead focus on cultivating other heroes within their organizations. Drawing on Dara Simkin and Tane Hunter’s book *Full Stack Human*, it calls for a rewrite of the...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 24, 2026
Sacking Employee for "Poor Decision-Making" While Off Duty Was Harsh
The Fair Work Commission found that Sleepeezee Bedding Australia’s summary dismissal of a heavy‑combination truck driver was harsh and unreasonable. The driver tested positive for a prohibited drug after a roadside test, but admitted only off‑duty cannabis use over the...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 24, 2026
In Flexible Work Decisions, "Best Available" Is Best Practice
HR advisor Merilyn Speiser argues that flexible‑work policies should be tailored to each role rather than applied uniformly. She recommends starting with design principles that categorize roles and then offering the "best available" flexibility for each. The approach treats equity...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 24, 2026
Manager Unfairly Sacked for "Sounding Out" Career Change Using Work Email
The Fair Work Commission ruled that a national sales manager at Volando Group was unfairly dismissed after using his work email to send a résumé and explore a health‑and‑wellness career. Deputy President Tony Slevin found the conduct was not “serious or...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Self-Awareness of Privilege and Power Transforms Leaders
Award‑winning executive Kit McMahon argues that leaders who recognize their own privilege and power can drive gender and intersectional equity. She cites concrete examples where deep reflective work and genuine engagement have produced measurable workplace progress. McMahon, named the 2026 national...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 23, 2026
HR's Strategic Influence Growing, Specialist Skills in Demand
HR’s strategic influence is expanding, prompting employers to seek senior HR business partners and specialists who can lead workforce planning, change management, and regulatory navigation. Robert Half’s 2026 salary guide shows overall HR pay is flat, but premiums are rising...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Employee Who Took Decisions as Personal Affronts Wasn't Bullied: FWC
An Australian university lecturer alleged seven instances of bullying by his executive dean and dean of programs. The Fair Work Commission found none of the claims met the legal definition of repeated unreasonable behaviour, rejecting the bullying allegations. While acknowledging...
By HR Daily (Australia)