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News & Articles
Welcome to the Macarthur HC's news — your destination for expert insights at the intersection of people, performance, and business strategy.
Here, we share thought leadership, practical guidance, and the latest trends in HR, leadership development, organisational culture, and workforce strategy. Whether you're navigating complex HR challenges, building resilient teams, or seeking clarity on market benchmarking, our articles are designed to inform, inspire, and empower.
Stay connected as we explore what it takes to create sustainable, well-led organisations where people thrive.
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Australia’s 2026 Economic Outlook: Stability Amid Structural Challenges
Australia’s economy is showing signs of stabilisation. Growth is moderate but steady, and the labour market, while still robust, is starting to ease. This presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses as we look ahead to 2026. Australia’s 2026 Economic Outlook Labour Market: Strength With Caution Unemployment remains relatively low, and workforce participation is healthy. However, wage growth and hiring momentum are beginning to slow. For employers, this signals a
jss2594
7 days ago1 min read
AI Is Redefining HR, and HR Professionals are leading the charge
AI has moved quickly from a “future trend” to an everyday reality in our workplaces. But despite the fear that it might replace roles, something very different is happening in HR: AI is elevating the function, and expanding the impact of HR professionals. The admin tasks that once consumed our time are shifting to automation, giving HR the space to focus on strategy, culture, capability and the real human challenges organisations face. AI and HR's role HR’s Strategic Evolutio
jss2594
Nov 272 min read
Why Employee Experience & Wellbeing Are About More Than Perks
Employee experience and wellbeing are about more than perks or programs that look good on paper. At their core, they shape how people feel every day at work, whether they feel supported, valued, and able to do their best. In today’s fast-paced, hybrid world, getting this right isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential for engagement, retention, and performance. Thought leaders like Meghan Biro are clear: if your employees aren’t supported in a meaningful way, no amount of perks
jss2594
Nov 252 min read
Workplace Behaviour at Christmas Parties: What Employers Should Prepare For
The end-of-year celebration should be a time to unwind, connect, and recognise your team’s hard work. But for employers in Australia, it’s also one of the highest-risk events of the year. Christmas parties blur the lines between “social” and “workplace”, and managing behaviour is essential to keeping everyone safe, and your organisation compliant. Set Expectations Early Even offsite, the Christmas party is still a workplace event. That means your usual rules around respectful
jss2594
Nov 242 min read
How Employers Can Thrive with Australia’s Right to Disconnect
In today’s always-connected world, the line between work and personal life is thinner than ever. The new Right to Disconnect laws are here, and they’re not just a compliance requirement — they’re an opportunity to build a healthier, more productive workplace. Right to disconnect What you need to know From 26 August 2024 , employees of non-small businesses (15+ staff) gained the right to refuse to respond to work-related communications outside normal hours. From 26 August 202
jss2594
Nov 212 min read
The New Commonwealth Wage Theft Laws | A Turning Point for Fair Pay in Australia
For years, wage theft has been a dark undercurrent in Australia’s employment landscape — headlines about underpaid workers and corporate missteps have become all too familiar. But a major shift has arrived. As of 1 January 2025 , the Australian Government has officially criminalised deliberate wage theft under the Fair Work Act (Cth) — sending a clear message: if you intentionally underpay your staff, you could go to jail. What’s changing? The Commonwealth reforms make deli
jss2594
Nov 202 min read
Leading Through the Unknown: Mark LaBusse and the Rise of Adaptive Leadership
In a world where change is the only constant, traditional leadership models are starting to show their cracks. Enter Mark LaBusse—a leadership educator, systems thinker, and passionate advocate for a more human way of leading. His work doesn’t just challenge the status quo; it invites leaders to step into the unknown with courage, curiosity, and compassion. Adaptive Leadership From Manager to Mobilizer Mark LaBusse doesn’t believe leadership is about titles or technical exper
jss2594
Nov 182 min read
Common Traits of Great Leaders (Part 4) Final
by Guy Picken, Guy Picken Consulting Continuing from last week, we conclude with our final blog on the qualities that make great leaders. 9. Great Leaders are great communicators Great leaders can explain their strategies in clear simple terms that everyone can understand. The know that if it takes more than 60 seconds to explain the concept you have probably lost your audience. Great leaders know that human beings inherently dislike change and if they are to get the support
jss2594
Nov 172 min read
Common Traits of Great Leaders (Part 3)
by Guy Picken, Guy Picken Consulting Following this week's blog, we now delve into more qualities that make great leaders. Great Leaders 6. Great Leaders apply relentless discipline In 2020 McKinsey and Company conducted a study on Execution vs strategy finding 45% of the performance differential between high and low performing companies came down to execution quality. The strategy (mostly market positioning and bold choices) contributed 55% of profit growth with the other 45
jss2594
Nov 145 min read
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