News
What will be the major changes to leave provisions under the new National Employment Standards?
19th Nov 2009
Our employees are asking us “what will be the major changes to leave provisions under the NES?”, and in particular “will we have the option to cash in leave accruals, ... Read more
Will the new National Employment Standards introduce uniform long service leave entitlements?
19th Nov 2009
We’ve been asked “I’m a large business owner with businesses in more than one state. It’s always hard to work out the long service leave entitlements of ... Read more
What are my obligations to a pregnant employee?
19th Nov 2009
We have been asked "I am the owner of a medium sized retail franchise. One of my female permanent warehouse staff has been with me for 18 months and has recently ... Read more
Trying to Agree after January 1 2010?
19th Nov 2009
A common question has been “I am a large fast food employer with an agreement made under Work Choices. I’ve been hearing a lot about the new tests for ... Read more
Looking after your new staff
15th Oct 2009
As the days get longer and some states switch their clocks forward, we know that summer is upon us, and so is the “silly” season. Whilst ‘tis the season to ... Read more
A Step By Step Self-Assessment Guide to Training
15th Oct 2009
As we discussed in our September Newsletter, developing the skills of your staff is essential for the continuous growth of your business. Making the right decisions regarding training depends on ... Read more
Rewarding for Learning – How To Increase Your ROI In Training
15th Oct 2009
Training has been the buzz word for retention strategies throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, but recent studies have shown that whilst a multi-million dollar industry has been built around ... Read more
Case Study: Training your team for the future
17th Sep 2009
HR Initiatives (HRI) has always been committed to the benefits of training and development through Traineeships and Apprenticeships within the Hospitality and Retail Industry sectors. With a wide range of ... Read more
Greater Clarity on Injured Worker Protections
17th Sep 2009
Previous protections under Federal workplace laws in relation to the unlawful dismissal of an employee whilst absent from work and receiving workers compensation have recently been amended, providing greater clarity ... Read more
Additional Employee Rights – Parental Leave
17th Sep 2009
The commencement of the Fair Work Act 2009 represented a significant turning point for employers nationally, bringing about additional obligations for employers in the areas of:
Unfair dismissal
Adverse action
Good ... Read more
We are one, but we are safe…Workplace Safety
17th Sep 2009
Current Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws are governed and enforced separately by each State, Territorial and Commonwealth Government for their respective jurisdictions. Whilst the underpinning and common motivation is ... Read more
Clean up your transfer of business Act
25th Aug 2009
As the first waves from the enactment of the Fair Work Act begin to settle, one area of particular concern for employers is the large extension of the transfer of ... Read more
Where has my industrial instrument gone?
25th Aug 2009
Amongst the bleary stares, throbbing heads and the haze from midnight fireworks, many employers will wake on New Year’s Day wondering about the fate of their current industrial instruments ... Read more
National Clean Up of Modern Awards & Employment Standards
24th Aug 2009
The Fair Work Act has now been operative for over a month, and has already brought in a number of industrial relations changes that affect most businesses, with some further ... Read more
The Changing Face of Agreement Making under Fair Work Australia
16th Jul 2009
With the commencement of the Fair Work Act 2009 on 1 July 2009, it is more important than ever before for employers to be fully informed and up to date on the changing ... Read more
Minimum Wage Freeze - Right or Wrong?
16th Jul 2009
The Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) on 7 July 2009 publicised their decision to maintain the minimum pay-rate at $543.78 per week ($14.31 per hour) in its last function as the independent body for ... Read more
Are you ready for the Pandemic?
16th Jul 2009
As we move further into the winter session and with suspect cases of the Swine Flu rapidly increasing on a daily basis, employers and the Australian Government are becoming ever ... Read more
The Big & Small of New Unfair Dismissal Laws
26th Jun 2009
The new financial year brings with it a glimmer of hope that the worst of the financial crisis and economic downturn is behind us, and at the same time sees ... Read more
Union Re-union – Are you prepared?
26th Jun 2009
The new Fair Work Act is almost upon us. With 2 days now to go until the July 1 deadline, employers should now be abreast of the changes to come over ... Read more
Adverse Action – the new type of employee claim
26th Jun 2009
After what has seemed like endless waiting, debate and controversy, in just a couple of days, on Wednesday 1 July, the Fair Work Act, the new industrial relations law ... Read more
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
21st May 2009
With the current craziness that is our global economic climate, business owners and management are faced with the unyielding pressure of managing costs whilst planning ahead to deal with the ... Read more
Training and Development; Two Effective Ways to Secure your Business Future
21st May 2009
As a response to the financial crisis and skill shortage in Australia, businesses are seeking alternative ways to maintain continuous growth whilst securing the future of quality employees. One method ... Read more
The Final Countdown
21st May 2009
It’s the final countdown. In just over 6 weeks, the long-awaited and much debated industrial law re-write, the Fair Work Act, becomes law in Australia. The time to hesitate and ... Read more
Fair Work Bill
23rd Apr 2009
By now all businesses are aware that the Fair Work Act is coming, and coming soon. The new Act, which will completely replace the previous Workplace Relations Act, takes effect, ... Read more
Don't Fool Around with Record Keeping
23rd Apr 2009
The stringent requirements of record keeping do not make the running of a business any easier. Non-compliance with the appropriate record keeping procedures will expose employers to infringement notices and ... Read more
OH&S Series Part 5: A New Approach to Safety
23rd Apr 2009
Over the past few months, we have put together a series of articles on the framework, components and procedures used to manage the implementation and effectiveness of a workplace health ... Read more
To agree or not to agree…. Should I make an agreement in the current environment?
