Insights & News
Explore the latest industry insights, updates, and trends on people, talent, and culture to help you stay ahead.
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6 March 2026


The Mentorship Multiplier
When knowledge, advice and opportunity are shared, careers accelerate. Here’s why mentorship remains one of the most powerful drivers of growth for individuals and organisations alike.
4 March 2026


Career Breaks, Non-Linear Paths and Redefining Success
Career paths rarely move in a straight line anymore. We explore why breaks, pivots and unexpected detours can actually build stronger leaders and more resilient HR professionals.
3 March 2026


Why Australian Workers Feel Secure - But Gen Z Isn’t Buying It
Job confidence is rising… but not for everyone – New research shows a growing confidence gap between generations, with Gen Z feeling less secure and less engaged. We unpack what’s behind the disconnect and what organisations need to rethink to rebuild trust and commitment.
1 March 2026


Contract Roles Are No Longer a ‘Backup Option’ - Here’s Why
Think contract jobs are just Plan B? Think again. – Why contract HR roles are no longer a fallback option, but a strategic way to fast-track experience, grow your network and open doors to long-term opportunities.
28 February 2026


The Future HR Skill Gap Isn’t Technical - It’s Hybrid
The future HR skill gap isn’t technical. It’s hybrid. AI literacy + human judgement + systems thinking. We’ve unpacked what that means for HR professionals and why this will separate strong profiles from stagnant ones over the next 3-5 years.
5 February 2026


Back to Work in 2026: What HR Is Really Walking Back Into
“Back to work” doesn’t mean starting fresh. Here’s what HR is really returning to in 2026, and why expectations are higher than ever.
5 February 2026


The Post-Holiday Hangover Is Real (And HR Feels It First)
The optimism fades fast after the break. This piece unpacks why February feels heavy, and why HR is usually first to feel it.
5 February 2026


The First 90 Days: Where HR Focus Actually Makes a Difference
Not everything needs fixing at once. Here’s where HR focus creates the biggest impact in the first 90 days of the year.
17 December 2025


What the HR agenda looks like heading into 2026
HR hit a structural ceiling in 2025. Now the rebuild begins. A deep dive into the workforce trends, capability priorities and talent shifts shaping the HR agenda for 2026.
28 November 2025


How to Actually Switch Off Over The Holidays
Still checking your emails under the table at lunch? Here’s how to switch off properly this Holiday season and come back feeling human again.
28 November 2025


HR Annual Holiday Party Survival Guide
The office Holiday party can be a wild time for many workplaces. Here's your unofficial (but probably necessary) guide to keep the vibes high and the morning after regrets down.
20 November 2025


Recognition That Resonates: Building Stronger Workplace Culture Through Everyday Appreciation
Meaningful recognition doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be real. Discover how everyday appreciation can spark motivation and strengthen team culture.
18 November 2025


When HR Needs HR: The Conversations We Forget to Have
HR people are wired to care. We’re the steady hand in tough moments, the coach behind the scenes, and often the first to spot when someone else is struggling. But who is supporting the supporters?
18 November 2025


The Art of the Feedback Conversation
Feedback conversations are one of the most powerful tools we have for engagement and development. The problem is, they’re also one of the most underused. Here's how to make them meaningful.
17 October 2025


75-Hour Weeks: Ambition, Burnout or a Legal Time Bomb?
For decades, the trade off has been tacit: bigger title, bigger pay packet, bigger hours. But as the legal challenges start piling up, we're seeing a real cultural and regulatory shift. The question is no longer “Can you hack it?” Its becoming: “Is this actually lawful or remotely sustainable?”
17 October 2025


Beyond R U OK?: Building a Culture of Genuine Support
Awareness is easy. Action takes work. Explore how HR leaders can create safe, supportive workplaces where wellbeing isn’t just spoken about, it’s lived.
15 October 2025


Turning Burnout Into Breakthrough: My Journey Beyond HR
From burnout to breakthrough — a story about rediscovering purpose, rebuilding balance, and redefining what success really means beyond HR.
13 October 2025


Childcare, Healthcare & Aged Care - Where Good HR Isn't Just Ideal - It's Essential
Global pressures are shaking many industries - but not all. Childcare, healthcare, and aged care keep showing strength. So why does HR have such an impact in these organisations?
17 September 2025


AI Isn’t Taking Your Job, But It Might Change Your Job Description
From automating admin to spotting trends in data, AI is shifting HR’s role. Find out how to future-proof your skills.
17 September 2025


Federal Court ruling on annualised salaries & set-off clauses – What HR needs to know
Get the lowdown on the Federal Court's latest ruling around annualised salaries vs award entitlements and what it means for HR.
16 September 2025


