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Landing a job offer can feel exciting, but before you say “yes,” it’s worth asking: What’s the culture really like? Workplace culture can make or break your job satisfaction. A company might have great pay or perks, but if the environment doesn’t align with your values or working style, you could quickly find yourself disengaged or burnt out. Here’s how to read between the lines and spot the real culture — before you commit. 1. Look beyond the job ad Job ads often use buzzwor

n a landmark Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision, a long-serving Westpac employee has won the right to work from home, setting a major precedent for flexible work arrangements across Australia. The Case Karlene Chandler, who has worked with Westpac for more than 23 years, requested in January 2025 to continue working remotely from her home in Wilton, NSW. Her request was motivated by family responsibilities — particularly school drop-offs and pick-ups for her two daughters —

Bullying isn’t just something that happens in schoolyards, it can happen in workplaces too. And while it might start subtly (eye-rolling, exclusion, or undermining comments), it can quickly escalate and affect your confidence, wellbeing, and even your job performance. If you think you’re being bullied at work, here’s what to do and where to get help. 1. Recognise What’s Happening Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour  directed toward an employee that creates

Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has intensified its crackdown on wage theft, unlawful deductions, and non-compliance with workplace laws — and recent court cases reveal a troubling trend of deliberate misconduct. In one Federal Court decision, an employer was found to have made unauthorized deductions from an employee’s wages totalling nearly $46,800 , without any contractual basis. Although only part of that amount was recoverable due to statutory limits, the case high

Australia’s higher education sector is entering a period of tough financial adjustment. With domestic enrolments softening and international student numbers stabilising under new visa rules, many institutions are being forced to rethink their structures and spending. The University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) recent large-scale restructure is a visible example of how universities are responding and it may not be the last. Why the pressure is mounting Several forces are s

Being scapegoated can trigger strong emotions: frustration, confusion, even self-doubt. But reacting impulsively can make the situation worse. Strategic responses are about protecting your reputation, maintaining professionalism, and quietly shifting the narrative back to facts. 1. Pause before reacting Your first instinct may be to defend yourself immediately. Take a breath. Rash or emotional replies can be misinterpreted as guilt or instability. Instead:  Calmly ask clarify

Scapegoating occurs when a person or group is unfairly blamed for problems, mistakes, or failures, often to deflect responsibility from the real cause or from those in power. It’s both a psychological and social defense mechanism: by designating someone as the “sacrifice,” others preserve their self-image or reputation and avoid accountability. In healthy workplaces, mistakes are analysed and addressed collectively. In toxic ones, the goal shifts from learning to blaming and

When you’re job hunting, it’s easy to be drawn in by the charm of a small business. A tight-knit team, flexible culture, and direct access to decision-makers can all sound appealing. But one factor that often gets overlooked and shouldn’t is whether the business has a dedicated Human Resources (HR) function. If a small business doesn’t have HR in place, it can be a serious red flag for prospective employees. Here’s why: 1. Lack of Employee Protections HR isn’t just about payr

What happened • At Australian Catholic University (ACU) , a paramedic student (called “Madeleine” in reports) was accused of using AI to cheat on an assignment.   • The accusation came via an “Academic Integrity Concern” email. The student was asked to explain why the university believed she used AI. While under investigation, her transcript was marked “results withheld,” which affected her ability to apply for graduate positions.   • She says she had done nothing wrong, prov

Australia’s traditional five-day work week could soon be under review, as new trials and research initiatives explore the potential for a...

Australia’s employment landscape is shifting, with new data revealing a softening in job vacancies, steady unemployment, and signs of...

For many professionals, the idea of working overseas is both exciting and daunting. Whether it’s chasing career growth, higher pay, or...

Remote and hybrid work are no longer just temporary solutions—they’re becoming embedded in the way Australians work. A new Roy Morgan...

Key public holidays in 2026 (national + many states) Some of the big ones to take your leave around: • 1 Jan, Thursday - New Year’s Day  ...

In recent years, professionals looking for meaningful connections, fresh energy, and less “event fatigue” are turning away from cocktail...

From 1 July 2025 , millions of Australians have seen a welcome boost to their pay as the Fair Work Commission’s 3.5% increase to minimum...

For decades, a university degree was seen as the golden ticket to career success, stable employment, and higher earnings. But new...

Australia’s ambitious infrastructure agenda, from major road and rail upgrades to preparations for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics , is under...

Australia’s university sector is facing mounting criticism after revelations that more than 110,000 staff members  have been underpaid ,...

From today, 30 September 2025 , a major change has come into effect in Australia’s healthcare system: qualified registered nurses (RNs)...