HR Consultant

Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work: A Practical Guide for Small Business Owners

If you’re running a small business in Australia, you’ve probably heard the phrase ‘psychosocial hazards’ thrown around. It usually comes up around regulators, fines, or someone else’s workplace dispute. The truth is, managing psychosocial hazards at work is now a legal duty for every employer. Not just the big end of town. The good news? […]

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Small business owner having a one-on-one conversation with an employee — managing psychosocial hazards at work starts with checking in

Managing Underperformance in Small Business: An HR Consultant’s Guide

Managing underperformance in small business is one of the toughest jobs a business owner or manager faces. In our work with small and medium businesses across Australia, we see the same pattern: an issue that could be resolved with a five-minute chat is left to grow until a formal process is the only option. By

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Manager and employee discussing performance — managing underperformance in small business starts with an early conversation

Junior rates are changing – what this means for your business

Junior rates are changing for adult junior employees in retail, fast food and pharmacy.
The Fair Work Commission has decided that 18–20 year olds who have more than six months’ service will, over time, move to the full adult rate of pay. While there are no immediate changes, the shift is significant and will be phased in gradually from December 2026, with full implementation expected by July 2029.
For employers who rely on younger workers, this decision has important implications for wage costs, rostering and long‑term workforce planning, making early awareness and preparation essential.

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Junior Rates are Changing

Public Holiday Entitlements for Employees: A Simple Guide

Public holiday entitlements for employees can be confusing, especially when multiple holidays fall close together. With Easter, Anzac Day, and Labour Day (in some states) on the way, now is the time to check your responsibilities and make sure your team is treated fairly — and legally. This article breaks down what employers need to

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Public holiday entitlements for employees

Understanding Australia’s New Wage Laws 2025

From 1 January 2025, new wage laws in Australia will enforce strict penalties for underpayment of wages, including imprisonment and significant fines. These laws aim to eliminate intentional underpayment of wages, penalty rates, and allowances. Employers may face: What Is the Wage Compliance Code? The Wage Compliance Code helps small businesses (under 15 employees) avoid

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Australia's New Wage Laws

HR Support During Christmas and New Year

The holiday season is almost upon us, and at People Smartz, we understand that HR challenges don’t take a break. To ensure you’re supported, we’re here to provide HR support during Christmas and the New Year period. Below, you’ll find important details about our office hours and how to access our assistance during this time.

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ornament, christmas, christmas ball

Employee Management Regulations: Why They Matter

Navigating employee management and employment regulations can feel like a complex maze for any business, big or small. While it’s tempting to sidestep this area, outsourcing it entirely could be risky. For managers and business owners, understanding employee management and employment regulations isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The Basics of Employment Regulations Australia has a comprehensive

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Employment Regulations

Keeping It Real: Create an Authentic Workplace Culture

Discover how ‘Keeping It Real’ in the workplace can transform your business. This guide breaks down seven key strategies for fostering authenticity, from promoting open communication to ensuring workplace wellness. Perfect for small to medium-sized businesses aiming to boost engagement and build a loyal team.

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Workplace Culture

Strategic Decision Making in Australia for Business Success

As a small to medium business owner in Australia, making smart choices is key to your company’s success and long life. But, the work world today is complicated and always changing. This means you need more than gut feelings to make good decisions. You need skills in “Strategic Decision Making in Australia” and a solid

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Strategic Decisions

Improving Workplace Communication: A Must-Do Strategy

In today’s fast-paced business environment, improving workplace communication in Australian SMEs is becoming increasingly important. With the digital age steering us away from traditional face-to-face interactions, the art of conversation is experiencing a noticeable decline, particularly in the heart of Australia’s small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This shift has far-reaching effects on workplace dynamics, creativity,

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Workplace Communications
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