Workplace conflict is inevitable. A small comment can quickly escalate, creating tension that affects productivity and morale. Before long, what started with awkward silences has turned into people avoiding each other at the coffee machine and refusing to work together, and then HR gets called in to fix things. But what if managers were empowered to handle and resolve employee conflicts themselves? Rather than always stepping in as the 'fixer', HR's role should be to equip ma

Most business owners don’t think about HR until they’re tied up dealing with a staff issue they didn’t see coming.  Whether it’s someone...

Every business owner wants a team that’s committed, reliable, and genuinely invested in the work they do. Many small business owners mistake quiet compliance for satisfaction. People show up, get through their day, and rarely complain - so everything must be fine, right? Not necessarily - turning up doesn’t always mean tuning in . Disengaged employees rarely make noise; they simply give you the bare minimum until something better comes along. By the time you notice, you’ve lo

Have you ever applied for a job and heard… nothing? No acknowledgment, no update, just silence. Now imagine that happening to a talented candidate applying to your  business. They’ve done their research, spent time on their application, and waited, and waited, only to feel ignored. The process is slow, or feels impersonal. They wait weeks without a response, interviews are disorganised, and no one follows up. Chances are, they move on. Maybe they tell others about it too. Tha

With the holiday season here, office Christmas parties are starting. These parties are a fun way to celebrate and bring the team together, but it’s important to plan carefully and stay in control if something goes wrong. Setting Expectations Before the staff Christmas party, let everyone know the rules. Share clear guidelines about behaviour, drinking limits, and the company’s code of conduct. A friendly email reminder before the event can help, encouraging respect and profes

When an employee suddenly resigns or you need to let someone go, one of the first questions that comes up is: 'How much notice should be given?' Notice periods can feel confusing, especially when you’re juggling contracts, awards, and the Fair Work Act. But once you understand the rules and how to apply them, they can help you manage staff transitions smoothly and fairly. In this article, we’ll look at: What a notice period actually is Statutory notice periods under the Natio

Expired qualifications and licences such as driver’s licences, forklift tickets, trade tickets, Working with Children Checks, or Working with Vulnerable People checks aren’t just admin oversights - they’re potential WHS and legal risks to your business. If someone drives a company vehicle, operates a forklift, or works with kids or vulnerable people without a valid clearance, your business could face: Regulatory penalties  or fines for non-compliance. Insurance issues  if an

Recruitment is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner. The right hire can drive growth, improve culture, and free up your time. The wrong hire can be costly, stressful, and set your business back months. The good news is that hiring doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. With a clear recruitment and hiring process, you can attract the right candidates, assess them effectively, and make confident hiring decisions that support your long-term goals. He

Giving feedback is one of the hardest parts of managing people. Say too little, and your team keeps repeating the same mistakes. Say too much, and you risk discouraging them. But when feedback is delivered the right way, it builds clarity, trust, and motivation, turning performance conversations into real opportunities for growth and improvement. Many small business owners and managers struggle with the same challenge: how do I give feedback that is clear, constructive, and d