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Workplace protections for menopause, perimenopause on government radar after review

David Adams — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:42:24 +0000

The federal government has thrown in-principle support behind a call to consider greater workplace protections for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause.

The post Workplace protections for menopause, perimenopause on government radar after review appeared first on SmartCompany.

Companies could face criminal penalties over modern slavery compliance failures

Melissa Coade — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:10:52 +0000

The federal government plans tougher modern slavery laws, stronger enforcement powers, and new compliance measures to improve corporate accountability.

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Guilty secret? One in three Aussies using AI chatbots at work

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:29:51 +0000

Many employees were hiding their AI use out of guilt as two in five said using the tools felt like cheating.

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AI “brain fry” could become the next big WHS challenge

Prabha Nandagopal — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:21:49 +0000

As AI adoption accelerates, experts are warning of a new workplace risk dubbed "AI brain fry", with research linking intensive AI use to mental fatigue, more errors and higher staff turnover.

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Australia can’t hit its 1.2 million tech worker target if experienced women keep leaving

Tegan Jones — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:01:57 +0000

A new report reveals Australia’s tech sector is struggling to retain experienced women and why this will affect our 2030 tech worker target.

The post Australia can’t hit its 1.2 million tech worker target if experienced women keep leaving appeared first on SmartCompany.

Tools down, Socceroos up as bosses back World Cup watch parties

David Adams — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 01:27:29 +0000

Australian workplaces are trading business as usual for the chance to celebrate the Socceroos and workplace culture during Friday's match.

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Victoria’s WFH laws to cover regular casuals and part-time staff

Mrinaal Datt — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:14:53 +0000

Victoria's proposed work-from-home laws will extend to regular casual and part-time workers, sparking fresh debate among business groups.

The post Victoria’s WFH laws to cover regular casuals and part-time staff appeared first on SmartCompany.

Why HR can no longer separate wellbeing from performance

Pearl Bendle — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:23:05 +0000

Changing workplace dynamics, generational shifts and the integration of artificial intelligence are influencing how organisations operate and how employees engage with their roles.

The post Why HR can no longer separate wellbeing from performance appeared first on SmartCompany.

NDIS funding cuts could leave disabled Australians unable to work

Mrinaal Datt — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:36:29 +0000

Disability advocates have warned proposed NDIS funding cuts could reduce access to work, medical appointments and community participation.

The post NDIS funding cuts could leave disabled Australians unable to work appeared first on SmartCompany.

Wrong hires are costing Australian SMEs a staggering $7.3 billion a year

Mrinaal Datt — Wed, 27 May 2026 23:43:46 +0000

New research from Seek estimates the real cost of a single wrong hire to Australian small businesses through recruitment, training and more.

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