WorkplaceWizards

16/04/2026

BLOG: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the way we work, and how we understand work, has gone through some pretty monumental shifts over the last few years. We’ve said this a lot, but it’s because if you actually stop and think about it, the things that are fast becoming “status quo” now would’ve felt almost revolutionary not that long ago.

Amongst those changes, one of the more prominent ones is the idea that wellbeing and productivity can sit at the same table. For many, for the longest time, it felt like wellbeing was one of those “yeah, that’s nice in theory” things, but not really compatible with the whole hustle, high-performance, get-it-done-at-all-costs version of work that a lot of people were used to.

But over recent years especially, it’s become pretty clear that it’s not really a trade-off. If anything, trying to separate the two is where things start to break down, the fundemental truth being that a workforce that’s well is a workforce that can actually show up and do their best work.

We wrote this blog a couple of years ago exploring that idea, when it still felt like something people were talking about more than actually embedding, and with a bit of a follow-up (a sequel, if you will) in the works now - which zooms out to look at how organisational design fits into all of this - it felt like a good time to bring this one back as a bit of a refresher.

Give it a read and tell us what you think: https://www.workplacewizards.com.au/blog/wellbeing-productivity/

20/02/2026

NSW has officially put AI and digital workplace systems on the WHS radar!

With the passing of the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2026, if your business uses algorithms, automated rostering, productivity trackers or performance metrics, they’re now something you'll have to take into consideration when looking at workplace health and safety obligations.

If the Friday afternoon slump is kicking in though, don’t stress - we’ve pulled together quick summary below that walks through what this new Bill actually does and what it means in practice for businesses.

19/02/2026

So… can you just refuse to go back to the office if your contract says you can work from home?

A recent Fair Work Commission decision suggests it’s not that simple!

An employee was dismissed after digging his heels in over a three-day return-to-office requirement. He genuinely believed his contract protected his right to work remotely. The Commission disagreed, finding the direction was lawful and reasonable.

What’s interesting is how different this feels to the Westpac decision from last year, where flexible work rights were upheld. The big difference....well you'll have to read the blog for the full break down, but there's a teaser below for you to flick through!

Blog link in bio: https://www.workplacewizards.com.au/revisiting-the-wfh-debate/

We're starting to see more and more hybrid work cases show us where the real lines are, so this latest blog is especially worth a read if you’re navigating return-to-office conversations right now.

16/02/2026

Get ready for the year ahead with our free webinar: https://lnkd.in/gVy56z5S

As we settle into the groove of the new year and workplace routines start to take shape, it’s a good moment to lift your head and look ahead to what 2026 is likely to bring

Designed and delivered by Susanna Ritchie and Caroline Blunt, this 45-minute morning session will be practical and a smart way to get ahead of the year rather than chasing it.

We’ll focus on what’s genuinely shaping the workplace landscape as we move into 2026, where employers are really being scrutinised, and how to make sensible, defensible decisions about where to focus attention (and where not to overreact).

Topics covered will include:
💡 recent decisions around set-off clauses
💡payday super
💡recent Fair Work Act decisions on flexibility, unfair dismissal and adverse action
💡changes to Paid Parental Leave
💡gender equality targets

There will be time allocated for questions at the end also! Feel free to pre-submit your questions when you register (link above).

22/01/2026

Repost from the on-the-road work adventures of the Susanna and :

First road trip for work in 2026, down the coast to see great people doing cool things and having fun hanging out with this awesome advisor!

15/01/2026

What does HR actually look like today? Or, maybe a better question to ask is how many hats HR professionals are expected to wear?

It’s certainly a role that keeps you on your toes, where one minute you’re responding to immediate issues, the next you’re thinking ahead about what the organisation will need long term, all while keeping the day-to-day work moving and the inbox under control.

Most workplaces are built on people working together to keep things moving. Like clockwork, emails get sent, meetings happen, policies exist, and the wheels keep turning. In the middle of all that motion though, it’s easy to forget that the work is still being carried by people, not processes, and this is especially important to remember when it comes to HR.

Why especially? Well, when your role is built around supporting everyone else, that distinction really matters. Our mini-blog below expands on this idea to reflect on the reality of modern HR and why sometimes, HR needs HR too!

