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Exec recruiter claims "toxic" culture, workload complaints were ignored

An executive search leader who sold her business to a global talent advisory is now suing it for unlawful adverse action and contract breaches, alleging her complaints about its "toxic" culture were ignored.

Anna Whitlam joined Teneo Strategy Australia in August 2021 as head of APAC talent advisory, as part of the sale of her business AWPeople. In a statement of claim to the Federal Court, she alleges she negotiated a remuneration package comprising $1 million in salary and super, plus the potential for more than $1 million in incentives, for working 38 hours per week.

She claims, however, that she often started work as early as 6am and would finish anywhere between 11pm and 3am, and that she was regularly required to work weekends and attend late-night online meetings with overseas colleagues...