Peter Barker’s Post

Whether you’re celebrating your own anniversary or looking for the perfect gift for a couple, here’s a guide to traditional anniversary gifts from the first to the 50th year. 💍💒

We’re approaching Grapevine’s one-year anniversary (born out of post-2023 SXSW), and while the stories we hear never get easier to read, they remain as important as ever to tell. A year in, we know the problems we first sought to fight are still present. That’s why we want to keep hearing them. Are we collectively getting better? We like to think so. We believe that what we set out to do is working. We still trust that sunlight is the best disinfectant, and by bringing language, advice, and attention to these issues, we’re playing our part in addressing them. But we’re also realists. We know there’s still a long road ahead before we see systemic change. So, we’re calling on you—our community—to share your stories. The ones you meant to but never got around to, the ones you think might be too small to matter, the ones that make your blood boil, the ones that made you feel bad, and the ones that made you feel good. Whether it’s an example of someone doing the right thing or the wrong thing, we want to hear it all. Because we’re not stopping. We’re here for you as your support system. Have a story to share? Visit askthegrapevine(dot)com to submit it for advice. Together, we’ll create a safe, inclusive working environment for all of us. Together, we'll drive change. *The stories published modify names and identifying details to maintain anonymity.

TL;DR - Workplaces have a duty to prevent sexual harassment, below are the references to the relevant law and some resources. When reading this post by Grapevine, I realised many people may not be aware that senior leadership and HR teams have a positive duty to not only address sexual harassment claims, but to actively prevent it. So here is an easy breakdown (with references) to what this duty is. All references are to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) which can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gDdh93_v Any “employer” must make “reasonable and proportionate” measures to eliminate sexual harrasment (s 47C(1)) This likely means that larger organisations with larger budgets (and HR teams) have a higher standard than smaller businesses. “Sexual harassment” is defined as someone making an “unwelcome sexual advance”, “request for sexual favours” or acts in a “sexual nature”. (s 28A(1)) To judge whether something amounts to sexual harassment, courts will ask if a “reasonable person” would think there was a “possibility” that the victim would be “offended, humiliated or intimidated” by the offender’s actions (s 28A(1)) This means that a reasonable person thinks someone would DEFINITELY be offended, just that there is a POSSIBILITY of offence. This goes some way in addressing the defence of “I was just joking” that many people call on to excuse their actions. This duty includes a duty not to harm, or threaten to harm, any person who brings a complaint under the Act (s 47A). Respect At Work (Australian Human Rights Commission) does a great job providing resources to workplaces and individuals: https://lnkd.in/gae5Smzz For HR departments: https://lnkd.in/g5M378y2 For leadership: https://lnkd.in/gbjRY-Ab For individuals: https://lnkd.in/gNDNR8Wc

🎁 Secret Santa: The Ultimate Festive Fun! 🎄 It’s all about spreading joy, but we know it can sometimes add a sprinkle of stress. Here’s how to keep your Secret Santa exchange simple, inclusive, and full of festive cheer: 1️⃣ Volunteers Only: Participation should always be optional—keep it fun, not forced! 2️⃣ Early Planning: Draw names early to give everyone plenty of time for thoughtful surprises. 3️⃣ Set a Budget: Choose a budget that works for everyone, so no one feels the pinch. 4️⃣ Gift Ideas: Encourage participants to share wish lists or themes for added inspiration. 5️⃣ The Big Reveal: Set a date for the gift exchange and make it a memorable moment! 🎅 Let the laughter, surprises, and festive spirit flow this Christmas. Wishing you a season filled with smiles and delight! #SecretSanta #CreatingVibrantWorkspaces #ChristmasFun #HRDownload

🎉 Big Reveal: Introducing Your Next Surprise! 🎁 Ever felt stuck on finding the perfect way to celebrate life's big moments monthly? Well, the wait is over! We're thrilled to announce our new Monthly Celebration Gift Program. Dive into a universe of unique, heartfelt surprises that are sure to make every month memorable. Curious to get started? Visit our website today and let the celebrations begin! 🌟📦 Who's the first person you're thinking of surprising with this program? Share with us below! #alloccasiongifts #appreciation #budgetgifting #businessgifting #clientgifting #luxurygifts #personalization #specialgifts #yourgiftingexpert #membershipsubscription

What I want for Christmas 🎄 My wife asked me a few days ago what I wanted for Christmas. And for the 1st time ever, I had a clear answer... I have never been big on celebrations and events. Hell, I even forget my birthday sometimes (Thanks to family and friends who remind me with their birthday messages🤣). So when people would ask me what I wanted for my birthday or Christmas, I hardly ever know what to say because I rarely thought about this. My default response was therefore almost always "a new Manchester United replica jersey or a book". But there is something different about this year - especially this last half of the year. I am showing up more, being more intentional, clearer about my purpose and pathway, and hyper focused. So I definitely know what I want for Christmas! ....... Here it is - my Christmas wishlist: ➡️ 50 Founding Member sign-ups for Afrotellers ......... In case you don't know what this is - we are building a community of Afrikan storytellers that we are calling Afrotellers. What started off as a conference idea is blooming into more than just an event - a community of opportunity, learning, and collaboration beyond borders. We are working on a white paper that explains the 'why' and the 'how' of this movement in greater detail. We will also be constantly sharing updates and key information with you - so stay tuned. ........ Back to my Christmas gift - to help us launch this movement, we are looking for Afrikan storytellers who are passionate about Afrikan stories and narratives to sign up and join as Founding Members. Founding members will help shape the vision of this movement and will be crucial in bringing this dream to life. This will be a limited call and opportunity (open from 1st December 2024). So the perfect Christmas gift for me will be getting 50 Founding Members signed up. If this happens, I will be the happiest bloke in the world and will in-turn, pay this forward by making this Christmas unforgettable for 50 kids. ....... If you would like to join our waiting list and get regular updates as we embark on this journey, reply below or send me a message and we will be in touch and add you to our list. Let's do this! #Afrotellers #AfrikanNarratives

