Human Resources & Industrial Relations

The Chamber recognises that as a business owner, there are many aspects of running a business that are crucial to your success. Some aspects are more fun than others. It is when you start to grow your business that HR & IR processes come in to play, significantly. It is not an area that many businesses spend too much time on, lets face it, it’s not that exciting. But it can have a major impact on your business if you don’t do it right. Having a few key processes and procedures in place will resolve the majority of issues that arise.

Our HR & IR partners have developed a suite of procedures that can be easily adapted to your particular business. It is very easy to get swept away with the excitement of growing your business, but if you don't know your rate of pay, or how to hire & fire people in the right manner, then you could potentially lose all that you have worked hard for.
The blog posts below will share little gems that will help you make informed decisions about what you need in your business to grow. Feel free to contact the Chamber to be put in touch with our network of HR professionals.

HR & IR Blog

Helping Employees Stay Healthy
Wednesday, 30 January 19

It’s widely acknowledged that jobs which involve a lot of sitting have an impact on an individual’s health. This sedentary behaviour can potentially cause musculoskeletal problems such as neck, shoulder and lower back pain and also increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and certain types of cancer. However, there are a number of ways to combat the health risks associated with a sedentary job. In particular, this involves moving the body...

Changes to Working Holiday Visas
Thursday, 08 November 18

The Australian Government has this week announced changes to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa program in order to support regional and rural communities and allow more backpackers to fill agricultural jobs. The changes will help to relax the previously strict working holiday visa rules and allow backpackers to stay in Australia longer and work in more areas across the country.

The Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program allows travellers to have an...

Employees with Tattoos
Thursday, 18 October 18

Tattoos are becoming an increasingly common sight, especially among the millennial generation. A 2013 study by social researchers, McCrindle found that 12% of all Australians had one or more tattoos, with the figure being much higher in younger demographics. With their popularity ever-increasing, the question of whether visible tattoos are acceptable in the workplace, however, remains controversial.

Tattoo policy

Whether tattoos are accepted...

Tips to create a mentally healthy workplace
Tips to create a mentally healthy workplace
Wednesday, 26 September 18

The mental wellbeing of employees is an extremely important part of creating a safe and healthy workplace. While all employees have a responsibility in looking after their own mental health, managers also play a critical role in creating a mentally healthy workplace.

Managers will be in close contact with their employees, allowing them to observe their behaviour and influence their work environment. Alternatively, staff will also look to their managers for...

Helping injured or ill employees return to work
Thursday, 30 August 18

It is natural to think that employees need time off work when they are injured or have become seriously ill. However, there is research to support the idea that workers recover faster if they stay in contact with their workplace and try to maintain a usual working routine as much as possible. This can create benefits for employers such as improved staff retention and reduction in costs relating to lost productivity, staff training and overtime. It’s important for...

The Gig Economy
The Gig Economy
Thursday, 19 July 18

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of contract, temporary and freelance work, otherwise known as the ‘gig economy’ mostly due to the developments in technology. The rise of companies such as Uber and AirTasker and food delivery services Foodora, Deliveroo and UberEats have shaped the gig economy into what it is today. However, developments in this area of work have introduced a number of workplace issues, including the shifting line...