Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce: The Benefits and How-To
As society continues to progress, it’s important for businesses to ensure they are keeping up with the times. One of the ways that companies can do this is by building a diverse and inclusive workforce. This means hiring employees from a variety of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. In this article, we will explore the […]
Discover the Secrets to Effective Performance Management: A Guide to Fair and Productive Appraisals
As a manager, it can be a challenge to ensure that your team is performing at their best. But with the right tools and techniques, performance management can become an effective and enjoyable process for both you and your employees. In this article, we’ll explore the secrets to successful performance management, from setting achievable goals […]
Family and Domestic Violence Leave – Payslip Compliance
A recent update from the Australian Payroll Association https://www.austpayroll.com.au/ An amendment was proposed and approved on Friday 3 February concerning the reporting of new paid family and domestic violence leave on an employee’s payslip. This alteration became effective on Saturday 4 February. Employers will need to keep a record of any leave taken and the […]
7 Effective Leadership Behaviours
Effective leadership is crucial for the success of any organisation. Strong leaders inspire and motivate their teams, create a positive work environment, and drive results. If you’re a leader looking to improve your skills, there are several strategies you can adopt to become a more effective leader. Here are 7 effective leadership behaviours that can […]
We’re Hiring: HR Consultant, Sydney
Position: Casual HR Consultant Location: Sydney, Australia Liquid HR is an established HR Consulting firm providing unrivalled support and advice to small and medium-sized businesses. We are seeking a casual HR Consultant to join our team and provide Sydney based clients with a broad range of HR Consulting Support, both onsite and remotely from home. […]
Understanding Modern Awards in the Workplace
Interpretation of a modern award is the process of understanding and applying the award to a specific workplace or individual employee. It is essential for employers and employees to have an accurate understanding of the award to ensure that all parties are compliant with the relevant legal obligations. This blog will discuss the key points […]
HR Workplace Trends for 2023
We hope you all got to enjoy some time off over the Christmas and New Year period. There are a lot of changes on the cards this year from a HR perspective, with phase one of the new Secure Jobs, Better pay legislation now in operation. In this monthly update, we: discuss these changes and […]
5 Important Reasons for Small Business HR
Small businesses in Australia are the backbone of the country’s economy, but running a small business can be challenging. One important aspect of running a small business that is often overlooked is Human Resources (HR). The role of HR in small businesses is to ensure that the company’s employees are happy, productive, and well-managed. Here […]
Finding the Right Human Resources Consultancy Company in Sydney and Melbourne
Finding the Right Human Resources Consultancy Company in Sydney and Melbourne Table of Contents Image Source: Pexels Finding the right Human Resources Consultancy Company in Sydney and Melbourne can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s important to know the factors to consider before making a decision. In this blog article, we […]
Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award (MA000118) Award summary
Overview This award summary provides an overview of some of the key features of the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118). This information is current as at December 2022. Awards are updated regularly and you should always refer to a current copy of the award for the most up to date information. A […]
Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act
As another year comes to a close, we wanted to thank each of you for your support to Liquid HR over the last 12 months. Our business has seen substantial growth, with a lot of this growth coming from client referrals and recommendations. We wish you and your team a wonderful Christmas and New Year […]
Pre-existing medical history and disclosure requirements
Medical history is a sensitive topic that comes with responsibilities of confidentiality and privacy. For these reasons, it is highly unusual for current and or prospective employees to disclose their pre-existing medical history and this is also not always required. Should the pre-existing medical history have no bearing on the employee’s ability to undertake the […]
The Great Divide of Working from Home or Not
The Great Divide of Working from Home or Not Under the current climate of staff shortages and the war for talent, many employers are faced with the all-important question whether directing teams back in the office is the right approach or will it result in undesired turnover. With that in mind, it is therefore crucial […]
End of Year Functions – a timely reminder
End of Year Functions – a timely reminder The time of year for Christmas/end-of-year work events is fast approaching. Many workplaces across Australia big, small and of all industries, will most likely host some sort of social function/event. All staff are invited, and everyone has permission to let their hair down…’ or do they? As […]
Fair Work announces 15% pay increase for Aged Care workers
Fair Work announces 15% pay increase for Aged Care workers The full bench of the Fair Work Commission recently announced its interim decision to award a 15% pay increase to Aged Care workers in direct care roles across various awards. The hearing included a major work value case for awards including the Aged Care Award […]
High Income Employees: Does the Award still apply?
