Workplace issues can escalate quickly, particularly where a manager is presented with an allegation, complaint or performance concern and is uncertain as to the appropriate next step. In many cases, the difficulty is not necessarily the underlying...
Not every people issue needs a formal HR process When businesses think about HR, they often think about the bigger matters: performance management, investigations, disciplinary processes, redundancies, workplace complaints or terminations....
When a serious workplace issue occurs whether it’s misconduct, poor performance, or interpersonal conflict the instinct for many leaders is to act quickly. In fast-paced business environments, resolving disruptions immediately feels like the right...
We spend a lot of time talking about employee engagement. We measure it, survey it, analyse it and develop strategies to improve it. But perhaps we are starting in the wrong place. Gallup’s 2026 State of the Global Workplace report contains a...
Workplace culture isn’t built through values on a wall or the behaviours written in a handbook. It’s built in the everyday moments — particularly the ones where leaders have a choice to speak up or stay silent. Someone repeatedly interrupts others...
As of midnight on 3 August 2026, Australia's temporary fuel excise relief came to an end, resulting in fuel excise returning to its ordinary rate. While motorists are likely to experience upward pressure on retail fuel prices over coming weeks, the...
The Federal Government has announced amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) aimed at improving the efficiency of proceedings before the Fair Work Commission (FWC). The proposed changes will: Allow the FWC to refer general protections dismissal...
One of the most common misconceptions we hear from employers is, "We're paying well above the Award, so the employee's classification doesn't really matter." While paying above the minimum rate is certainly positive, it's important to remember that...
Most organisations invest in controls - payroll systems to reduce errors; safety procedures to minimise risk; policies to ensure compliance. Managers are trained on legislation and compliance to protect the business. But here's a question worth...
Employees aged 18, 19 or 20 working in the retail and fast-food industries may currently be paid a minimum award rate equivalent to 70%, 80% or 90% of the applicable adult minimum award rate. On 31 March 2026, the Fair Work Commission (FWC)...
Over the past few months, our team at Focus HR has seen a noticeable increase in enquiries relating to redundancies. Rising operating costs, changing market conditions, reduced workloads and business restructures are leading many employers to...
Fair Work’s Annual National Minimum Wage Review decision has now been released, with changes to minimum wages and award rates taking effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July, 2025. This is also your annual reminder to double-check...
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