Industry articles
Browse the growing library of Workforce Guardian employment relations articles relevant to small-to-medium businesses.
What the new National Employment Standards mean for your business.
The 10 new National Employment Standards come into effect on 1 January, 2010. These will cover employees in businesses in NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, QLD, ACT and The Northern Territory and all Pty Ltd companies in WA. As an employer, you will need to ensure you understand your new legal obligations to remain compliant and avoid hefty fines.
A not so happy New Year: How a new Modern Award System will add to your hangover this January
You might not have realised it yet, but waking up on 1 January 2010 is going to be slightly more painful than previous New Year awakenings, and it’s got nothing to do with the party the night before. From New Years Day, a new Modern Award system will be in place across the country.
4 out of 5 small businesses are not ready for you all
Four out of five small businesses say they're not ready for the introduction of the new workplace laws, many of which come into effect on 1 July, according to new research released from AMR Interactive.
Further Fair Work Bill introduced
The Federal Industrial Relations Minister, Julia Gillard, has introduced the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009 ("Transition Bill"). The purpose of the Transition Bill is to provide a mechanism for the transition to the new "Fair Work Australia" industrial relations system.
What does the new Fair Work Bill mean to me?
The long-awaited Fair Work Bill 2008 has been introduced into Federal Parliament and it’s essential for employers to understand how it will affect them. Certain elements are expected to take effect from 1 July 2009.
Compliant employment contracts a necessity for SMBs.
Almost every manager responsible for a business is currently considering whether each staff member is adding value to their business or performing to expectations. Some managers are also losing sleep over whether they can keep their current employee structure with declining revenue or margins.
Employer responsibility at staff Christmas parties - are you prepared?
As the summer months stretch ahead, one thing is certain. Businesses are swinging into party mode and are in the midst of organising and enjoying end of year staff and client functions.
Don't dismiss changes to unfair dismissal laws
The Government's promised changes to unfair dismissal laws could be tabled in the next sitting of parliament. The ramifications for all businesses are considerable, including the risk of expensive and time consuming legal action or a fine, which is why you need to ensure you are well prepared for the future.
Workplace Harassment - Do you know what to do?
Workplace related harassment and bullying is a very real and worrying concern in Australia. Not only are we hearing of more instances in the media but sadly the outcome of some of these cases has been tragic.
Why you need a Code of Conduct at work
By Adrienne Unkovich, MD at Workforce Guardian, Australia’s number one online employment relations service. Changes to employment law mean that businesses of all sizes – big and small – are going under increased scrutiny to do right by their employees and stay within the law.
Considering hiring? 10 things to think about before hiring a new employee.
When it comes to hiring a new employee if you work through the following steps you’ll be well on the road to hiring the right person while staying on the right side of Australia’s employment law.
Considering firing? 10 things to think about before firing an employee.
Managing employees can be hard work particularly when an employee’s performance or behaviour is unsatisfactory. Poor performance impacts on everyone in the business and employers can’t afford to turn a blind eye or hope for the best.
'Forward with Fairness' Transition Bill - take action now
Doing nothing about the government's new Workplace Relations (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill is not an option. You need to take every opportunity to build the relationship with the people in your business who directly contribute to the achievement of business results.
When things go wrong - managing poor employee performance
Managing employees can be a fraught and stressful task, particularly when an employee’s performance or behaviour is unsatisfactory. That’s when an employer needs to put in place a structured performance management process, quickly, to manage the situation for the good of both the business and the rest of the staff.
"$950 a year is a small cost for the peace of mind that comes with knowing we have effective employment policies and laws in place"
Angela Vithoulkas- Director- VIVO Café Group
Telstra 2007 NSW Business Owner of the Year
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