Howdy HR friends!👋

Hope you're all having a relaxed Friday and looking forward to the weekend!

This week's serving up some serious holiday workplace energy. Aussie retailers are bracing for the Christmas rush with new safety protocols while companies everywhere are being reminded that holiday parties are still work (yes, even with the open bar).

Welcome to the Friday 5 - five articles, five takeaways. Five minutes away from the chaos to grab a coffee and get caught up on everything that's been happening in HR this week!

🚦Coming up

In today’s edition

🎄 Holiday workplace protections ramping up

🍾 Legal tips for company parties

📦 Amazon's driver appreciation program

🎅 Seasonal hiring surge in logistics

☕ Starbucks strike hits month four

Today’s edition is presented by SelectSoftware Reviews

💬 HR Leaders on SSR’s Advisor Service

💭The Friday Five

Tis the season to be... legally compliant?

🛡️ Aussie employers face 'positive duty' this festive season. Authorities warn businesses must proactively prevent harassment and violence as retail crime spikes 66% year-over-year, with many shoppers returning to physical stores for Christmas.

🔗 Read more [HRD Australia]

🎉 Holiday parties aren't just fun—they're legal minefields. Keep attendance voluntary, monitor alcohol responsibly, maintain all workplace policies, choose inclusive themes, and remember that mandatory events count as compensated work time.

🔗 Read more [Monterey Herald]

📦 Amazon pays drivers $5 per customer thank-you. The revived 'Thank My Driver' program rewards delivery workers through the holidays, with customers simply saying "Alexa, thank my driver" to trigger bonuses at no cost.

🔗 Read more [GV Wire]

🚚 Seasonal hiring is up, but it's not retail leading the charge. Logistics roles like driving and warehousing jumped 153% and 49% respectively, while retail postings stayed flat—suggesting employers want short-term flexibility over long-term commitments.

🔗 Read more [HR Dive]

☕ Starbucks baristas are on their longest strike ever. Over 2,500 workers across 120 stores continue protesting through peak holiday season, demanding better pay, staffing, and resolution of unfair labor practice charges—but the company says 99% of locations remain open.

🔗 Read more [The HR Digest]

For easy reading

That’s it for today.

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Have a great weekend!