23rd Apr 2009
These days, workplace relations have never been so complicated and fraught with confusion. It’s no surprise that employers are pulling their hair out trying to decipher what the best ... Read more
Don't get Snowed Under in 2009!
25th Mar 2009
With summer officially behind us, and the snowy season approaching, HRI is embarking on an exciting and innovative project set to expand our services to businesses within Australia’s Snowy ... Read more
Make Your Workplace Team a Premiership-Winning One During Footy Season
25th Mar 2009
March is a month of transition, marked by the end of our summer of cricket and the ushering in of yet another footy season. Footy season is full of thrills ... Read more
Are you taking care of your young ones?
25th Mar 2009
Since the commencement of WorkChoices in March 2006, heavy focus has been placed in the media on the employment rights and potential exploitation of young workers.
In a response to the ... Read more
Mandatory Redundancy under the new Fair Work Act
25th Mar 2009
Redundancy. Always a concern for employers and employees, this topic is becoming more and more relevant in light of the economic concerns shared by businesses globally at the moment. The ... Read more
OH&S Series Part 4 : Risk Management
25th Mar 2009
Previous articles in this series have focused on how to implement and manage OH&S in your workplace reviewed the basic requirements for documentation and records within the system, ... Read more
How Henry Ford Can Help Your Business Grow In Tough Times
25th Feb 2009
Henry Ford created the world’s most successful motor vehicle, The Model T, by using a revolutionary system, which consisted of synchronization, precision, and specialization within a company. This ... Read more
OH&S Series Part 3: Effective Consultation – Valuing Employee Input
25th Feb 2009
Consultation is an important, and in all States and Territories, mandatory feature of any workplace safety system and needs to be more than just lip service. Effective consultation requires ... Read more
Could Forward With Fairness Be Out The Back Door?
25th Feb 2009
The Coalition this week has signaled its intent to oppose the new Forward with Fairness workplace reforms. The Coalition has conceded that employer fears regarding economic recession and further mass ... Read more
Shaping up! Should employees be encouraged to participate in corporate sports?
25th Feb 2009
These days it seems everywhere you look you are persuaded of the miraculous benefits of fitness, health and well-being, and the workplace is no exception. Corporate sporting teams are becoming ... Read more
Love is in the air, but should it be in the contract? Monitoring workplace romances
25th Feb 2009
Once again, Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and with it the yearly flurry of advertising, gift-giving, romance and general excitement and festivity.
So how did it affect your ... Read more
The Year of the Ox is All About Giving Your Employees the “Ox” Factor
21st Jan 2009
2009 is the year of many things; the Socceroos will continue their quest for World Cup qualification, Obama will begin shaping his Presidency, and importantly, in terms of the Chinese zodiac, ... Read more
Smaller Retailers had Better Start Planning ….and NOW!
21st Jan 2009
2009 is the Year of the Ox, and as we have learnt, the Ox is a sturdy, diligent character – yet there is no mistaking the feeling of trepidation when confronted with ... Read more
When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going! Preparing your business for the changes ahead
21st Jan 2009
A new year, and a new law! As 2009, the “Year of the Ox”, kicks off, employers are bracing themselves for the implementation of the Fair Work Bill, setting out the ... Read more
Safety Records and Registers – the Ox ethic
21st Jan 2009
The EI Group welcomes you into the Year of the Ox, and continue our series on the various components that make up an effective occupational health and safety (OH& ... Read more
Your Voices Were Heard - Submissions to Senate on the new Fair Work Bill
12th Jan 2009
Recently the EI Group asked our clients to help us with the submission we made to the Senate Standing Committee on Education Employment & Workplace Relations on the Inquiry into ... Read more
What will the Fair Work Bill mean for you?
17th Dec 2008
Change is in the air, and the news, and in parliament! The long-awaited Fair Work Bill, setting out the new industrial relations legal frameworkfor Australia, was introduced to Parliament by ... Read more
Make Your New Year's Resolution to Motivate
17th Dec 2008
The year 2008 will be remembered for a variety of events: Obama’s historic win for the Presidency, Brad and Angelina having twins, and of course, the economic crisis which has ... Read more
Don't panic! A calm look at the economic crisis for businesses
17th Dec 2008
As the economic crisis hits home, it’s very easy to panic. However, research shows that businesses are jumping on the redundancy bandwagon sparing little thought for alternatives that could ... Read more
Safety First! Ensuring a safe workplace for the New Year
17th Dec 2008
The New Year looms near, and what better time than now to make a resolution to tackle that issue that’s been in the back of your mind for so ... Read more
Thinking outside the square - What will your New Year's Resolution be for your business?
