RMIT experts available for comment on Christmas topics

Consumer culture

Dr Janneke Blijlevens (0435 795 947 or janneke.blijlevens@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: optimal distinctiveness theory (standing out but fitting in), social identity theory, intersection of design, psychology and business decision making, behavioural insights

“When shopping for gifts, we often focus on what we think the recipient needs or wants, rather than on who they are, or we fall in the trap of buying something we like ourselves.

“The best gifts show that the gift-giver really has thought about who the recipient is as a person.

“As consumers, we constantly aim to strike the perfect balance between fitting in and standing out, so really great gifts reflect this. They show we know who the recipient is.

“Ask yourself what group the recipient fits into, as well as what’s unique about them, then try and add a feature to the gift that allows them to stand out positively within this group.

“For example, if your significant other is an avid cyclist then perhaps a nice cycling jersey is the way to go, but make sure it is slightly unique, maybe a print or colour that signifies how they are different.”

Dr Janneke Blijlevens is a Senior Lecturer in experimental methods and design thinking at RMIT University and the chair of its Behavioural Business Lab. She is an expert in understanding what psychological principles and desires drive people’s decisions and uses these insights to inform and design behavioural interventions to benefit society.

Labour laws

Professor Anthony Forsyth (0431 103 172 or anthony.forsyth@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: industrial relations, labour laws, workplace relations, employment law

“The Christmas and New Year period can be a tricky time for employers with fewer staff available, especially on the public holidays.

“Employers need to make sure they comply with awards, enterprise agreements and the Fair Work Act when rostering workers over the holiday period, as penalty rates apply.

“There can be issues with requesting or directing employees to work on certain public holidays and dates, so employers need to be aware of their responsibilities here.

“Employees must be aware as we enter the festive period that (mis)conduct engaged in at work parties, and even after-parties, could end up rebounding.

“There’s a large body of case law highlighting the rights of employers to discipline or dismiss employees for things such as drunken behaviour or sexual harassment at out-of-hours work functions.”

Professor Anthony Forsyth is a workplace relations and employment law expert at RMIT University’s School of Graduate Business and Law.  

Mental health

Dr Kathryn Daley (0412 168 361 or kathryn.daley@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: youth, mental health, homelessness, substance abuse

“People on the margins are particularly vulnerable over Christmas. The emphasis on family and socialising really isolates those without close social connections and the loneliness can be profound.

“Those suffering financial hardship are under immense stress at Christmas. The desire to fulfil their children’s wishes is often at odds with their financial capacity. Increasing debt, working hours and emotional stress can place huge strain on families.

“Substance abuse can spike over the holiday period as, along with increased socialising, those who are without social connections may increase their substance use to cope with emotional pain.

Dr Kathryn Daley is a lecturer in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies. She is an expert in public policy and social affairs.

Nostalgia

Dr James Collett (0412 872 884 or james.collett@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: hoarding, collecting, materialism, ownership, nostalgia attachment to possessions, clinical psychology, boundaries between accepted and disordered behaviour

“Nostalgia is a huge part of Christmas marketing and you don’t have to be a kid to get excited about the prospect of receiving a few gifts this season.

“From plastic toys to vintage cars, more than one in three people collect something. Collecting can be a very fulfilling hobby, but when does a lot of stuff become too much?

“The giving and receiving of new possessions is a big part of the Christmas season. However, as many as one in 20 people experience hoarding difficulties and struggle to part with possessions despite not experiencing great enjoyment from owning them.”

“There are many reasons people hold onto things they don’t want or need. This can be as simple as the memory attached, or as complicated as using things as protection against what is missing in life. For many, this is a sense of community.

“With loneliness and isolation major problems in modern society, remember that this Christmas the time that you spend with others is more valuable than the material gifts you give them.”

Doctor James Collett is a lecturer in psychology at RMIT’s School of Health and Biomedical Sciences. He has explored hoarding behaviour as a clinician, researcher, and educator for more than 10 years.

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