Expert Warns Ignorance Can Lead to Hefty Fines Unprepared employers can face big fines for non-compliance with new ‘Right to Disconnect’ laws that apply from Monday, August 26, according to one of Australia’s leading employment experts. Natasha Hawker, Managing Director of Employee Matters, warns that every business in the nation with 15 or more staff […]
Crucial Employee Management Tips For Small Businesses On a recent episode of Small Business Banter, Natasha Hawker and Michael Kerr discuss pivotal strategies for small business owners aiming to optimise employee management and drive growth. This insightful conversation delves into the transformative impact of exceptional HR practices, navigating today’s employment landscape, and essential considerations when […]
As many of you will have seen in the media earlier in the year, the ‘Right to Disconnect’ was a hot topic. Doing a deal with the Greens and Crossbench, the Labor government introduced this new right into the second part of their Closing Loopholes industrial relations legislation which was passed in February. Yes, this […]
Why have Human Resources Policies? How many times have you heard (or said), ‘we need less red tape’, ‘it’s bureaucracy gone mad’ or some similar phrase to capture just how rule bound we are in business or in society as a whole? There is no doubt that at times, we all feel the frustration of […]
Embracing Flexibility in Remote Work Is this the end of the 9 to 5? A new push aims to let parents choose their work hours, helping Aussie families spend more time together. Key employer associations urge the Fair Work Commission to remove restrictions on set shifts and minimum pay for remote workers. They stress the […]
In February 2023, the Australian Government took a decisive step towards addressing the gender pay gap with the introduction of the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023. From this year, the findings are public, which means that companies will effectively be ‘named and shamed’ in the court of public opinion. […]
Employee relations legislation changes are impacting all businesses of all sizes. Are you prepared to meet the new requirements? Recent changes to ER legislation are the most significant since the introduction of the Fair Work Act. Strategic financial management is crucial for businesses to remain adaptable and agile in this changing landscape, to minimise risk and maximise financial outcomes. Findex has partnered with Employee Matters to bring clarity on […]
In a recent episode of Small Biz Matters, Natasha Hawker discussed the impact of Australia’s new Industrial Relations (IR) landscape on small businesses. Challenges Faced by Small Businesses Small businesses are struggling with the new legislation changes, often unaware or prioritising survival over compliance. Natasha stresses the need for proactive steps despite the challenges. Key […]
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 […]
Introduced to Parliament in March 2023, the Fair Work Amendment ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill 2023 aims to prevent employers from contacting employees outside of their designated working hours. This legislation would relieve employees from the obligation to read or respond to work-related communications beyond their work hours. In a brief interview on Sunrise, Natasha Hawker […]
This webinar, hosted by Employee Matters founder Natasha Hawker, addresses the ER Legislation Changes rolled out across Australia in 2022, 2023 and throughout 2024. The changes affect all businesses and are mandatory to implement. Topics covered in the webinar include: Respect@Work Bargaining Orders Family and Domestic Violence Leave Discrimination Pay Secrecy Flexible Work Enterprise Bargaining […]
New legislation means Australian companies can no longer include pay secrecy clauses in their employment contracts. A ban on pay secrecy clauses means that employees are free to discuss their salaries with others if they choose to, marking a pivotal stride towards greater transparency. In light of this legislative change, what do HR professionals need […]
Are you aware of the updates to the Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave entitlements? We’re here to guide you through it all! Given the range and complexity of some of these changes, expert advice and guidance may be required. Use this link to book a free session with us to discuss how Employee Matters […]
From 6 March, 2023, the The Fair Work Act will prohibit sexual harassment in connection with work, which includes the workplace. You might be thinking:, “isn’t this already prohibited? It is in our business …” and so maybe nothing much has to change? The changes in Fair Work and the implementation of all fifty five […]
Update: Download the free guide! Click here to download the 2023 Employee Relations Compliance Guide:
It has been a busy year already for employers to manage changes in workplace regulations and events impacting business. New Annualised Hours rules for some Awards, more proposals by the government to deal with underpayments and Wage Theft and the impact of the bushfires and currently of COVID-19. But the pace does not let up […]
Your employees are your biggest asset and could be your biggest risk. Host and CEO of Mentored, Craig West, speaks to Natasha Hawker from Employee Matters about what you need to know in order to make sure you, your business and your people are covered when it comes to HR legislation in Australia. Natasha and […]
We think it’s important that all employers are aware of recent changes to flexible work legislation that have been introduced by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for all employees covered by a Modern Award, who are not casuals, and have been in employment for 12 months and they: Are the parent, or have responsibility for […]
Can you smell the whiff of confidence in the air now we are in teh new year Now the economy things seem to be looking up are you thinking about a merger or acquisition? Many SMEs decide one of the quickest ways to grow your business is to buy another one. There is a lot […]