Resources

Have a shit job?

If you’re currently in a toxic workplace, here are resources you can turn to for support:

  • Your union
    Unions exist to advocate for workers’ rights, and most industries or professions have a union you can join. Many people are surprised to find that unions cover a wide range of roles, including those in less traditional sectors like IT and hospitality.

    Visit the Find My Union tool from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) to identify and join the union for your industry.

  • Fair Work Ombudsman
    The Fair Work Ombudsman can help if your employer is breaching workplace laws, such as underpaying you, failing to provide proper conditions, or engaging in bullying.

  • Fair Work Commission – Stop Bullying Orders

    If you’re experiencing workplace bullying, you can apply for a Stop Bullying Order through the Fair Work Commission.

  • Workplace safety authority in your state or territory

    If you are experiencing unsafe work conditions, your state or territory’s WorkSafe authority can provide advice and take complaints.

  • Anti-discrimination commission in your state or territory

    If you’re facing discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment, your state or territory’s anti-discrimination body may be able to help. Here are the commissions for each state and territory:

  • Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
    The AHRC investigates complaints about discrimination and human rights breaches under federal anti-discrimination laws.

  • JobWatch (VIC, TAS, QLD)
    JobWatch is an independent, not-for-profit employment rights service that provides free and confidential legal advice for workers in Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland.

  • Community legal centres Australia
    Community legal centres provide free or low-cost legal advice, including support for workplace disputes.

  • Mental health support
    Toxic workplaces can take a toll on your mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek support:

  • Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
    Many workplaces offer employee assistance programs, which provide free, confidential counseling and support for employees. EAPs can be a useful resource for managing stress, navigating workplace challenges, and exploring your options in a safe, neutral environment. Check with your company to see if an EAP is available, but note that their scope is often limited to emotional support rather than directly addressing workplace issues.

  • Trusted colleagues (but be cautious)

    Talking to trusted colleagues can be a source of emotional support, but workplace dynamics can be unpredictable. Even people you trust may inadvertently share what you’ve told them or feel pressure to side with management.

  • HR (but be extremely cautious)

    HR is often the first place employees turn to when they experience issues at work, but it’s important to remember that HR exists primarily to protect the company and not individual employees. While some HR departments may be helpful, others may downplay concerns or take action that benefits the employer rather than the worker. That said, if you contact an external body to make a complaint they may expect that you’ve made an attempt to resolve the problem through your company’s internal processes.

    If you choose to raise an issue with HR:

    • Know your rights by seeking external advice before approaching HR, especially for serious issues like discrimination or harassment.
    • Document everything before making a complaint, including dates, incidents, and any supporting evidence.

Trying to avoid a shit job?

While this site helps identify cultural warning signs, it’s important to gather information from multiple sources. Here are other resources to help you learn more about a company:

  • Review sites: Read individual reviews on Glassdoor, SEEK, and Indeed. Look for patterns in what employees say and pay attention to detailed reviews that give specific examples.

  • Compensation data:

    • Check salary information on platforms like Glassdoor and SEEK. There are also some industry-specific platforms such as levels.fyi for tech.
    • Enterprise agreements and awards outline pay structures, leave entitlements, and other working conditions. You can search for them on the Fair Work Commission website.

  • Gender equality and diversity reports: The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) publishes detailed reports on gender composition, pay gaps, and policies for companies with 100+ employees.

  • Employee surveys (for government agencies):

    • For Commonwealth government agencies you can find the results of the latest APS employee census.
    • Some state and territory governments publish similar reports. Check their official websites for employee engagement and workplace culture surveys.

  • News: Check the news for information about layoffs, leadership changes, lawsuits, or high-profile workplace disputes.

  • LinkedIn and other social media: Company posts and employee activity can reveal insights into workplace culture. Look at employee turnover trends to see how long people typically stay and where they go next.