Written by Alexandra Robins

Gartner research finds record low employee wellness 

Research from Gartner’s Global Talent Monitor revealed that employee wellness has dropped to a record low of 28.1%.  Gartner VP, Aaron McEwan warns the decline might signal worsening mental health for Australian employees as we head into a new year of work.  

To combat post-holiday work anxiety, experts suggest focusing on small tasks, re-establishing routines, and rebuilding workplace connections. If work dissatisfactions persist, it may be time to consider a job change.  

Gartner is an IMPACT client. 

Nine Network controversies continue 

Today Show sports presenter, Alex Cullen, has been stood down from his role after he accepted a $50,000 cash prize from billionaire property investor, Adrian Portelli in exchange for rebranding him from “Lambo Guy” to “McLaren Guy” on air. Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence is a breach of the journalism code of ethics.  

This comes after Nine News sports reporter, Tony Jones, called Novak Djokovic “overrated” and “a has-been” during an Australian Open live broadcast. Djokovic responded by boycotting on-court interviews until an apology was issued. Jones and the Nine Network have issued apologies.  

New media appointments across major publications 

Former Grazia Australia editorial director, Jessica Bailey, has been named editor of fashion and beauty magazine, Elle Australia. The publication will celebrate its 80th birthday this year after relaunching its print edition in 2024.  

In other media updates, the Australian Financial Review has appointed Lauren Sams as editor of Fin Magazine, Anna McCooe as senior travel writer, and Jessica Beresford as associate editor of Life and Leisure. Maria Shollenbarger will also contribute a regular travel column for AFR Magazine.  

Meanwhile, Hamish Macdonald has started as the new host of ABC Radio Sydney Mornings.  

TikTok’s US disappearing act

TikTok faced a temporary shutdown affecting its 170 million users in the United States after its parent company, ByteDance, missed its deadline to sell to an American buyer. 

Roughly 12 hours later, access to the platform was restored following an executive order from President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days which could be extended to 90 days.

Ironically, Trump was the first to flag the TikTok ban in 2020. While the shutdown lasted just a few hours, the long-term future of the app in the US remains uncertain and likely to face further complications. 

Australia’s escalating extinction crisis 

In 2024, the number of threatened Australian species and ecological communities rose to 2,245, with 42 new additions. This includes 21 animals, 20 plants and the King Island scrub complex. Australia’s extinction rate is among the highest globally, with about 100 species lost since European colonisation. 

Despite increased recognition of at-risk species, habitat destruction is accelerating, with 25,768 hectares of threatened species habitat cleared last year. Koalas were particularly affected, with 3,003 hectares of their habitat approved for clearing. The federal government aims to protect biodiversity through legislation, funding, and restoration efforts, though challenges remain