The Great Flattening
The old pyramid career path is gone. Roles are shifting, middle layers are thinning, and the ladder many thought they were climbing has disappeared. Read about what's driving it now.
9 September 2025


Webinar: The Lowdown & Salary Guide - Register Now!
Get an exclusive first look at the data and trends shaping the HR industry and what they mean for you and your career in two exciting webinar sessions.
3 September 2025


Microlearning, Macro Impact
In HR, we talk a lot about “continuous learning,” but let’s be honest: no one has hours each week to sink into a new course or textbook. That’s where microlearning comes in: short, targeted bursts of learning that fit into busy schedules and still pack a punch.
6 August 2025


Meet SD's 'Pup-terns'!
In celebration of International Dog Day (Aug. 26th), get to know our four-legged colleagues (and their cheeky HR violations!)
6 August 2025


From Task Ticker to Trusted Partner
Ever seen an HRBP role that was meant to be strategic but ends up chasing onboarding forms and fixing contracts? Here's what's getting in there way and how to overcome it.
5 August 2025


Winter Slump or Winter Reset? Tips For Surviving The Winter Blues
5 tips for supporting motivation, wellbeing, and productivity during the colder months.
5 August 2025


Your Mid-Year Reality Check
Reflecting on progress against annual goals and how to recalibrate for the rest of the year.
22 July 2025


Winner: Sourcr 2025 Best Agency - Human Resources, Victoria
Samuels Donegan has just been named Sourcr 2025 Best Agency - Human Resources, Victoria, and we couldn't be happier!
19 June 2025


10 Themes Shaping Leadership You Need To Know
Here are ten themes shaping leadership in the current environment and what they mean for your organisation and people strategy.
10 June 2025


5 Ways to Protect Your People from Burnout
Burnout doesn't always look like burnout. From quiet disengagement to missed breaks, these 5 practical tips will help People & Culture leaders protect their teams and build a more sustainable workplace.
9 June 2025


Avoiding Burnout During Change Projects
Change can be exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest triggers for stress and burnout in teams. Get our guide on managing change and avoiding burnout.
7 June 2025


Your HR Temp Hiring Toolkit: A Practical Guide for People Leaders
Hiring temporary HR talent doesn’t have to be a scramble. Here’s what you need to make it smooth, fast, and effective.
5 June 2025


"So… Do You Have a Girlfriend?" - Being 'Out' at Work.
An honest and open story, written by Talent Community Manager Nick, about his experience coming out in the workplace, and how you can use it to inform your own practises.
4 June 2025


Ways of Working Template
We’ve learned that the best teams don’t work the same way, and they shouldn’t have to. This simple template helps us understand and celebrate those differences from day one. It’s part of how we create a more inclusive, supportive workplace, and we’re sharing it with you to download now.
4 June 2025


5 Tips for Inclusive Hiring
Inclusive hiring goes beyond checking boxes. It’s about building a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexuality, feels seen, safe and supported. Here are 5 practical tips to get you started.
2 June 2025


Diversity Pays: The ROI of Inclusion
From attracting top talent to boosting profitability by 25%, here’s why DEI is a bottom-line game changer for modern businesses.
28 May 2025


Is It the Wrong Time to Change Jobs?
Feeling stuck in your role but unsure if now’s the time to move? The market’s shifted, but not collapsed. Here’s what that really means for your career decisions.
22 May 2025


How to Hire HR Talent Fast – Without Compromising on Fit
Wondering how to balance speed with a quality hire? Get our guide to temp HR hiring here.
20 May 2025


Why Temp HR Staff Could Be Your Best Strategic Hire This Year
Think temp HR staff are just for emergencies? Think again. Here’s why temporary HR staff could be your secret weapon to reducing burnout and driving innovation.
12 May 2025


VIDEO: LinkedIn Red Flags & Green Flags
We asked our team to weigh in on some common (and controversial) LinkedIn profile traits. From creative headlines to career gaps, here’s what sparked debate, and what it might mean for your professional brand.
9 May 2025


What Labor’s Election Win Means for HR Careers and Recruitment in 2025
Australia has spoken, and with Labor securing another strong term, the policy environment ahead is shaped by stability, social investment and long term reform. But for HR professionals, this moment is not just political it is deeply practical.
9 May 2025


10 Tips for Leaving a Memorable Impression in Meetings
Whether you're presenting, contributing, or just joining the conversation, your presence matters. In this article, we share practical, confidence-boosting tips to help HR professionals stand out, speak with impact, and build credibility in every meeting.
8 May 2025


