Underpaying your staff is now a criminal offence: what this means for your business
Ensuring employees are paid correctly is a fundamental responsibility for all employers. To strengthen wage compliance, the Australian Government has introduced the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code. From 1 January 2025, intentionally underpaying employees will be a criminal offence, with penalties including fines and potential imprisonment. What Constitutes Underpayment? Underpayment occurs when an employer […]
Making your business work for you: work/life balance
Many entrepreneurs establish their own businesses to gain autonomy and flexibility. However, many find themselves working longer hours, overwhelmed by administrative responsibilities, meetings, and competing demands on their time. Maintaining an optimal work-life balance is essential for both personal well-being and long-term business success. Managing a business can be all-consuming. Your vision, combined with the […]
How to optimise your business: Nurture your team and employee experience
Your employees are among the most valuable assets of your business. However, are you implementing the necessary measures to foster a supportive and productive working environment while driving business success? Five Strategies for Strengthening Employee Relations Research consistently demonstrates that a motivated workforce leads to increased productivity. Creating an environment where employees feel valued and […]
Clearer IR and a fairer deal for small businesses
The Fair Work Act plays a vital role in ensuring fairness at work and preventing discrimination against employees. However, there are concerns that the complexity of the industrial relations (IR) framework is limiting the growth potential of small businesses in Australia. The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has raised this issue and has […]
Are You Suffering from Business Burnout?
In recent years, many business owners have faced considerable pressures, resulting in stress and exhaustion. Have you found yourself in this position? The challenges brought about by the pandemic, followed by inflation and broader economic uncertainties, have been relentless for small business owners. These ongoing difficulties can lead to burnout, a condition stemming from chronic […]
Right to disconnect to be extended: will your business be affected?
In August 2024, the government introduced the ‘Right to Disconnect’ legislation, which provides employees with the legal right to refuse contact from their employer outside of agreed working hours. Previously, this legislation applied only to businesses with 15 or more employees. However, from 26 August 2025, the same rights will extend to employees in businesses […]
Managing change in your business
Research conducted by Kotter International reveals that over 70% of business change initiatives fail. The question arises: why?The findings suggest that employee engagement is the most significant factor. Whether a minor change affecting a few processes or a comprehensive transformation across the organisation, employees often feel overwhelmed by the prospect. So, what steps can be […]
Five ways to beat the current talent shortage.
When you are unable to secure the talent your business needs, it can severely limit both your operational capabilities and growth potential. According to the 2024 Small Business Conditions Survey from the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), difficulties in hiring the right staff ranked as the second most pressing concern for business owners. […]
Your employees now have the right to disconnect
As an employer, it is reasonable to expect that there may be circumstances requiring occasional contact with employees outside of regular working hours. This may occur when a project deadline approaches, an unforeseen issue arises, or there is an emergency. In such cases, out-of-hours communication is often deemed a normal expectation. However, in today’s increasingly […]
New Migration Regulations – what you need to know
The Migration Amendment (Work-Related Visa Conditions) Regulations 2024 have introduced significant changes to Australia’s immigration policies, impacting employers and the constraints previously imposed on sponsored workers. Small business owners must understand these changes and their implications. Increased Worker Mobility The new regulations grant temporary migrants greater freedom in the labour market, specifically affecting holders of […]
