When an employee returns after injury or illness, how do you support their recovery while keeping a small trade business running smoothly? With a small crew, an absence can mean reshuffled bookings, extra subcontractor costs, and more time on the tools for the owner. A structured return-to-work plan helps you prepare by connecting medical advice…
Many small and medium-sized businesses assume Enterprise Agreements are only relevant to large corporations with hundreds of employees. In reality, an Enterprise Agreement can be a powerful tool for businesses seeking greater operational control, wage certainty and a more productive workplace. As businesses grow, workforce management often becomes more complex. Award provisions can sometimes be difficult to navigate and…
The “Same job, Same pay” legislation aims to ensure that labour hire employees receive remuneration on par with those covered by their host employer’s enterprise agreement. Effective from December 15, 2023, employees, unions, and/or host employers have the option to seek regulated labour hire arrangement orders from the Fair Work Commission. If approved, these…
A new year is an opportunity to refocus and set resolutions that drive your business towards success. Just like personal goals, business resolutions can provide focus, clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. This year, amplify your focus on your operations, engaging your team, review and refresh workplace policies, plan for mid-year reviews, elevate…
The festive season brings a welcome mix of celebration, year-end tasks and 2026 planning. Between planning social events, managing leave and navigating a well-earned shutdown, this period tests how well an organisation communicates expectations and lives by its values. Maintaining professionalism through this time reflects respect, consistency and trust. Setting the standard – code of…
Each year on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements and resilience of women across various industries. However, Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) recently revealed that Australian women earn, on average, $28,425 less than men annually, equating to only 78 cents for every dollar, that is earned by men. This disparity underscores the need for…
The hidden cost of unpaid invoices Struggling with Poor Cash Flow? We’ve compiled some tips here on how to manage it. Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, yet many companies find themselves struggling to manage their business due to unpaid invoices. Late payments can create a serious financial strain, making it difficult…
Nurturing a workplace where employees feel empowered to openly communicate about psychosocial hazards is crucial for fostering a healthy and productive environment. By creating a culture that values transparency and trust, small businesses can effectively address issues such as stress, bullying and workload imbalances before they escalate. Tips for creating an open culture 1….
It is important to understand that psychosocial hazards and injuries can lead to physical harm. Stress, being the victim of bullying and work overload can manifest as physical ailments such as headaches, anxiety, high blood pressure and fatigue. This connection underscores the importance of holistic health and safety practices that address both psychological and…
Small businesses face a critical challenge in managing psychosocial hazards to ensure workplace health and safety (WHS) obligations are met. These hazards, including bullying, harassment and sexual harassment, which not only affect employee wellbeing but also impact productivity and organisational reputation, call for businesses to integrate robust strategies to address these risks effectively. To…