🦘 Godfreys Shuts Down After 93 Years, 9 Day Work Fortnight Trials Begin, Qantas In Hot Water Over Dismissals

G’day everyone!

Here’s what we’ve got in store for you today:

• Godfreys Shuts Down After 93 Years

• 9 Day Work Fortnight Trials Begin

• Qantas In Hot Water Over Dismissals

Let’s have a look at the market snapshot before jumping into the news:

Bupa's Bold Leap: Trialing a Nine-Day Fortnight for the Work-Life Win

Bupa is redefining the grind with its latest experiment: a nine-day fortnight.

This innovative approach allows employees to enjoy a three-day weekend every other week, all while pocketing their full salary.

It's a pioneering move following Medibank's own foray into a shortened workweek, signaling a growing trend among corporate giants to rethink traditional work models.

This trial is not about cramming more hours into fewer days but rather optimizing productivity within a shortened timeframe, ensuring that customer service remains uninterrupted.

Various employees are taking staggered days off, a strategy aimed at maintaining a steady workflow.

While Bupa has yet to divulge the rationale behind this experiment, the implications are clear: a happier, more balanced workforce could revolutionize workplace dynamics.

This shift towards flexible working arrangements is gaining traction, with entities like Findex and Unilever leading the charge towards a more adaptable and satisfied employee base.

The potential benefits are immense, from enhanced employee well-being and engagement to attracting top talent craving work-life harmony.

As this trend continues to evolve, it could very well pave the way for a new standard in the professional realm, making the traditional five-day workweek a relic of the past.

Godfreys: The Final Curtain Call After 93 Years of Clean Sweep

Godfreys, the venerable vacuum cleaner retailer, is shutting its doors for the last time, marking the end of an era in Australian retail.

Despite attracting interest from 55 potential buyers, the company is being wound down after administrators failed to secure a deal to keep the business alive.

This decision heralds the closure of 113 stores and the loss of numerous jobs, a significant blow to the company's 600-strong workforce.

Established in 1931, Godfreys has been a familiar name in Australian households, known for its wide range of vacuum cleaners and cleaning solutions.

However, the relentless pressure of economic challenges, increased competition, and the changing landscape of retail have taken their toll. 

The company's journey from its door-to-door sales roots to becoming a staple in the cleaning industry illustrates the volatility of the retail sector and the critical need for adaptability.

Godfreys' phased store closures and the attempt to sell off remaining stock are poignant reminders of the impermanence in business, underscoring the importance of innovation and agility in staying relevant.

As the final chapter closes on this iconic brand, the legacy of Godfreys will linger as a testament to nearly a century of commitment to cleanliness and customer service.

Qantas' Legal Turbulence: A Cost-Cutting Flight with Risky Landing

Qantas, Australia's flag carrier, recently navigated through legal storm clouds, believing the decision to fire 1,700 workers had "low" legal risks.

This belief, however, hit turbulence as the airline now braces to compensate those it illegally dismissed. 

In court, former COO Colin Hughes shared insights into the pre-layoff discussions, revealing that despite legal advisories underscoring the importance of "sound commercial reasons," Qantas saw the potential legal fallout as minimal.

The airline, aiming to cut costs during the pandemic's peak, viewed the $100 million savings as outweighing the high risks to its reputation and potential government backlash. 

As the Federal Court deliberates on the compensation, which could climb into the millions, Qantas stands by its decision, emphasizing the necessity of its actions amidst the pandemic-induced financial strain.

This case highlights the delicate balance businesses must strike between financial survival and legal compliance, especially during unprecedented crises.

Degree Dismissal: Canva and Friends Opt for Skills Over Scrolls

In a bold move shaking up traditional hiring practices, tech giants like Canva, WiseTech Global, and Culture Amp are ditching degree requirements in job ads, favoring a skills-first approach. 

This trend, aiming to tap into wider talent pools and enhance workforce diversity, challenges the conventional belief in degrees as the primary measure of a candidate's potential.

Canva's initiative has reportedly made its teams more reflective of its diverse customer base, with similar positive feedback from WiseTech and Culture Amp.

This shift acknowledges the rapid pace of change in today's economy, where specific skills can become obsolete almost as quickly as they're learned, outpacing even universities' ability to adapt.

While some studies question the effectiveness of this trend in significantly altering hiring practices, it marks a significant step towards valuing practical skills and experiences over formal education. 

As the debate continues, these companies' commitment to diversity and innovation through skills-focused hiring may pave the way for a new norm in the global job market.

That’s All!

If you’ve read all the way up to here, we just wanted to let you know that you’re an absolute legend!

Time to go to work and show off how clued up you are about what’s going on in the business world 💪

Keep an eye out for tomorrow's newsletter. Until then, have an awesome day folks!