17th Dec 2008
What will be your New Year’s resolution for 2009? Lose weight, start eating healthy, stop smoking, limit alcohol intake, spend more time with the family, save money for an overseas ... Read more
Avoid a Hangover from Office Christmas Celebrations
12th Nov 2008
Last Tuesday, at a few minutes past three, Bart Cummings won the Melbourne Cup for an unprecedented twelfth time as Viewed held off a fast finishing Bauer to win the ... Read more
The challenges of seasonal recruitment: 5 tips for making it out alive
12th Nov 2008
Recession or no recession, there’s no doubt that the run-up to Christmas is the busiest time of the year. For most businesses this means eager customers, great sales and, ... Read more
The Workplace Ombudsman is coming to Town: and they aren’t bringing presents!
12th Nov 2008
They’re gonna find out who’s naughty or nice…
If you are a Pty Ltd entity employing staff in Award based industries, you’d best get your employment practices ... Read more
Are they coming back? Right of Entry under Labor
12th Nov 2008
During last year’s Federal election campaign, TV viewers were subjected to images of beefy union officials storming into workplaces and closing down small businesses to the sound of the ... Read more
Lobbying the Workplace Authority for Sense
12th Nov 2008
The EI Group has serious concerns with the Workplace Authority’s actions since 7 May 2007 - when the Fairness Test was introduced. We have raised our concerns with the Minister ... Read more
Who's in charge? A breakdown of the different government workplace relations bodies
12th Nov 2008
As the workplace relations community, still coming to terms with the radical changes introduced by WorkChoices, braces itself for many more changes under Labor’s Forward with Fairness Reforms to ... Read more
Letter to the Minister - Timeframe for Approval of Collective Agreements – A Necessity
1st Oct 2008
Since the implementation of the WorkChoices legislation in 2006 the EI Group, Australia’s leading provider of workplace agreements, has observed a gradual increase in the amount of turn-around time ... Read more
Daylight Saving – One extra hour of pay?
1st Oct 2008
This weekend sees the start of daylight saving with clocks going forward in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT at 2am on early Sunday morning (5th October). This “ ... Read more
Backwards with Unfairness? Concerns over the new unfair dismissal laws
1st Oct 2008
The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, recently took the opportunity to outline the Labor Government’s proposed changes to the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cth) (“the Act”) ... Read more
National Employment Standards - What will change and what will stay the same?
1st Oct 2008
The Howard government in 2006, as part of the WorkChoices amendments to the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cth) (“the Act”), introduced the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard (“AFPCS”), which guaranteed the ... Read more
Are Australian Employers Running Scared? How to "Economy Proof Your Business"
1st Oct 2008
Australian employer confidence is hitting a five-year low, according to an article in today’s “Australian”, as businesses try to decipher the impact of the current global economic instability ... Read more
Biting the Bullet on Paid Maternity Leave: What do you need to know?
1st Oct 2008
As of Monday 29 September 2008 is has become official; Australia will at long last be introducing at some point in the near future a publically funded paid maternity leave scheme into ... Read more
Don't wait - start to motivate!
17th Sep 2008
In the flurry to ensure that their business is keeping up with current ever-changing legislative requirements, it’s easy for employers to overlook the need to keep up-to-date with their ... Read more
Surfing at Work: How to Protect Your Business
17th Sep 2008
Surfing the internet has become an essential aspect of all of our daily lives, including in the workplace. In fact, the internet has become so fundamental to many business operations ... Read more
Award Modernisation – How Modern Will it Be?
17th Sep 2008
“Award Modernisation” – since the introduction of WorkChoices, the term is constantly used but who knows what it really means and how it will affect employers and their employees?
The purpose ... Read more
What does the Federal Minimum Wage Increase mean to me?
17th Sep 2008
On 8 July 2008, the Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) handed down its third decision about minimum wages for employees covered by the federal system. The Commission awarded a national increase of $0.57 ... Read more
How to re-vamp your employee manual
17th Sep 2008
Policy. A crucial workplace tool that sometimes gets overlooked when business owners choose to refer only to industrial instruments such as an Employee Collective Agreement, awards, contracts, or a combination ... Read more
Auditing: It's all about making your organisation funky in 2009!
17th Sep 2008
This week we’ve taken a look at how to overhaul your workplace policies and procedures. When conducting a ‘spring clean’ of an organisation’s human resource structure, evaluation of ... Read more
I've just bought a business. What do I need to do?
3rd Sep 2008
I recently purchased an existing business and have employed all of the staff that were working there prior to the sale. The previous owner paid out all employee entitlements, so ... Read more
Can an employee automatically convert from casual to permanent?
3rd Sep 2008
I have a casual employee who has been with me for two years and has undertaken regular working patterns and hours for longer than the last 12 month period. Yesterday, the ... Read more
How do I avoid an unlawful termination claim?
3rd Sep 2008
I am a small business owner with about 25 employees. One employee has been causing me concern for some time – she is frequently late, often rude to customers, and frequently fails ... Read more
How do I make sure my staff have the right to work in Australia?
3rd Sep 2008
A workplace nearby was recently raided by the Immigration Department and held to account for the work rights of their employees. What measures can we put in place to ensure ... Read more
How do I stop my talented employees from leaving?
3rd Sep 2008
My most talented employees keep leaving, yet I am a good boss. Why is this happening and what can I do to stop it?
This question is one that ... Read more
Can full-time employees also take casual shifts with the same employer?
