Victorian businesses are anxious and frustrated today as another COVID-19 outbreak from hotel quarantine in Victoria has led to the State Government announcing a five-day lockdown.

An employer has been ordered to pay $14,550 to a former employee after claims the HR Manager demanded the employee work extra unpaid hours to make up for JobKeeper payments.

There has never been a more important time than now for every business to pause, reflect and take action in creating a workplace environment that fosters positive mental health.

Since 2009, the Centre for Future Work and the Australia Institute have produced compelling data on ‘time theft,’ a broad term that considers both overwork and unpaid overtime in the workforce.

The Victorian Chamber applauds Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement today that 75 per cent of public and private sector office workers can return to their workplaces from Monday.

A former employee has argued to the Fair Work Commission that he had no choice but to resign after his employer refused to provide a desk to work from home on during COVID-19 restrictions.

Regardless of your business’ size or industry, business leaders need to protect the workers and the business by introducing a mental health auditing program as part of regular operations.

In collaboration with Bastion RM and Pitcher Partners, a survey by Bastion Insights has highlighted the benefits and pitfalls of working from home for both the employer and employee.

With the start of a new year, employers should be reviewing their mental health strategy to ensure the wellbeing of their employees and the long-term performance of the business.