HR Heartbeat: Zero shifts, but still employed? Aussies still love working from home and…

Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we look at the week’s most pressing HR and employment relations stories. With over 20 years’ experience in professional services, I give my opinion on current trends impacting your business, as well as my own personal commentary on all things HR and employment relations.

Zero shifts, but still employed? The FWC says not so fast

In a cautionary tale for employers managing casual workers, the Fair Work Commission ruled in favour of a fast-food employee who received no shifts for months following a discrimination complaint.

Though her employer insisted she was still “technically employed,” the FWC found this amounted to an unfair dismissal, especially given the lack of performance concerns and the worker’s regular schedule over more than a year.

Casual doesn’t mean consequence-free. Cutting shifts without communication or documentation could put your business at risk.

Aussies still love working from home—here’s what they’re asking for

A global workplace survey shows 1 in 4 Australian employees are still working from home, putting us among the top countries still loving remote work. Even as hybrid models become the norm, employees are rethinking what an ideal office should feel like—with top picks including a collaboration hub, nature retreats, or even a boutique hotel vibe. Whatever that’s supposed to look like.If you’re pushing for a full return-to-office, you’ll need more than a desk and a coffee machine to win over the crowd. Consider how your space meets employee expectations around comfort, collaboration, and wellbeing.

Safety comes first—even with 40 years on the job

The FWC upheld the dismissal of a veteran mine worker after multiple safety breaches on his first shift back from injury leave. Despite his unblemished six-year record, his failure to follow proper isolation procedures—especially as a crew trainer—was considered a serious enough breach to warrant termination.

And it’s not hard to see why. Mining is one of the most high-risk industries on earth, and includes a long list of dangers for workers, including serious accidents, respiratory illnesses, musculoskeletal disorders, heat stress, and a lot, lot more.

In these high-risk industries, no one’s above the rules. Safety procedures must be enforced consistently, even when it’s a long-serving or senior employee. Hopefully this case serves as a cautionary tale for anyone willing to cut corners.

And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and
employment law stories, helping keep your business ahead!