3rd Sep 2008
We often get asked by numerous employers whether their full-time employees can also pick up some casual shifts in order to get some additional cash. Often this situation arises where ... Read more
The Break Up: Handling the Resignation of a Star Performer
20th Aug 2008
Let’s face it, there are times when you heave a sigh of relief when you receive a resignation from an employee, yet there are other times when an employee’ ... Read more
Employee Reward: It's More Than Pimping Your Ride
20th Aug 2008
As you may have noticed in recent newsletter editions; much emphasis has been placed upon the importance of rewarding and incentivising employees beyond traditional avenues, such as through monetary remuneration. ... Read more
Don't be casual with your casuals
20th Aug 2008
Casuals. The term is used frequently, and often misunderstood, to mean an employee with little to no rights in the employment relationship. However, there is often more to a casual ... Read more
HR 101: A different approach to managing your HR functions
20th Aug 2008
Think back to the days when businesses managed their personnel functions by employing one person, usually someone who was considered a “good people person”, to communicate company policies, procedures and ... Read more
Can I make my employees take a medical examination prior to employment?
20th Aug 2008
Like any other question posed in workplace relations, the answer is not always a simple one, and there are always exceptions to the so called “rule”.
Yesterday I had a ... Read more
Don’t Mention The “R” Word
20th Aug 2008
The latest June retail figures indicate that Australians have made cuts to their shopping budgets, and marks two consecutive negative quarters for the sector. These results have many business owners ... Read more
Stress Less to Get Ahead
6th Aug 2008
STRESS – it’s a concept with which almost all members of the workforce will become acquainted at some point in their working life. July 24th 2008 brought stress into the national ... Read more
Hire Right, Sleep Well at Night (Part 1)
6th Aug 2008
The verdict is in. There’s no way around it. The team needs more help, your clients are crying out for more service and your bottom line depends on ... Read more
Shoot Your Business to the Top of the Workplace Premier League by Nurturing Your Mercurial Talent
6th Aug 2008
With the new English Premier League season just around the corner, interest has again turned to whether or not Manchester United can maintain their status as the best English club. ... Read more
Your People Make Your Business
6th Aug 2008
“A company that lost all of its equipment but kept the skills and know-how of its workforce could be back in business relatively quickly, while a company that lost its ... Read more
Stand Out from the Crowd and Attract the Best and Brightest
6th Aug 2008
Let’s face it – attracting staff today has to be one of the largest challenges for not just small and medium sized businesses – every business is experiencing this problem. You ... Read more
It's No Myth: There is a Global War for Talent
6th Aug 2008
Recently I was fortunate enough to travel to Vietnam, where I met some extraordinarily talented entrepreneurs. Over drinks, talk turned to work, and more specifically what I do for a ... Read more
Workplace Compliance Impacts on Staff Engagement and Attraction
6th Aug 2008
Last newsletter we warned hospitality employers regarding the current compliance blitz by the Workplace Ombudsman in that industry. The Workplace Ombudsman has announced that it has already commenced prosecuting employers ... Read more
When Compliance Obligations Collide: Managing Competing EEO & OHS Requirements
23rd Jul 2008
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s recent agreement with state and territory leaders to harmonise Occupational Health and Safety laws has brought OH&S, always a concern for employers, into ... Read more
NSW State Wage Case Decision Impacts Upon ALL Employers with Junior Employees
23rd Jul 2008
If you are an employer in New South Wales engaging junior employees, you will be risking non-compliance, back-payment and prosecution if you skip this article! In our last edition ... Read more
Workplace Ombudsman Compliance Campaign Focuses on Hospitality
23rd Jul 2008
Hospitality Employers Beware: The Workplace Ombudsman has announced its intention to focus on compliance audits in your industry! The Workplace Ombudsman has chosen to target the hospitality industry due ... Read more
Celebrating Diversity: Best Practice Equal Opportunity Management
9th Jul 2008
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick recently welcomed the review of the Sex Discrimination Act by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, saying that after nearly 25 years it’s ... Read more
It's Time Again! Federal Minimum Wage Increase Announced.
9th Jul 2008
On 8 July 2008 a federal wage increase was announced, providing Australia's lowest paid workers a weekly pay rise of $21.66 – representing double the increase applied last year. This ... Read more
Why Best Employers Find it EASY to Source Staff
9th Jul 2008
Finding the right candidate for your business small or large is not an easy task. With the current labour shortage crisis in Australia, pressure on salary levels, big business ... Read more
Great Expectations: Best Practice Performance Management
9th Jul 2008
As a workplace relations consultancy we at The EI Group get so see far to often the devastating results poor performance management can have on a business, employers and employees.& ... Read more
Being a Tour De Force with Workplace Culture without Breaking the Bank
9th Jul 2008
A reoccurring theme that has been explored in recent editions of the EI Group Newsletter has been the theme of workplace culture and for good reason: the need for positive ... Read more
Critical Questions for Developing a Best Practice Workplace Relations Strategy
9th Jul 2008
All Australian companies must navigate an unchartered ocean of Workplace Relations reforms during the next 18 months. Best practice requires that businesses act now to plot their most appropriate& ... Read more
Want More Information? You've Got It!
