Making your business work for you: investing in your passions
Your business is important—but it’s not everything. For many small business owners, the demands of running a business can easily become overwhelming, often at the expense of personal wellbeing, family time and broader life goals. Achieving a sustainable work/life balance is not only beneficial for your health—it’s also good business. A well-balanced lifestyle supports better […]
Mythbusting: “Timesheets Are Only for Large Teams” – Why Even a One-Person Business Should Track Time
The concept of timesheets often suggests tedious paperwork and spreadsheet management, but they serve a far more strategic purpose. For sole traders and small business owners, time tracking is a vital tool for improving productivity and ensuring efficient use of resources.
Recruit a great team
Is your team operating as a cohesive and high-performing unit—enthusiastic, efficient, and suitably trained to deliver optimal outcomes for both your business and your clients? The financial impact of suboptimal recruitment decisions is not always immediately evident. More often, the consequences emerge progressively, affecting business performance over time: The cost of ineffective recruitment is substantial. […]
Why accurate leave management is so important
When it comes to managing and recording employee leave, it can be tempting to adopt a relaxed approach. However, there are compelling reasons why leave entitlements must be diligently monitored, accurately recorded, and properly paid. Effective leave management enables businesses to operate efficiently, meet employees’ entitlements, and comply with legal obligations. High-profile cases involving major […]
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 […]