Business
Gender diversity in workplaces could help boost profit
14 May
Harnessing the benefits of diversity and inclusion within Australian workplaces amid global pushback could boost company profits and improve conditions. That’s the verdict of the chief executive of UN Women Australia, which will launch a...[Read More]
Keeping coal clunkers alive risks power price surge
16 April
Delaying coal generator retirements under the federal coalition’s plan for adding nuclear plants to the grid risks power supply shortfalls and price spikes. Australia’s fleet of old and unreliable coal power stations, prone to outages and extra...[Read More]
Small business owners too overwrought for mental health
23 April
Small business owners simply don’t have time for mental health. They’re head of operations, head of marketing, head of sales. They keep customers happy and suppliers and overheads paid, and complete an average of 15 hours of government paperwork...[Read More]
Multibillion-dollar benefit of reproductive leave
16 April
Australia loses more than $21 billion in productivity every year due to absenteeism but providing workers with one day of reproductive leave a month would significantly mitigate this economic cost. A report into the costs and benefits of...[Read More]
Working women key to future economic growth: bank boss
16 April
Women’s participation in the Australian economy has been remarkably transformed in the past 40 years but more progress is needed, the head of the central bank says. Michele Bullock made history in 2023 when she became the first woman appointed...[Read More]
Big bite on spending swallows up hospitality businesses
16 April
Nearly one in 10 hospitality and food services businesses closed in the past year, as cost pressures force Australians to rein in spending. A record-high 9.4 per cent of food service and hospitality businesses shut their doors in the year to March,...[Read More]
Social media and free speech: where the legal boundaries are being tested
10 April
Social media has revolutionised how we communicate, offering a global platform for individuals to share opinions, challenge authority, and connect with others instantly. However, while platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and...[Read More]
What does ethical investing mean and how does it relate to ESG investing?
10 April
Investing is typically perceived as a wealthy-only pastime with no regard for the environment or social issues. However, that is not always the case, and the old mindset of making money for its own sake doesn’t need to stay. People have become...[Read More]
Key sectors most vulnerable to hacking in AI arms race
9 April
Australia’s energy, healthcare and transport industries are among the most vulnerable to cyber attacks, tests by ethical hackers reveal, and artificial intelligence is being used to craft more dangerous strikes against them. Internet security firm...[Read More]
Respect your time: breaking free from instant availability
3 April
Constantly replying instantly to every work message reinforces two harmful assumptions: first, that your time is endlessly available, and second, that your personal focus isn’t important. Responding immediately may feel productive, but it...[Read More]
Major employers urged to hit gender equality targets
3 April
Employers will soon have to commit to achieve or make progress on gender equality targets in their workplaces after federal parliament passed law changes. The changes apply to employers with more than 500 workers, meaning nearly 2000 workplaces will...[Read More]
Shift-work jobs tilting female finances off-kilter
2 April
Women are working multiple shift jobs to boost their income as they face greater financial instability than their male colleagues. An analysis of more than 700,000 shift workers across hospitality, retail, health care and services found women’s...[Read More]
Financial security: four essential steps to protect your future
13 March
Financial stability doesn’t usually come by chance; it requires preparation and strategy. Most of us depend on a steady paycheck, but few consider what would happen if it disappeared suddenly. Protecting yourself against financial disaster means...[Read More]
Selling your business: key considerations & tips for success
13 March
Selling a business is a significant decision that requires careful planning, strategic timing, and expert guidance. To maximise the value of your business and ensure a smooth transition, consider these essential factors and seek professional...[Read More]
Workplace equality backlash prompts call to include men
12 March
Strides towards gender equality could be at risk if men are not included in the conversation, with leaders urging workplaces to stay the course on diversity and inclusion initiatives. Paralympians, company founders and youth advocates are speaking...[Read More]