HR Leader’s top 10 stories for 2025

Read here our 10 most-read stories this year.

10. Employee fired after chucking sickie for AFL Gather Round

In 2024, Mitchell Fuller of Madison Branson Lawyers in Melbourne took a sickie to attend the AFL Gather Round. This story explores the method behind man, which started with his excuse to his employer that he had a “tough time sleeping” and was not “feeling up for coming into the office”.

9. Brothel receptionist called ‘backstabbing c--t’ by boss wins unfair dismissal case

A 63-year-old receptionist who had worked at a Melbourne “relaxation centre” from 2009 was terminated last year, shortly after having gotten cosmetic surgery. Riddled with drama, arguments, and profanity, this story walks readers through how a 15-year tenure led to a broken down relationship and compensation of $8,400.

8. The return-to-office mandate for government staff solves a problem that doesn’t exist

In light of the return-to-work directive placed on NSW public sector workers earlier this year, research from the time revealed downsides to the mandate, including “office-based inefficiencies”. Dr Gleb Tsipursky, chief executive at Disaster Avoidance Experts, drew insight from the data into the myths and the potential consequences of a return-to-office mandate.

7. HR manager sues workplace over alleged disciplinary action

For a Federal Court hearing scheduled for March 2025, Bridgett Maddox, former national human resources manager at Slater and Gordon, made a claim for $4,400 plus legal fees against her former employer, alleging the firm failed to pay her annual leave entitlements. Maddox also alleged that her manager had engaged in “inappropriate disciplinary action” and uncovered underpayments spanning back 11 years. This story goes into what happened, unveiling a major self-reported “error” made by the firm.

6. Woolworths’ major price drop announcement on back of job cuts

In May, Woolworths announced its next steps in its battle with rival Coles, slashing prices on nearly 400 of its most popular grocery items. This story delves into the supermarket’s price reductions, $400 million cost-saving plan, industrial action, and price gouging allegations.

5. HR manager allegedly linked to criminal past

Slater and Gordon returns to the list for a story that brings the spotlight back on the firm’s former national human resources manager, Bridgett Maddox. In a turn of events, presiding Judge Liz Gaynor unveiled Maddox’s criminal past from court documents in September 2018, linking her to her alleged former identity, Bridgett Jones. This story reveals uncovered secrets and the charges that ensued.

4. Minns stands on back-to-office stance despite Albanese’s objections

In March, Chris Minns backed RTO mandates and called Prime Minister Albanese’s praise of flexibility that WFH “out of touch”. This story highlights key union commentary for this “hot-button” issue that was a headline issue leading up to the federal election, which took place this year.

3. Woolworths to cut office-based staff

In addition to the price reductions made by the supermarket giant this year, Woolworths announced cuts to its office-based staff in February, with a planned business restructure. This story collates key reflections by spokespeople for the supermarket about the implications and the desired outcome of these decisions.

2. ‘Gutting trust’: Rio Tinto to slash FIFO workers’ sick leave

In a unilateral decision by mining giant Rio Tinto to remove sick leave entitlements for FIFO workers in August, this story highlights key concerns and backlash from unions and the key implications of the proposal.

1. Woolworths implements RTO mandate for 10k workers

Topping the list is another story about the supermarket giant, Woolworths, which saw it recall 10,000 office-based workers to the office early this year, effective 2 June 2025. The story revealed the supermarket’s efforts to create more “in-person connection” at the company and what non-adherents thought about the move.