9th Jul 2008
In our efforts to be Australia's best provider of strategic, tactical and operational human resource management information, advice and services, The EI Group has launched an HR Blog designed to ... Read more
Toxic Avengers: Combating Bullying in Your Workplace
25th Jun 2008
With recent studies showing that employees are more likely to leave their current employer because of bad management, rather than any other reason, it is apparent that workplace bullying is ... Read more
Culture: It's more than just yoghurt in the morning
25th Jun 2008
Bill Clinton is famous for more than ‘that’ scandal; he is also a keen advocate of the one of the hottest diet programs in the world, the South Beach Diet. ... Read more
Employers on a Rocklea Road after AWA era ends
25th Jun 2008
Have you got an Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA) nightmare? Abolition of AWAs seemingly left you with no strategy for new staff? Operating under multiple industrial instruments? Then this article ... Read more
The No-Stress Guide to Managing Injured Workers
25th Jun 2008
It's that moment that you feel your heart jump into your throat - when you are informed of a workplace injury! Not only does it mean that you need to ... Read more
Can union officials enter into your workplace uninvited?
25th Jun 2008
When trade union officials come knocking at the door of your workplace, do you have to let them in?
Under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cth) (the “Act”) Union Officials can ... Read more
Workplace Safety Darwin Awards: Poor Safety Practices Leads to Serious Injuries
11th Jun 2008
The Darwin Awards recognize human stupidity at its height by bringing into the spotlight those people whose stupid actions have led directly to their death or serious injury. Workplace safety ... Read more
Handshake Deals and Verbal Agreements can Cause a Nightmare for Your Business
11th Jun 2008
The message to this article is short and sweet. If you are an Employer, protect your business by ensuring all employee relations are recorded in writing.
The Nightmare Number 1
An ... Read more
Sexual Harassment: Supervisors and Managers Acting as Donkeys
11th Jun 2008
Whilst superstar television chef Gordon Ramsay is renowned for his less than eloquent language on his programs such as Hell’s Kitchen, he’s also renowned for telling less than ... Read more
When Employee Hygiene Becomes a Workplace Nightmare
11th Jun 2008
The Workplace from hell…this is possibly how your employees feel when working alongside colleagues with poor personal hygiene, foul smelling clothes and bad breath.
The majority of ... Read more
Awards Increasingly Becoming a Workplace Nightmare
11th Jun 2008
Understanding your Award obligations as an employer is not easy, particularly in light of constant workplace reforms in the past two years, but don’t expect much sympathy from inspectors, ... Read more
Can an employee with less than 12 months service access maternity leave?
28th May 2008
Employees are generally entitled to 52 weeks parental leave after 12 months continuous service. However, with an employee that has less than 12 month’s continuous service, the entitlement to maternity leave ... Read more
Can I demote an employee as an alternative to dismissal?
28th May 2008
One of the most common questions we receive from clients at The EI Group is whether an employee can be demoted from their position as an alternative to terminating their ... Read more
Sibling rivalry: how to make your generational stars play nice!
28th May 2008
A fascinating people management question was received by us late last week from a newsletter subscriber that sparked some intense discussion in our office. We decided that the question urgently ... Read more
Can an employee take sick leave for elective surgery?
28th May 2008
Breast implants, nose jobs, tummy tucks and face lifts … exactly how much should employers pay for their employee’s vanity?
Cosmetic surgery has become more affordable then once was the ... Read more
When Pressing Domestic Necessity Applies to the Payment of Pro-Rate Long Service Leave
14th May 2008
A recent case in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (“QIRC”) has broadened the scope of “domestic necessity” in determining whether an employee is entitled to pro-rata long service leave payments ... Read more
“Gen-erating” Engagement with Gen Y: The Set of Keys that will “Turn Them On”
14th May 2008
People managers beware. There is a stark truth about your best young talent: though they may appear to be happy working in your organization, they will also be looking elsewhere ... Read more
OH&S Safety Induction – Have you delivered?
14th May 2008
Nationally all employers have occupational health & safety (“OH&S”) obligations to their employees at their workplace. Employers legal OH&S obligations should not be ignored merely ... Read more
Take Control of Employee Theft
14th May 2008
True or false? A retail employer loses more to employee theft then they do to shoftlifting, bad credit and robberies combined.
The answer is true. A study of employee ... Read more
Power2Motivate is here to Inspire You: Come and Join Us At The Incentive Show
14th May 2008
The Incentive Show 2008 is the premier exhibition of its kind in our region and Power2Motivate® is proud to be a sponsor of the Incentive Show 2008. 3 – 4 June 2008, Hall 2 at ... Read more
Your Questions Answered: Minimum Working Age
14th May 2008
In our last newletter we gave you the opportunity to ask us your most burning workplace management question. One of the most asked questions from last ... Read more
The Secret of Best Employers Exposed: How They Dominate Their Markets
30th Apr 2008
Rhonda Byrne’s controversial best selling self-help book The Secret has at its core theme the adage ‘ask…believe…receive’. Critics of The Secret, including the Chaser team, have scoffed ... Read more
Bullies in the Workplace: Are You Across Your Responsibilities
30th Apr 2008
We all hear of bullying, harassment and intimidation which takes place in the school classroom and playground, however it is also apparent at work in the course of employment. ... Read more
Is Your Retail Establishment Safe?