Coffee With Sally: Building Your Personal Brand
Looking for advice on creating your personal brand? We sat down for 5 minutes with SD's Talent Partner Sally, to get her tips on everything from her creating content on LinkedIn to balancing authenticity and professionalism online.
6 May 2025


What is Personal Branding, and Why Does It Matter in the Workplace?
Personal branding isn’t just for influencers or executives. It’s how you show up, build trust, and create opportunity in your career. In this article, we explore how to define, strengthen, and share your professional brand with clarity and confidence.
3 April 2025


VIDEO: SD's Favourite Everyday Tech Hacks
From automations to help you remember the correct bin night, to ChatGPT to meal prep, to locating a lost iPhone - these are the tech hacks you need to know!
2 April 2025


HR Advisor to HR Business Partner - How to Get Ready for the Jump
For many HR professionals, the transition from HR Advisor to HR Business Partner feels like the next natural step. But it’s also one of the trickiest jumps to make. Let's explore what it takes to get there.
2 April 2025


The Tech Stack You Need To Know About
Are you looking for a tech stack that will support your day-to-day and make your life that little bit easier? Here’s a round-up of some of our favourite programs to get your started.
1 April 2025


What does the 2025 Federal Budget mean for HR?
Wondering how the 2025 Federal Budget impacts different parts of the HR function? We've broken it down for you...
31 March 2025


The AI Revolution in HR: How to Use It Without Losing the Human Touch
Artificial intelligence is shaking up the HR world, but how do we keep the human element of HR alive whilst embracing this new technology? Let’s explore how we can use AI to work smarter without losing the human touch.
25 March 2025


How to Optimise Your CV
Wondering how you can optimise your CV to outsmart Applicant Tracking Systems? Get the why and how you need to know to land that first round interview now.
25 March 2025


Coffee with Nick: improving your team's Tech Stack
SD's Talent Community Manager and Tech Whiz sat down with us to talk all things from his career journey to tech hacks to introducing new tech to your team.
17 March 2025


Managing Expectations At The Executive Leadership And Board Level
HR leaders are not just gatekeepers of policies; they are strategic partners shaping the future of work. Managing executive expectations is about aligning people strategy with business outcomes, challenging outdated thinking, and driving real impact where it matters most.
6 March 2025


VIDEO: Natalie Flynn, founder of equidi, talks all things IWD, gender disparity and managing it all as a female exec
Having worked in the People & Talent space for over 15 years, hear Natalie's thoughts, insights and experiences on gender inequity and overcoming workplace challenges.
5 March 2025


Navigating the Future of Succession Planning
As AI takes over entry-level roles, where will the next generation gain experience? Without a clear talent pipeline, businesses risk leadership gaps and workforce stagnation. It's time to rethink how we develop future professionals in an automated world.
5 March 2025


Breaking the Boys Club
In many industries, the "boys’ club" culture often laeves talented women on the sidelines. Read about strategies to overcome this and thrive in male-dominated spaces.
4 March 2025


VIDEO: What Does IWD Mean to SD + Our Best Career Advice for Women
To celebrate IWD, the SD team shares their message of what the day means to them personally, as well as their best career advice for women.
3 March 2025


5 Ways to #AccelerateAction in the Workplace
This IWD, we are giving the top 5 strategies to Accelerate Action towards achieveing gender equality in your workplace.
28 February 2025


Breaking the Pay Barrier: A Guide to Asking for a Raise
Do you feel like you’re working harder than ever but not seeing that effort reflected in your paycheque? If you’re ready to ask for a payrise but unsure how to approach it, we’ve got you covered. Here are some expert tips to help you prepare, present your case, and negotiate with confidence.
13 February 2025


If you're earning over $200K and you're out of work it's a tough time to be on the job hunt.
If you're a senior professional on the job hunt at the moment, then unfortunately it's not going to be an easy ride. Learn why the senior job market has slowed down, and how you can navigate this tough time.
5 February 2025


Navigating 2025: 8 Key Trends Shaping HR
To help you get a kick start, we’ve rounded up 8 key trends that are shaping the future of work. From the rise of AI to the growing emphasis on employee wellbeing, HR professionals are right at the centre of these transformations.
5 February 2025


Coffee with Claudia: Advice on Standing Out to Recruiters
We sat down with Claudia to pick her brain on everything from her journey in recruitment to what makes a CV stand out to recruiters...
5 February 2025


VIDEO: Tips For Optimising Your CV | Senior & Junior Markets
Check out our top tips and advice for creating a standout CV, whether you're in the early stages of your career or a seasoned pro.
4 February 2025


Five Productivity Tools and Tips to Kickstart Your Work Year
Returning to work after some time off can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together a list of productivity tools and tips to help you hit the ground running in 2025.
3 February 2025


