SBS lead Australian media on sustainability  

SBS has announced it has achieved net zero on direct emissions at its SBS Upfront 2024 event since it switched to 100 per cent renewable energy last July. The network has also worked with its content, technology, and marketing partners to map their individual decarbonisation plans.  

The broadcaster also introduced a new SBS on Demand feature that allows its users to opt out of receiving advertising for gambling, alcohol and food delivery services. The move has already been endorsed by Endeavour Drinks and TabCorp and is set to launch Beta functionality in the first quarter of 2024.  

The Matildas continue kicking goals 

Last week the “Tillies” kicked off their Olympic campaign to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Games. All three qualifying matches were sold out in Perth, extending their record to 11 consecutive sellouts on home soil. The team beat Iran 2-0, the Philippines 8-0, and Chinese Taipei 3-0, securing their spot in the next round.  

Matildas’ captain, Sam Kerr, has drawn the adoration of the nation and endorsement deals, with the newly built Perth stadium renamed Sam Kerr Football Centre in her honour. She was also the face of the recent Uber x Australian Red Cross Clothing Drive. It was the most successful donation drive in the last five collaborations with 10,000 Uber Package trips facilitating the collection and delivery of preloved garments to sorting centres nationally. 

Uber fined for spam 

Uber Australia has been fined $412, 500 for sending more than two million emails in breach of spam laws. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found Uber sent marketing emails to customers without an unsubscribe facility and 500,000 of the messages were sent to customers who had previously opted out. The investigation found the breaches occurred because Uber mischaracterised the emails as non-commercial. 

 ACMA is cracking down on compliance of the Spam Act, with Australian businesses paying $11 million in breach penalties over the past 18 months.  

The risks of employee monitoring  

The rise of flexible and remote arrangements has led to an increase in companies checking on staff to ensure they are working. According to Gartner, the purchasing of monitoring software rose by around 80 per cent during the pandemic.  

Aaron McEwan VP, HR Advisory at Gartner believes that trust is the most integral ingredient in hybrid working. Data has shown that employees who feel trusted by their employers are more engaged and perform better. 

When trust is lacking, workplaces can expect to see a decrease in discretionary effort (think quiet quitting) and values alignment among employees.   

Gartner is an IMPACT client