30th Apr 2008
As workplace compliance and best practice workplace management becomes more and more of a national focus, it is now more than ever an imperative that all Employers, big and small, ... Read more
Harassment in the Workplace – The Panda, the Pants and Work Parties
30th Apr 2008
South Park fans will recall when the third grade class are visited by Sexual Harassment Panda – who explains the concept of sexual harassment to the kids. Consequently, an escalating series ... Read more
Square Peg in a Round Hole: How Hiring the Wrong Person Can Cost Your Business
30th Apr 2008
Staffing costs are often the highest single cost to a business. Many of us don’t fully quantify this cost and manage it effectively to ensure greater productivity, and ... Read more
Hotel Rocked by Hefty Fine for Underpayment
16th Apr 2008
The Workplace Ombudsman has continued aggressively prosecuting businesses that are failing to comply with workplace laws. Yesterday, a Tasmanian hotel operation was fined $70,000 after being found guilty of breaching the ... Read more
Guard Quite Literally
16th Apr 2008
Every so often a strange termination of employment occurs that provides an interesting lesson for employers. Recently, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) decided that an employer’s decision to ... Read more
NSW Child Legislation Blitz
16th Apr 2008
Do you own a business in NSW that employs junior employees? If so, it is critical that you are abreast of and compliant with the restrictions placed upon you by ... Read more
Forward with Fairness Legislation
2nd Apr 2008
FORWARD WITH FAIRNESS LEGISLATION HAS NOW COME INTO EFFECT
On the 28th of March 2008 the Forward with Fairness amendments to the Workplace Relations Act became a reality. This only ... Read more
Are your Workplace Agreements legally effective?
2nd Apr 2008
Are your Workplace Agreements legally effective?
Individual agreements are OUT & Collective agreements are IN!
Australian workplace agreements (AWA’s) are individual written agreements between an employer and an ... Read more
The New National Employment Standards - The Three That Fascinate
2nd Apr 2008
THE NEW NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS- THE THREE THAT FASCINATE
Later this year the 5 minimum Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard (AFPCS) set down under WorkChoices will be replaced with ... Read more
Paid Maternity Leave - It Pays to Reconsider.
2nd Apr 2008
Paid Maternity Leave – It Pays to Reconsider.
Paid Maternity Leave is now the hottest topic in the IR arena. By international standards, Australia is lagging behind in the provision ... Read more
It’s Now Official- Collective Agreements Increase Workplace Productivity!
19th Mar 2008
At the Senate Inquiry into the Forward with Fairness Bill, it has been highlighted that collective enterprise bargaining has potentially led to productivity gains for the Australian economy. Mark Roddam, ... Read more
Update on Labor’s IR Bill
19th Mar 2008
On Tuesday the 17th of March, the Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill (“the Bill”) was approved by the Senate. The House of Representatives are now considering ... Read more
Abusive Conduct on a Lunch Break Can Lead To Legitimate Dismissal
19th Mar 2008
Two significant cases from December 2007 and February 2008 have highlighted the need for employees to behave in a professional manner even on a scheduled lunch break; even if away from the ... Read more
Are you on top of your Workplace Obligations?
19th Mar 2008
Are you on top of your Obligations?
The office of the Workplace Ombudsman ensures the protection and enforcement of the rights of employees and the obligations of employers under ... Read more
Employee Engagement
5th Mar 2008
Employee Engagement
The Wikipedia Definition is: Employee engagement is a concept that is generally viewed as managing discretionary effort, that is, when employees have choices, they will act in a ... Read more
Award Modernisation
5th Mar 2008
“AWARD MODERNISATION”: A PIVOTAL ASPECT OF MOVING FORWARD WITH FAIRNESS
Whilst much attention has been given to the fact that the Labor Government’s Forward with Fairness Bill will ... Read more
Current vs Proposed Workplace Legislation
5th Mar 2008
With Parliament sitting on the 17th of March to discuss the IR Transitional Bill, which is likely to be approved before Easter, we would like to point out some of ... Read more
Employee Shot Three Times by Colleague!
13th Feb 2008
In December 2007, the New South Wales Court of Appeal ruled that an employer had failed in its duty of care to a staff, after a work altercation led an angry ... Read more
Labor Commences Plan to Unravel WorkChoices
13th Feb 2008
Today the Federal government released into parliament its transitional bill designed to reignite unfair dismissal, abolish Australian Workplace Agreements and, according to Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, "introduce a new ... Read more
Get An Easy Solution To Employee Turnover Problems
13th Feb 2008
Until now, it hasn't been easy for an organisation (regardless of size) to implement a rewards and motivation system. That has all changed, now is the time to implement ... Read more
Email Dangers for Employers!
13th Feb 2008
One of the least understood areas of employment relates to email usage at work, and the consequences associated with personal emailing through an office email account. The problem is highlighted ... Read more
We Can Give You 9 Hours A Week Back!
30th Jan 2008
Recent research has shown that the average employer saves 9 hours per week (or nearly 20 full days per year) and $12,000.00 (net) per year by outsourcing their HR to a ... Read more
Dismissed Over a Drunken Romp - Fair or Unfair?
30th Jan 2008
Late last week the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) delivered a high profile judgment on an appeal made by Telstra against a successful unfair dismissal claim by one of its ... Read more
Is Pay Day A Headache For You?
