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Our Latest Blog PostsHelpful HR and WH&S information for businesses from our ever-changing industry.
End of Year Performance Management Fast Approaching
As the end of financial year approaches, so does the looming task for employers to conduct the end of year employee Performance Management Review process. It is not an unexpected occurrence, as we ALL know that it is coming and yet every year the task seems as demanding and time consuming as the last. Unfortunately, top performers often feel unheard or underappreciated in direct response to end of year performance management reviews, resulting in silent resignations.
Hybrid Working Model Here To Stay
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses were forced to shift to remote work to keep their employees safe and to comply with lockdown restrictions. With many employees having experienced greater flexibility and work-life balance during this time, it is no wonder that few wish to return to the traditional 9-to-5 workday in a physical office setting. This sudden shift between working models has led to the development and preference amongst many Australians to a ‘Hybrid Working Model’.
Social Media Misconduct in the Workplace
Social media misconduct has become an increasingly pressing issue in the workplace today. As the use of social media has rapidly increased, employees often forget that their public posts can have a significant impact on the reputation of their employer. Correspondingly, we advise that businesses be proactive in their approach to preventing and managing any potential social media transgressions and investigate any instances of misconduct fairly.
Cyber Security and WHS
As a result of the pandemic and access to technology, more businesses than ever before are establishing an online presence. Whilst this is great for business growth, it can be incredibly damaging if businesses lack adequate Cyber Security.
Unsafe and Unsecured Loads on Tasmanian Roads
On the 3rd of October 2019, a truck driver and sub-division supervisor were pinned by 150kg of polyethylene pipes that fell from a truck upon efforts to unload. The WorkSafe investigation found that the pipes had been unsafely loaded and unloaded, resulting in the business at fault entering into a costly WHS undertaking.
Structured Interviews for Success
Statistics show that too often interviewers make judgements of potential candidates based upon first impressions and subjective observations that essentially have no indication of the candidate’s actual capacity to perform the applicable role (Frieder et al., 2016). To avoid this, employers should follow a structured interviewing process to ensure that charisma is not the predominant reasoning for candidate succession. Even if you think you are conducting a structured and rigorous interviewing process, we recommend you read the following article, as we are certain that you will learn something new.
Reasonable Requests for Flexible Working Arrangements
In response to the ‘Secure Jobs, Better Pay’ Bill, it is about to become more challenging for employers to refuse employee requests for ‘Flexible Working Arrangements’, with increased employee opportunity and rights within the eligibility criteria and disputes process. Although these specific changes do not take effect until June 2023, there is benefit in employers knowing about and preparing for this now.
Managing Injured Employee Relationships for a Smooth Return to the Workplace
An employee being injured can be a stressful time for all involved, only to be exacerbated if the affected employee and employer relationship deteriorates within the employee’s time away from work. It is common to see injured employees apprehensive about returning to work, leading to extensions of anticipated return dates, and additional leave and illness as the lack of support and rehabilitation of injury result in psychosocial suffering. In response, we are going to define how employers can ensure a smooth return to the workplace for all!
‘Secure Jobs, Better Pay’ – What Employers Need to Know
The Fair Work Act 2009 has recently been amended with many changes made to existing rules. It is critical that employers understand these changes as they will directly impact HR operations and what is required to remain compliant with workplace legislation.
The changes implemented will be introduced in a rolled-out capacity starting the 7th of December 2022 until the 6th of December 2023.
Reducing Psychosocial Hazards, Injuries and Claims
Based on national data received and analysed by Safe Work Australia (2021), 8% of all work-related claims are attributed to psychosocial injuries, ranking as one of the top 4 causes for work-related injuries and disease within Australia in 2020. These statistics demonstrate the growing importance to increase awareness and preventative efforts to identify and eliminate psychosocial hazards within the workplace, or we will see these figures continue to grow and impact the national workforce.
How to Deal with Chronic Absenteeism
Returning to work after the holidays allows many of us to feel rejuvenated and ready to work, however for some it can become an increasingly frustrating time as employees start calling in sick and simply stop showing up to work. There are legitimate reasons for employee absences but on the other side of this we have absenteeism.
4 Tips for Hiring Staff Last Minute
Now the festive season is over the holidays have well and truly commenced and with them an increase in consumer activity and spending. For many businesses this is a productive and profitable time that requisites the need for additional and sometimes last minute...