As someone who has managed people for over 25 years and run the HR Consulting firm wattsnext for the past 10, I see firsthand the importance of retaining employees. One of the best ways to achieve this is through effective reward and recognition programs. In this blog post, I will share with you the top 5 modern and cost-effective reward and …
The Case for Pay Transparency
Most people are already aware that in 2022 the most significant reforms to Industrial Relations legislation passed parliament and is set to progressively become effective throughout 2022/2023. The legislation, known as the Secure Jobs and Better Pay Bill, is substantial and will drastically improve some of the rights employees have in the workplace. In my view one of the under …
Come to work with me today
Come to work with me today It’s Monday morning, I grab a coffee and get to my desk full of anticipation as I open my email, SEEK and LinkedIn Recruiter and various other social media accounts and recruitment platforms. I spent the week prior working on the job adverts making sure they accurately reflect the company’s culture, sharing them on …
5 Tips on How to Boost Attraction, Productivity and Retention in the Workplace
The shift to a remote workforce due to Covid-19 was so sudden that many organisations and employees were not prepared or set up for it. As a result, there are numerous challenges to overcome when implementing ‘flexible’ or ‘hybrid’ working arrangements. Trust is one of the key factors when managing a remote or hybrid role. The employer needs to trust …
The Consequences of a Lack of Support: A General Protections Claim for Constructive Dismissal in a Bullying Incident
Workplace bullying and harassment can have a significant impact on an employee’s mental and physical well-being, and in some cases can lead to constructive dismissal. In this blog post, we will discuss a recent case of a General Protections claim that eventuated, where an employee, who was a recent school leaver with limited experience in the workplace, was subjected to …
Ensuring Compliance: A Reminder for Employers to Properly Compensate Their Employees
As an employer, it is crucial to ensure that your employees are receiving the compensation they are entitled to. One way to do this is by offering annual salaries that capture and compensate for everything the employee is entitled to. However, it’s not enough to just have these salaries in place; employers must also take steps to ensure that they …
Introducing A New National Employment Standard: 10 Days Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave for All Employees
The Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2022 has increased the National Employment Standard for leave related to family and domestic violence from 5 unpaid days to 10 paid days per 12-month period for all types of employees. This change will take effect on February 1st, 2023 for businesses with 15 or more employees and August 1st, 2023 for small businesses. It is not necessary to update employment contracts, but it is recommended to have a clear policy in place for this type of leave.
Navigating the New Normal: My 2023 Business Predictions
As we move past the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important for businesses to focus on retention of key employees, addressing toxic behaviors, and attracting top talent. The shortage of talent will continue to be a challenge in 2023, making it essential for companies to invest in the frameworks that underpin their culture and promote flexibility in the workplace. The past two years have been difficult, but 2023 presents an opportunity for a fresh start. At the wattsnext Group, we have been preparing for months and wish all businesses continued prosperity and success in the year ahead.
Unleash the Power of Culture: 3 Simple Words that Will Change Your Company
You can learn a lot by asking your employees “anonymously” to describe your culture in 3 words. This can be helpful in understanding what your employees think about the atmosphere, values, and dynamics of your workplace. It can help you to identify strengths and weaknesses in your culture, and to take action to improve it. An anonymous survey can also …
Uniting on the 26th of January, Australia Day: Honouring the Past and Building an Inclusive Future
With Australia Day fast approaching, it is supposed to be a time of year where all Australians can come together to celebrate our nation, our culture, and our diversity. In recent times, however, there has been a growing backlash against the National Day of Celebration and #changethedate movement has been growing at an increasing pace. The 26th of January (Australia …