The big picture: Australian employers are reporting a significant increase in both internal workplace grievances and formal complaints, with 32% seeing a rise in internal issues over the past year.

Why it matters: This surge in disputes, coupled with historically low employee turnover, indicates a growing burden on HR teams and a potential for stagnant workforces.

Between the lines:

• 30% of employers reported an increase in formal claims or complaints.
• The Fair Work Commission recorded a record 53,617 lodgements in the 2025–2026 financial year.
• Average annual employee turnover remains low at 13.4%, close to historic lows.

Staffing & HR impact: The rise in grievances directly increases HR workload, demanding more resources for resolution, documentation, and manager training, potentially impacting operational efficiency and compliance. Staffing firms may find opportunities in providing specialized HR support or training for dispute resolution.

The bottom line: Employers must prioritize robust people management and manager training to prevent internal issues from escalating into formal disputes.