3 minute read
HR Central
2019 Recap
It’s been a busy year at HR Central and no doubt it’s been a busy year in self storage as well. By Damien Gooden
Ienjoyed catching up and meeting SSAA members at last years SSAA Convention. It has been great working with so many of you to help work out employee issues, as well as strategising and streamlining your HR processes.
Employing people is not an easy task (believe me) and I would like to acknowledge those committed to providing safe, respectful and happy workplaces for employees.
Let’s recap some of the main HR issues of 2019 and keep them in mind for 2020.
UNDERPAYMENTS
Last year there were a number of high-profile cases spanning many industries and companies including some very well known trusted names. Underpayments are not tolerated any more, and not knowing is not an excuse. Business owners risk fines and public shaming. Paying back your staff can be a huge dent to bank accounts, sometimes to the detriment of your business. The SSAA helpdesk provides assurance around paying your staff, including overtime, penalty rates, what to include for casuals, employees and what to pay contractors.
CORRECT ENGAGEMENT OF WORKERS
Courts take a dim view of employers treating their workers as casuals or independent contractors to avoid legal responsibility. The Government announced its intention to crack down on sham contracting with a growing number of employers trying to disguise an employee/employer relationship as an independent contracting arrangement, to avoid paying employee entitlements. You must ascertain correctly whether you are taking on an employee or a casual or a contractor. All HR Central subscribers receive contract templates in their tailored software, for each employee. Our team will also go over any contract before you send out to a potential candidate to ensure it is sound.
CHANGES TO WHISTLEBLOWER LAWS
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Whistle-blower Protections) Act 2019 expanded protections for whistle-blowers making disclosures about companies and company officers. We have been working with lots of clients to help them with creating a Whistle-blower policy to be included in their policy suite.
LEADERSHIP IN THE LIMELIGHT
Bill Shorten and Boris Johnson come to mind as a couple of leaders who have not had the chips fall their way this year. Being a leader is tough. However, with correct training, employees can transition to leadership roles with relative ease and be equipped with the right skills and techniques to manage teams, and act in accordance with the business expectations as a leader.
COMPLIANCE IS ON THE RADAR
Findings from the Royal Commission into banks demonstrated the shocking breaches of customer trust that can occur when the focus on compliance is lost. The flow on effects are being felt by small business with banks forced to tighten up lending guidelines. Being compliant doesn’t have to be expensive and shouldn’t have to involve huge legal fees, if you are proactive and interested in following mandatory workplace obligations. A great way to start is to be familiar with the National Employment Standards (NES).
#METOO
The aftermath of #MeToo has highlighted sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace and many of our clients have engaged HR Central to deliver training to remove harassment and bullying from their workplace. The best time to train your team around their workplace expectations is when they start. l
If you would like any further information or check sheets on: Underpayments | Whistleblower Policy content (and why) or a copy of the NES, call the SSAA Helpdesk 1300 017 722.