December Babies, please line up here! 🎉 First, Happy Birthday to all the amazing December babies! 🎂 May you grow to blow 100+ candles and enjoy every moment of your special day! As we enter the year's final month, it's a perfect time to reflect on our journey and set our sights on finishing strong. December brings a unique blend of reflection and anticipation, making it an ideal moment to celebrate our achievements and plans. 📌 Reflect and Celebrate: - Take a moment to look back at the milestones we've reached this year. - Celebrate the small victories and the big wins alike. - Acknowledge the challenges we've overcome and the lessons we've learned. 📌 Plan and Prepare: - Set clear, achievable goals for the month. - Prioritize tasks that will help us end the year on a high note. - Start thinking about our aspirations and resolutions for the new year. 💘 Let's make December a month of gratitude, growth, and great accomplishments. ✅ Together, we can finish the year strong and step into the new year with renewed energy and enthusiasm. ✅ Let's take this opportunity to reflect on our journeys and set our goals for the month. ✅ Share your achievements and plans for December in the comments below. ✅ Let's inspire each other to finish the year on a high note! 👉 Follow me for more tips and repost if you find my content of value. 🙏 #HelloDecember #NewMonth #FinishStrong #ReflectAndCelebrate #HRInspiration #Goals #YearEnd #Motivation #Teamwork #Growth #Gratitude.

Everyone likes to feel appreciated, especially your employees and clients. Personalized gestures, like birthday cards or anniversary gifts, show them how much you value their partnership. https://lnkd.in/e_k8wPAp #MakeClientsHappy #ClientAppreciation #BusinessSuccess #CustomerCare #LoyaltyMatters #ClientEngagement #RelationshipMarketing #TrustBuilding #BusinessAppreciation #CustomerExperience NEVER

🌿 Exciting News: Care Cottage Crates Is Here! 🌿 After being laid off in August, I found myself reflecting deeply on what truly matters—connection, care, and those small but powerful moments that remind us we’re not alone. That reflection led my sister and I to launch Care Cottage Crates. Colleen Rodenbeck and I have spent years navigating the demands of the corporate world, and we know firsthand how hard it can be to find time to show love and care—for others and for yourself. Deadlines, meetings, and endless to-do lists often leave little room for nurturing meaningful connections or taking a moment to recharge. That’s why we created Care Cottage Crates—to help busy, caring individuals save time while sharing thoughtful, intentional gifts that offer the recipient (or even yourself) a much-needed moment of calm, care, and connection. Inside each crate, you’ll find carefully chosen hand made or designed items, a card with a gentle prompt to inspire connection, and a curated playlist to encourage pause and reflection. Every detail is designed to remind you—or the recipient—to take a deep breath, recharge, and savor the moment. ✨ What’s Next: While we’re dreaming big for 2025, including meaningful corporate gifting solutions, we’d love to be part of your holiday season this year. Whether it’s a heartfelt gift for a team member, loved one, or even yourself, we’re here to make those moments of care easy and memorable. I’d be so grateful for your support as we build this dream into something special. If you’d like to follow along, join our newsletter for updates, inspiration, and a little behind-the-scenes magic. Newsletter sign up link in comments ✨ Thank you to my incredible network of friends, partners, teammates, founders, and leaders—you’ve inspired me more than you know. I can’t wait to share what’s next. #CareCottageCrates #NewBeginnings #IntentionalLiving #ThoughtfulGifting

🎅 Secret Santa: Joyful Tradition or Festive Fiasco? 🎄 The season of giving is upon us, and with it comes the time-honored office tradition of Secret Santa! Whether you love it or dread it, one thing’s for sure: the gifts always leave a lasting impression—good, bad, or hilariously bizarre. 👉 The Best: I got a dishcloth with crisps on it—practical AND my favourite snacks, right? (Thank you Amy Flockhart 😍 ) 👉 The Most Memorable: Someone in our team got a fluffy pink vibrating pig's trotter 🐷 . Yes, you read that correctly! It provided months of entertainment in the team. 👉 The Worst: Let’s just say… it’s not LinkedIn-appropriate. 🫨 Secret Santa has a way of bringing out creativity, humor, and sometimes outright bewilderment. Love it or loathe it, those moments often spark the kind of laughter or camaraderie that brings teams closer together. Now, over to you: 🎁 What’s the BEST or WORST Secret Santa gift you’ve ever received or seen? Did it make you laugh, cry, or question your life choices? Share your stories below and let’s spread some festive cheer—or cautionary tales. #SecretSanta #HolidayTraditions #TeamFun