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HR News & Articles

Mastering Workplace Conflict Resolution for a Harmonious Workplace

Workplace conflict is inevitable. When personalities clash, communication breaks down, or work styles differ, tensions emerge that can derail organisational harmony. Without effective conflict resolution, morale, productivity and results suffer. As a Melbourne business owner or manager, arming yourself with conflict management skills is essential for retaining talent and nurturing high-performing teams. External guidance from …

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Demystifying HR: Human Resources and Its Role in Business Success

Have you ever felt frustrated or confused when dealing with your company’s HR department? You’re not alone. HR is often perceived as an obscure administrative function handling paperwork and enforcing ambiguous policies. However, behind the scenes, HR plays a crucial strategic role in managing your business’s most valuable asset – its people. Human resources (HR) …

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Preventing and Handling Unfair Dismissal Claims in Small Businesses

Small businesses face many unique challenges, especially when it comes to HR matters. Unfair dismissal claims can be a particularly tricky issue for small business owners. They can damage a business’s reputation and make it difficult to attract new talent, while also being emotionally and financially challenging.  The best approach to reducing Unfair Dismissal claims …

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Managing Employee Health and Well-being: A Proactive Approach for Small Businesses

For HR in small companies, ensuring employee health and well-being has become essential for creating a productive and harmonious workplace. The term “small business HR” often conjures up images of tight budgets and limited resources.  However, prioritising employee well-being is not just for large corporations. In this article, we will explore why small businesses should …

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Key Elements of a Comprehensive WHS Policy for Small Businesses

In Australia, businesses have the primary duty of care for Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) which means having established WHS practises is essential and a legislative obligation.  WHS laws are regulated separately by each state, but there are foundational principles they all follow. Today, we will be focusing on small businesses, which make up 98% …

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Know Your Rights: Understanding General Protections in the Australian Workplace

In Australia, employees are lucky enough to be afforded rights through government legislation. These promote fair treatment, conditions and equal opportunity. The majority of these rights exist in the Fair Work Act 2009 and are known as “General Protections.”  Although these are a legal entitlement, they’re difficult to enforce without employee action. That’s why it’s …

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The Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Vs Litigation

When disputes arise in Australian workplaces, the method you choose to resolve the conflict is crucial. Traditionally, litigation has been the standard approach, but alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation, conciliation, and arbitration have gained popularity in recent years, especially for unfair dismissal cases.This is because they offer solutions to the challenges of …

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How to Prepare For Making an Underpayment Claim in Australia

Wage theft is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue throughout Australia. Last year, The Fair Work Ombudsman recovered more than $532 million for 384,805 underpaid workers from 2021-22. As an employee, it’s essential to know and understand your rights when it comes to fair pay so that you can protect yourself. Thankfully, Australia has an established …

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Employee Rights and Unfair Dismissal in Australia – A Guide for Employees

Facing an unfair dismissal can be a distressing experience for employees. It is crucial that you are aware of your rights and understand the appropriate steps to take if you find yourself in such a situation. In this guide, we will explore the subject of unfair dismissal in Australia, providing valuable information for employees who …

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Getting the Most Out of Your Employment Contracts: Tips for Successful Negotiations

Employment contracts serve as a roadmap for employer-employee relationships, outlining the rights, responsibilities, and terms of employment. However, negotiating these contracts can be intimidating. Here’s how you can get the most out of your employment contracts. Understand the Market Before you start negotiating, research your industry to understand the standard pay and benefits. View industry …

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