A common misconception among employers is that a casual employee’s classification as a casual depends heavily on the terms of the employment contract. However, a recent Fair Work Commission decision serves as a reminder that, in some circumstances, the reality of the working relationship can be just as important as the label attached to it.

Every year, employers grapple with the same question after the holiday season: once the official Christmas party is over, do the normal workplace rules still apply? A recent Fair Work Commission decision suggests the answer may be "yes", even when employees have left the venue, the event has ended, and the employer is no longer involved.

A recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision serves as a timely reminder that an employee's intentions are only one part of the equation. In some circumstances, a serious lapse in judgement can justify dismissal, even where there was no malicious intent.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way workplaces operate. From drafting policies and position descriptions through to assisting with investigations, performance management and legal research, employers are increasingly turning to AI-powered tools to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden.

The Australian Government has proposed some of the most significant changes to employment restraints in decades. If passed in their current form, the reforms would dramatically limit an employer's ability to prevent former employees from joining competitors or starting competing businesses.

One of the more common misconceptions we encounter when reviewing employment arrangements is the assumption that a senior employee earning a substantial salary cannot be covered by a modern award. In practice, it is rarely that simple.