30th Jan 2008
The payment of wages earned by an employee can be a complex exercise for the employer. There are many instances of problems arising ranging from the date on which ... Read more
Paid Maternity Leave to Arrive After a Hard Labor?
30th Jan 2008
In the lead-up to the federal election, the ALP promised a Productivity Commission study on paid maternity leave should they win government. It has just been announced that three ... Read more
Unions Are Cranking Up for a New Round of IR Campaigns
30th Jan 2008
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has commenced roundtable discussions with their affiliated union leaders in a bid to continue the their campaigns targeting the WorkChoices ... Read more
How To Establish an Employee Rewards System
30th Jan 2008
Employee Rewards are more than just the latest HR buzz-word or the latest management craze. Providing an employee rewards system has been proven time-and-time again to promote greater productivity, ... Read more
Employee Collective Agreements Are The Way To Go in 2008
16th Jan 2008
With February seemingly set down for the new Federal Government to table its first wave of transitional workplace relations amendments, 2008 looks certain to be a year in which there is ... Read more
Keep Your Customers Happy & Reap The Rewards!
16th Jan 2008
It's not rocket science: the more customers you keep through active retention efforts, and the longer you keep them, the more profitable your company will be.
Economics behind Customer Retention
... Read more
WorkChoices Is Dead, But Unfair Dismissal Laws Are Alive & Well!
16th Jan 2008
Although it will not be officially tabled until Federal Parliament resumes in February 2008, the WorkChoices amendments to the Workplace Relations Act will be removed by the Rudd Government through new ... Read more
Unlawful Discrimination, Even If You Didn't Mean To Discriminate?
16th Jan 2008
In many workplaces employers may unknowingly and/or unintentionally discriminate against employees without realising their behaviour or actions could constitute a form of discrimination. Discrimination in the workplace can ... Read more
The Workplace Ombudsman Is Auditing Businesses in Central and Northern Queensland
16th Jan 2008
The Workplace Ombudsman are currently undertaking major compliance audit campaigns specifically targeted at the following industries within the central and northern Queensland areas: café, restaurant, catering, registered clubs and licensed ... Read more
Skilled Employees: Will You Be Caught Short?
16th Jan 2008
The current skills shortage means that staff development and retention are the top priority for Australian employers, followed by attracting suitable staff.
The Hudson Report: HR Priorities for 2008, an annual ... Read more
Reducing Turnover Costs Will Save Your Business Big Bucks!
19th Dec 2007
Many companies secretly like turnover. That's why so many businesses tolerate double-digit turnover rates every year. These companies believe that turnover saves money by keeping the average employee on the ... Read more
The Workplace Ombudsman Will Be Busy Over Christmas - Are You Compliant?
19th Dec 2007
The Workplace Ombudsman is the government agency that investigates complaints or suspected contraventions of federal workplace relation laws and commences court proceedings against companies who have breached federal workplace ... Read more
Reform of Unfair Dismissal Legislation
19th Dec 2007
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Deputy Leader (and Workplace Relations Minister) Julia Gillard announced the federal government's intention to commence the 'first wave' of dismantling the WorkChoices amendments to the ... Read more
Scrapping AWAs is the Number 1 Priority For Labor
19th Dec 2007
Labor has wasted no time in announcing their implemention of legislation to abolish Australian Workplace Agreements (individual workplace agreements).
On 17 December 2007 it was announced that ... Read more
Cement Your Employment Conditions & Terms Now For 5 Years!
19th Dec 2007
During this time of change and uncertainty in the workplace relations arena, one thing is clear - the Labor Party's no.1 priority is the abolishment of Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs). This ... Read more
Time Wasting Is Costing Your Business!
19th Dec 2007
A global survey conducted by Proudfoot Consulting shows Australians wasted an average of 19.4% (45 days) of working time in 2007, ranking Australia 9th out of 11 westernised nations assessed for overall productivity. This ... Read more
Public Holidays for 2008
18th Dec 2007
All employers should be aware of the public holidays that have been declared for 2008!
Please make sure that you check both the national public holidays, as well as the ... Read more
Christmas & New Year Public Holidays & Office Opening Times
18th Dec 2007
Christmas is now less than a week away. For those clients trading over the Christmas period, you should be aware that the following days are considered public holidays:
... Read more
The Workplace of The Future Under Labor Governments
5th Dec 2007
To shed light on the speculation following the federal election, Julia Gillard has announced a two phase roll out of the Labor's Industrial Relations package, which sets out the Australian ... Read more
Wages & Conditions Update For Christmas!
5th Dec 2007
Labor's federal election win means that the Australian workplace relations system is set to undergo further changes.
Many employers who currently operate under agreements (both ... Read more
Engage Your Staff For A Better Bottom Line: Increase Your Productivity By 22%!
5th Dec 2007
People Performance Management (PPM) is an emerging field focused on achieving sales and other business objectives by forging a strategic link between external and internal marketing. No marketing strategy can ... Read more
The Workplace Solution of the Century: You MUST Read This!!!
5th Dec 2007
The EI Group has been preparing for a change in Federal Government for almost a year. After all this is the 9th time since 1992 that we have help ... Read more
Too Much Christmas Cheer Can Leave You With a Big Liability Hang Over!
