Employment rules and regulations in Australia are numerous! Over time, we’ve heard business owners repeat myths and misunderstandings regarding their employer obligations, particularly regarding payments so today, we thought we’d cover some of the issues we’ve heard. Let’s hope they clear up any misconceptions for you, too!
We don’t think there’s a business out there that hasn’t seen some impact from digital disruption. As a business owner or manager, reducing overheads is important, and often staffing costs represent a significant percentage of overall revenue.
Changing Workplace Processes
Digital disruption or automation may not always be initially obvious as a significant change. For example, 15 plus years ago, we had someone fold all our mail and insert into envelopes; then we used a mailing machine to do that same job, and now, most of our payslips are sent via email. These changes all helped with business efficiency, meaning staff could focus on more important responsibilities. … keep reading
Do you have a workplace social media policy? If you don’t, you really should!
With many Australians accessing Facebook, Instagram or other social media platforms daily, including during working hours, creating a clear understanding with employees as to what’s acceptable online behaviour in relation to your business is vital.
It feels like we’re regularly seeing media releases of companies mistakenly underpaying staff lately. It’s a reflection of the not-so-simple, Modern Award system, that many businesses employ their staff under. Interpreting the terms of the Modern Awards can be challenging, especially for those not well-versed in the language used, or without proper attention to detail. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of also inadvertently underpaying your employees.
Whether an injury occurred at work, or outside of work hours, returning to work after sustaining an injury, or any extended period of leave, can feel overwhelming. This is particularly the case where the injury occurred at work if the employee feels nervous about another incident occurring. (This should not be the case, as after an incident, there should be responsive action to reduce the likelihood of this occurring again.)
Fortunately, there are simple steps both staff and employers can take, to reduce the stress of this transitional process. Ideally, reducing time away from work after an injury, and supporting staff on their return will improve this transition. Research has shown that having extended time off reduces the likelihood of an employee returning to the workforce post-injury. … keep reading
The number of apprentices hired in Australia has been decreasing each year for several years, despite the ongoing needs for the important skill sets provided by qualified tradespeople. We think there are many reasons why there’s been such a significant drop in numbers, with one of them simply being employers thinking it’s too hard! Yes, there are a few extra steps involved, but if you’ve been considering hiring an apprentice and you don’t know where to start, here are our top tips! … keep reading
Supporting good mental health is important for all of us, but this month, being Tradies Health Month, we’re turning our attention specifically to the construction industry. Did you know that there is a significantly higher rate of suicide in the construction industry, with over one in 20 construction industry workers contemplating suicide each year? This research, commissioned by the Building Employee’s Redundancy Trust (BERT), is both sad and alarming. As employers, we can all do our part to improve these numbers, which benefits both the individuals and the workplace in general.
Mental health is an extremely complex area, where there’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. We’ve compiled some ideas that may work for you or your organisation and we’d love to hear your ideas too. … keep reading
Do you know a tradie who is always too keen to show off their strength, without practising safe lifting techniques? It’s a recipe for disaster, and if they’re at work, it could mean a long and drawn our workers’ compensation claim too! August is Tradies Health Month, supported by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, so we’re using this month to bring you straightforward info to help keep tradies safe and healthy.
Tradies are over-represented in serious WorkCover claims in Queensland, in part due to the nature of the work, and possibly, in part because of a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude that can exist in some workplaces. Tradies often put their bodies on the line to get things done, which can result in injuries and accidents. Sprains and strains, along with chronic joint and muscle conditions account for around 37% of all serious WorkCover injuries in the construction industry in Queensland; some of which can be easily preventable. … keep reading
A couple of weeks ago, we brought you some ideas on how you can help young people enter the workforce. Today, we look at how the skills of the older generations can be a force for good in your business.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that Australians over 65 had a workforce participation rate of 13% in 2016, increasing by 5% in only 10 years. This speaks to a trend of older men and women reassessing what ‘retirement’ looks like, the cost of living and the availability of a pension. This trend of older Australians continuing to work (or expectations to work) past 65 brings with it some challenges, but also some great opportunities for employers. … keep reading