HR Leader’s 10 most-read stories in 2024

From new-age workplace trends to hugely consequential legislative reforms, from union misconduct to workers’ strikes, it’s been a huge year in the human resources space – with 2025 shaping up to be even bigger. Here are the top 10 stories from the past 12 months on HR Leader.

10. Are PIPs a ‘quiet firing’ tool for HR?

Performance improvement plans (PIPs) are often used by businesses that lack moral fibre to meaningfully address the performance concerns of an employee. However, law firm partners are ringing alarm bells on PIPs being used as a tool by HR to push employees out legally and safely.

9. Australia: The burnout capital of the world?

The trend of burnout is increasing throughout the Australian workplace, with more and more employees coming forward proclaiming that their job tasks are overwhelming.

8. ‘Sham’ termination caused psychiatric injury, High Court rules in landmark workers’ rights case

A century-old precedent has been overturned by the High Court of Australia, with an employer being ordered to pay over $1.4 million to a former employee who claimed psychiatric injury arising from a breach of employment contract.

7. FWO files proceedings against CFMEU

CFMEU is facing the music once again, this time with the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) bringing proceedings against a union official for alleged unlawful conduct at a construction site in Perth.

6. ‘WFH is a luxury’: Has the NSW government done the right thing in summoning staff back to the office?

NSW Premier Chris Minns has poured gasoline on the firestorm that is the work-from-home discourse by calling upon public servants in NSW to return to the office.

5. Public sector workers to receive 11.4% pay increase over next 3 years

Public Service Association of NSW members have agreed to a pay rise offered by the state government, including cost-of-living allowances.

4. NSW government launches energy-saving air conditioning rebate

As part of the NSW Energy Saving Scheme (ESS), the NSW government is offering businesses and households the chance to upgrade to energy-efficient air conditioning, thereby reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

3. Will the Woolworths strike end before Christmas?

With the Christmas shelves empty and Woolworths’ pockets full, could the court of public opinion sway negotiations in the workers’ favour?

2. Government must bring hammer down on CFMEU, says Master Builders

In a recent submission to the Albanese government’s review of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay and Closing Loopholes legislation, employer association Master Builders has claimed that despite legislation, damaging behaviour within the construction industry has re-emerged.

1. ‘We’re humans, not robots’: Woolworths staff return to work after 17-day strike

Just in time for the Christmas rush, Woollies’ warehouse workers, a part of the United Workers Union (UWU), have concluded their industrial action after reaching an agreement with the supermarket giant.