Over the past four years, the work landscape has undergone a transformative journey, reshaping how we approach our professional lives. As the world adapts to new norms, some business owners are signaling a return to full-time office work, challenging the prevailing momentum favoring hybrid setups. This shift coincides with Australia’s recent enactment of the Right […]
With more than half the country in one form of lockdown or another and with Sydney, in particular, looking like the lockdown will be in place for some weeks to come, organisations are once again having to think about how to manage through this situation. For many businesses this has meant fundamentally looking at how […]
The impact of coronavirus on employment is expected to continue — and intensify — as cuts to the Federal Government’s JobKeeper scheme begin to be felt. Hundreds of thousands of Australians have lost their jobs during the pandemic Experts have recommended a series of basic steps to anyone who finds themselves Conversations with your boss, […]
With small businesses working overtime to make it out the other side of the pandemic, many SME owners haven’t had a chance to think about the long-term effects of this lifestyle. Some call it ‘pandemic panic’ while others refer to it as the ‘stress cliff’ — the inevitable burnout that accompanies long hours, pervasive uncertainty, dwindling […]
The coronavirus crisis has devastated countless livelihoods – but there’s a new threat facing businesses and everyday workers alike that most of us haven’t seen coming. That’s according to Aussie employment relations expert Natasha Hawker, who told news.com.au JobKeeper 2.0, which is now just days away, would leave employees and staff exposed to a redundancy […]
First of all the good news – As we know now, the government has extended the JobKeeper scheme through to March 2021, albeit on reduced rates and tiered payments. Unfortunately, the amendments to the scheme which covers the extension to the payments scheme and the temporary amendments to the Fair Work Act is complex to […]
For many small business owners, the news that JobKeeper will now run until March 2021 has come as a welcome relief. The $1,500 a fortnight wage subsidy has supported around 3.5 million workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously slated to end in September 2020, this extension comes with tougher new rules about who qualifies for […]
Having already supported 960,000 businesses and 3.5 million workers, the Australian Federal Government has announced a further six month extension of the Job Keeper program. As many expected, the extension came with significant changes, including reduced and tiered payments and a requirement to reassess business eligibility. A high level overview of these changes is outlined […]
Natasha Hawker, Managing Director of Employee Matters, joins Craig West to share her views on the future of work post-COVID-19, why she thinks Jobkeeper is a ‘game-changing’ opportunity that many businesses are missing out on, and how business owners can take advantage of the current ‘downtime’ to improve their business systems, efficiencies and value. Natasha […]
As we contemplate the employment landscape and the seismic shifts that have occurred over the past months, it is somewhat sobering to review the headlines and consider what this means beyond the labour market turbulence of the past weeks, as the dust begins to settle. With news of massive job losses, widespread stand downs and […]
Two career experts share a step-by-step guide to convincing your boss to allow you a more flexible working arrangement. If you’re one of the millions of Australians whose ‘office’ transformed into their kitchen table or spare bedroom when the coronavirus pandemic hit, chances are you’ve now adjusted to WFH life. As restrictions ease and deserted offices fill up once […]
We look at the impact of coronavirus pandemic on the Australian economy. Accountancy firm EY has been ordered to pay $10.8m in damages to a whistleblower who claimed it covered up evidence of money laundering. EY say they will appeal. We have more details of the case. The head of the IMF says predictions of […]
As many of us find ourselves in this most unusual situation of homeschooling our children while also trying to work from home, it looks to be more of a long-term, rather than short-term, arrangement… So how exactly are we going to make this work? Our Employee Matters Team has worked remotely since its inception more […]
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Fair Work Commission has made a determination to make temporary variations to 99 Awards. The changes come in response to the Fair Work Commission identifying a regulatory gap between COVID-19 public health and government directives and the protections an employee has under the Fair Work Act. The variations […]
COVID 19 RESPONSE In response to the COVID-19 crisis and to assist with the implementation of the #JobKeeper scheme, the Australian Government yesterday passed temporary amendments to the Fair Work Act. The focus of attention has been on the Job Keeper payment, introducing wage subsidies which Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter said are “temporary but […]
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and, in particular to support some of the hardest hit industries, the Fair Work Commission has approved temporary changes to the Clerks, Hospitality and Restaurant Awards. This follows joint applications for these changes made by employer groups and unions. The welcome changes allow employers flexibility in applying a temporary […]
Stand Downs: A Business Survival Tool, But Tread Carefully The COVID-19 pandemic was a rollercoaster for businesses worldwide, forcing many to navigate uncharted territory. Among the tough decisions employers faced, the concept of “stand downs” emerged as a potential lifeline. But what exactly is a stand down, and when can it be used legally and […]
Yesterday’s introduction of the Australian government’s $130 billion stimulus package, came as welcome relief for many businesses that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Under the scheme, employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per employee where they meet a set eligibility criteria. Under the Job Keeper scheme, eligible […]
A roundup of this week’s Q&A on ABC Australia which featured Employee Matters Director, Natasha Hawker. The panel and guests tackled the COVID-19 impact on businesses and individuals, and discussed the new JobKeeper allowance. Read article Here
As you know at Employee Matters our vision is ‘Achieving Business Success Through Your People’. In these testing and uncertain times, more than ever, you need to ensure you have a business full of Employee Assets who can help drive your business forward and free you up to work on ensuring the sustainability of your […]
Our Director, Natasha Anne Hawker was interviewed on ABC Australia’s Sunday Afternoons radio programme. Hear Natasha talk about the current crisis as it pertains to retaining your staff, Natasha’s audio commences at 16.13 minutes. Listen in Here
Important advice for business owners regarding the coronavirus crisis. Natasha Hawker explains the steps that you can take to best manage your business and team members during this emergency. If you would like some assistance with preparing a crisis management plan, please contact us – we’re here to help. Book a Free Discovery Session […]
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS The information contained in this document is current as of 11 February 2020. This situation is rapidly changing and we suggest employers keep themselves frequently informed of federal and state government advice. What is Coronavirus and how is it transmitted? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They cause illnesses that […]