15/01/2026

A recent Federal Court decision penalised the University of New South Wales for record-keeping and payslip breaches that made it difficult to properly assess underpayments affecting casual academic staff.

It’s the kind of issue that can feel invisible until someone actually tries to check what they’re owed, or an investigation starts and hits a wall, and while this case involves a university, it’s not unique! As you may remember from last year, similar record-keeping problems have come up in other major cases, and the same obligations apply whether you’re a small employer or a very large one.

Flick through the tiles for a clear breakdown of this latest headline from the Fair Work Ombusdsman - including information on how this unfolded, and why it matters beyond this one organisation.

13/01/2026

With recent severe weather, including fires, floods and other events, impacting parts of Australia, we know that many workplaces and workers are navigating some really challenging conditions right now.

If you or your business have been affected, here's links to resources can help you understand your workplace rights, pay and leave options, and how to keep people safe:

Fair Work Ombudsman – for information on entitlements during natural disasters (including bushfires & floods): https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/news/severe-weather-and-natural-disasters-across-parts-australia

Comcare – severe weather & emergency preparedness for employers and workers: https://www.comcare.gov.au/safe-healthy-work/prevent-harm/extreme-weather

Don't forget also:

• Some awards and agreements include rules around pay during severe or inclement weather

• Employers may be able to stand down employees if work can’t safely continue

• Employees may be able to access paid or unpaid leave, including annual leave, sick/carer’s leave, community service leave or defence service leave

• Flexible work arrangements can often help during periods of disruption

For weather updates and further support, the Fair Work Ombudsman page on flooding & Comcare's storm & flood page both have a list of resources to direct you to relevant State emergency services, support services & other official news services for updates.

We're thinking of everyone affected, stay safe and take care 🤍

02/12/2025

All we want for Christmas is…… for you not to end the year with a preventable workplace risk or compliance headache.

We know that many of your workpalces are currently juggling end-of-year targets, reduced staff, contractors filling gaps and a calendar full of social events. It’s the perfect storm for safety shortcuts and compliance blind spots, and that’s why Riskmas shows up right when you need it most!

Before we unwrap this year’s Riskmas, take a moment to revisit our past festive favourites:

Riskmas "Tis the Season to Be Careful" - a reminder that end-of-year celebrations, fatigue and rushing to the finish line can create real safety and compliance risks: https://www.workplacewizards.com.au/riskmas-tis-the-season-to-be-careful/

Riskmas "Deck the Halls With Safety and Compliance" - practical insights to help businesses celebrate without sidelining their obligations:https://www.workplacewizards.com.au/riskmas-2023-deck-the-halls-with-safety-and-compliance/

From work parties and alcohol, to workloads, leave, contractors and fatigue - the festive season is merry, but it’s also a high-risk time of year! So consider this your early Riskmas warm-up. Catch up on the past posts no and stay tuned, because Riskmas for 2025 is dropping very soon 👀

11/11/2025

NEW BLOG 🚨 ‼️ Every now and then, a workplace case comes along that perfectly captures where we are as a society - how we work, our personal responsibilities, and how we balance the two.

The Fair Work Commission’s decision in Chandler v Westpac(2025) could be described as one of those moments, serving as an interesting reflection of how Australia’s workplace culture is evolving in real time. For more on this landmark case and what the implications are for workplaces around Australia, we've written up a quick summary blog, which you can read here: https://www.workplacewizards.com.au/lessons-from-chandler-v-westpac-2025/

WFH continues to stay in the headlines, as workplaces continue to try to configure what their "new normal" looks like.

06/11/2025

We originally designed this session for our clients, but the interest has been incredible, so we’ve decided to open it up to everyone!

Next Thursday, our brilliant Wizards Susanna and Caroline are hosting a free webinar exploring psychosocial hazards, what the upcoming Victorian regulations really mean in practice, and how to move beyond compliance by looking at the bigger picture in how your systems, leaders and culture shape the everyday experience of work.

Bring your questions, your examples, and your curiosity - we’ll make it worth your time. The webinar will be recorded, with all registrants recieving a copy after the event.

Register now here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W_h-W18vQlSb22QLTcN3iw