An insightful article written by Andrew Bland from Blands Law https://blandslaw.com.au/ that recently addressed a question we receive from clients quite often. The high-income threshold, currently $162,000.00, is indexed annually and limits an employee’s eligibility to make an unfair dismissal claim where no award or agreement applies to their employment. Many employers also believe that […]
Clerks—Private Sector Award, Australia
Clerks—Private Sector Award Overview This award summary provides an overview of some of the key features of the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020. This information is current as at July 2022. Awards are updated and you should always refer to a current copy of the award for the most up to date information. A copy of […]
Navigating the Australian Labour Market
Navigating the Australian Labour Market According to the ABS, as at August 2022 the unemployment rate in Australia was 3.5%. This is 487,700 unemployed people who are of working age. The ABS Job Vacancies report recorded and estimated 470,900 job vacancies as at August 2022. “Job vacancies were 107.4% higher than they were in February […]
Apprentice and Trainee
Apprentice and Trainee This eBook contains an overview of obligations and requirements for employers to consider when hiring apprentices or trainees.Should you have any questions in relation to the information below, please reach out to one of our Employment Relations experts on:Tel: 1300 887 458Email: enquiries@liquidhr.com.au Table of Contents What is a trainee A trainee […]
Why your Small Business needs HR
Why your Small Business needs HR It’s no surprise that HR services are very often pushed to the back of the bus for small businesses. The recurring theme we hear is that small businesses are so focused on day-to-day operations and growing revenue that HR becomes an afterthought. A fair assumption, one might think, until […]
Upcoming public holidays for the rest of 2022
Upcoming public holidays for the rest of 2022 The Prime Minister has declared that Thursday the 22nd of September will be a public holiday for a National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty the Queen. There are several other public holidays coming up in each state in territory which can be found by clicking the […]
Changes to WHS laws announced by Safe Work Australia
Changes to WHS laws announced by Safe Work Australia The latest review found that whilst the WHS laws were achieving their intended purpose, there was still more that should be done to assist uphold the duties associated with psychological health. Furthermore, the intent is to ensure that monetary penalties for failing to uphold these duties […]
FWO Compliance Priorities Released
FWO Compliance Priorities Released The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is the Australian Government body responsible for the education and enforcement of compliance with modern award requirements and the National Employment Standards. Each year, the FWO releases their compliance and enforcement priorities, highlighting the industries, occupations and areas they will focus on for the current financial […]
FWC wage increase handed down
FWC wage increase handed down This week the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced a 5.2% increase to the National Minimum wage, increasing the National Minimum Wage to $812.60 per week or $21.38 per hour. In addition to the above, modern award minimum wages will increase by 4.6% (or for wage rates below $869.60 per […]
Your expectations of employees can determine their performance at work
By Kim Thomson The Pygmalion and Golem effects suggest that your expectations of your colleagues and direct reports can have a much bigger impact than you might think. In the late 1960s, American research psychologist Robert Rosenthal conducted an experiment in an elementary school that continues to have implications for leaders of all kinds. Working […]
CPI increase 5.1% over the 12 months – May 2022
CPI increase 5.1% over the 12 months – what does this mean for employee remuneration? The all-groups Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures household inflation and includes statistics about price change for categories of household expenditure. CPI is important when determining any remuneration increases as it reflects the increased cost of living to employees. Employers often […]
Budget 2022 – What is in store for Employers?
Budget 2022 – What is in store for Employers? Apprentice and Trainee Incentives The current Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement subsidy is being extended to 30 June 2022.Through the wage subsidy, any business that engages an Australian Apprentice or Trainee before 30 June 2022 may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of wages […]
Constructive feedback and how to give it
Constructive feedback and how to give it Constructive feedback helps staff grow and learn, helping your practice to thrive. Here’s how to avoid awkwardness, promote agency and get your message across. By Angela Tufvesson Facilitating professional growth, improved performance and a positive team culture are some of the most important leadership goals for practice owners […]
Importance of a Probation Period
A probation period is an opportunity for an employer and new employee to assess suitability. The length of a probation period is commonly matched to what is referred to as the ‘minimum employment period’ under the Fair Work Act 2009. For employers with less than 15 employees, the minimum employment period is 12 months. For […]
The Importance of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Assistant Program (EAP) An Employee Assistant Program (EAP) is a counselling service provided by the business to employees at no cost to them. It is a confidential service for employees to support their wellbeing and assist in difficult circumstances. EAPs are becoming more and more common these days – so why should you consider […]