Worried about a wage underpayment issue? You should be.
If your HR systems aren’t watertight, your business could be at risk of serious legal and financial consequences due to new wage theft laws that came in to effect on the 1st January 2025.
15 January 2025


What HR workers will be dealing with in 2025
Wondering what HR teams will be dealing with in 2025? With everything from AI to changing wage theft laws - here's what you'll need to know to be ready for 2025.
9 January 2025


How Gen Z and an Ageing Workforce Will Shape 2025 and Beyond
Read about the workforce trends impacting the HR industry as age compositions begin to shift in the workplace.
1 December 2024


4 reasons why hiring a contractor can make or break your holiday season
Are you running to the finish line but there are simply too many hurdles? This is a situation many people find themselves in as the end of the year is in sight. Luckily, there is one simple solution = hiring a contractor!
1 November 2024


The Lowdown: People, Talent and Market insights you need to know
As we navigate the complex and dynamic world of work never has it been more crucial for leaders to stay abreast of market trends.
15 September 2024


5 reasons why people are choosing to work for SME’s over large corporations
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) employ over 44 per cent of Australia’s workforce, and this number is only expected to grow.
15 August 2024


From Hiring to Inspiring: Why HR is the Ultimate Career
HR is a dynamic and rewarding field that involves managing the most important asset of any organisation – its people.
1 August 2024


The insanity of layoffs
While it may be understandable that businesses need to reduce their costs in the short term, it can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening for the employees who are let go.
10 June 2024


Silent Struggles: Men's Mental Health at Work
While burnout affects individuals regardless of gender, societal expectations and stereotypes can make it more challenging for men to recognise and address their mental wellbeing.
6 June 2024


Understanding the millennial mindset
Did you know? Fifty per cent of the world’s population is under the age of 30! Just let that sink in for a moment.
1 April 2024


Ever had a bad experience resigning?
We’ve outlined the three most common responses to help you navigate your resignation.
15 March 2024


Three tips to play the recruiting field
Here’s the truth: finding a job is just like dating. When you’re looking for your next great partner, it’s important to keep your options open.
5 March 2024


International Women’s Day – Why It Matters
Celebrated internationally on March 8 since 1914, International Women’s Day continues to be a special day dedicated to recognising and honouring the contributions of women to all spheres of life.
15 February 2024


Why you need a brand identity (and how to build one)
To stand out in the job market, you need a strong personal brand – here’s what you need to know about shaping your own brand identity.
15 October 2023


Giving you the lowdown on the HR market
As we navigate the complex and dynamic world of work never has it been more crucial for leaders to stay abreast of market trends.
15 May 2023


What talent wants in 2023
Since the pandemic, hiring trends in Australia’s job market have undergone a dramatic shift. How can you ensure you’re on a level playing field?
15 April 2023


Can you afford the cost of a bad hire?
No company sets out to make bad hires, but a staggering 95% of businesses make lousy hiring decisions every year. For some businesses, it is all about time pressure.
1 April 2023


How to get into an entry level HR role
When you look at all the experience and education many HR roles require, it’s easy to feel discouraged. If you’re patient and willing to learn on the job, though, you can grab the opportunity to land an entry level HR role.
15 March 2023


How to bounce back after a career break
A career break can leave you unconfident, uninspired, and utterly nervous. But don’t fret – the most successful among us have survived bouts of unemployment. You can, too.
1 March 2023


Corporate wage theft: why it happens and how to prevent it
Here’s an overview of the current issues around corporate wage theft, what’s causing the underpayments, and how you can stop wage theft in your organisation.
15 February 2023


Why Hire a Contractor
Are you running to the finish line but there are simply too many hurdles? This is a situation many people find themselves in as the end of the year is in sight. Luckily, there is one simple solution = hiring a contractor!
15 January 2023


How to nail that senior interview
No matter how well-qualified you are, if you aren’t able to express why you’re a good fit for the role, you’re not giving hiring managers a compelling reason to choose you.
15 December 2022


Negative language women use
Your voice is powerful. What you say has a significant impact on how you are perceived by others, which, in turn, influences the doors that open to you.
1 February 2021


How to start a new job remotely
Starting a new job always comes with a fair dose of excitement and uncertainty. You’ll meet new people, learn about the company culture, and get a feel for how well you’ll fit in with your co-workers. That was, at least, how things used to go.
1 June 2020


Coping with anxiety during difficult times
Here’s some practical advice for handling feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, and how to combat stress at home.
15 April 2019


Leave, lifestyle and employee loyalty, how to reward in a new era
With zero wage growth in real terms, organisations are finding other ways of motivating and retaining their employees.
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