5th Dec 2007
Did you know that you can be held liable for the actions of your staff at a work Christmas Function? Wouldn't it be great to have someone else take ... Read more
Prime Minister Rudd: What This Means For Your Business
26th Nov 2007
Saturday 24th November 2007 saw the election of the Labor Party to federal government, and its leader Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister. In his victory speech, Prime Minister elect, Kevin ... Read more
The Return of Unfair Dismissal Laws?
23rd Nov 2007
It's federal election eve and an unprecedented number of people are still undecided about who they are going to vote for tomorrow. Many people don't make this important decision ... Read more
What Will The Election Mean For Your Business?
23rd Nov 2007
Tomorrow's election represents a watershed in Australian politics, and in particular workplace relations. Whatever the outcome, and whatever party is successful in attaining government, the election represents a new ... Read more
Election Specials from The EI Group!
23rd Nov 2007
With the election tomorrow, and an uncertain future ahead (at least for the next 48 hours), we at The EI Group have come up with a way of easing some of ... Read more
We're Now The EI Group - To Provide You With More!
23rd Nov 2007
Enterprise Initiatives has evolved into The EI Group. We provide our clients with so much more than an agreement-making service now, and we wanted to make sure everyone knows ... Read more
Will it be Kevin in 07?
23rd Nov 2007
The major polls on election eve are predicting a change of government with the Australian Labor Party (ALP) getting about 56% of the votes on a two-party preferred basis. ... Read more
Employment Watchdog Savages Its Owner
7th Nov 2007
Federal Court Judge, Justice Catherine Branson recently found the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) guilty of breaching the Workplace Relations Act. This breach occurred when DEWR staff members ... Read more
Super Engagement Solutions
7th Nov 2007
Working beyond Retirement Age
The need to pay for more expensive lifestyles and the desire to boost the retirement nest egg with a variety of superannuation fund providers, voluntary superannuation ... Read more
The Secret to Outperforming Your Competitors By 30-40%
7th Nov 2007
The future of HR goes much further than traditional perceptions of people management. As the skill shortage increases in Australia and the unemployment rate drops, the HR function will continue ... Read more
Protect Against Sexual Harrassment Claims This Festive Season
7th Nov 2007
With the festive season approaching both employers and employees wind down to celebrate the end of the current year & the beginning of the New Year. In the atmosphere ... Read more
Workplace Relations Fact Sheet Deadline
25th Oct 2007
Last Friday the 19th of October was the deadline for employers to hand out the Workplace Relations Fact Sheet to their employees. Failure to distribute the Workplace Relations fact sheet ... Read more
Employment Contracts In Your Business
25th Oct 2007
It is common practice for employers to enter into agreements with their employees to commence an employer and employee relationship. Agreements are commonly put into writing by the employer ... Read more
Federal Election Update: 30 Days To Go!
25th Oct 2007
On Sunday the 21st of October, Kevin Rudd and John Howard went face to face in the pre-election debate. Kevin Rudd's performance was generally judged as the better one putting ... Read more
Restaurant Chain Investigated & Prosecuted
25th Oct 2007
With the current workplace relations media attention leading up to the Federal election, emphasis has been placed on young workers being uninformed about their rights and being classified as vulnerable ... Read more
Federal Wage Increase Has Come Into Affect
10th Oct 2007
As of the 1st of October, the federal wage increased by 27c per hour for those earning up to and including $18.42 per hour, and is increased by 14c for ... Read more
Rewarding Your Employees
10th Oct 2007
Rewards are a multidimensional tool available to employers that not only recognises hard work, but encourages, motivates and retains employees.
Reward and recognition works in two ways:
a) We ... Read more
Fairness Test Update: Effects Of The Backlog
10th Oct 2007
Effects of the Backlog
The introduction of the Fairness Test in May this year has meant increased administration in the lodgment and approval of workplace agreements. The Fairness Test requires ... Read more
New Child Employment and Injured Worker Legislation in Western Australia
28th Sep 2007
On Thursday the 27th of September, the Western Australian State parliament passed the Industrial & Related Legislation Amendment Bill 2007. The bill is largely focused on building additional layers of protection ... Read more
How Does the Federal Wage Increase Affect You?
25th Sep 2007
The most recent Australian Fair Pay Commission decision takes effect from next Monday the 1st of October. This decision increased wages for employees under the Federal system earning ... Read more
The Future of Junior Rates of Pay
25th Sep 2007
WorkChoices legislation does not currently set junior or trainee rates unless they are specifically defined in the relevant award. This has become an issue which the Australian Fair Pay Commission ( ... Read more
Ten Good Reasons To Outsource Your HR Management & Administration
18th Sep 2007
All businesses are looking for the competitive edge that allows them to operate more efficiently and productively. HR outsourcing can provide you with the edge you need. HR ... Read more
Election 2007 Update: Labor's Revised IR Policy Platform
29th Aug 2007
On 28 August 2007 Kevin Rudd MP and Julia Gillard MP in a joint statement announced the Labor Party’s Policy Implementation Plan (“the Plan”) for the industrial relations system - Forward ... Read more
Election 2007: Workplace Relations Policy Platforms
13th Jun 2007
The 2007 Federal Election has been dubbed the “Industrial Relations” election as this is the biggest key policy platform for both the Labor and Liberal parties to lobby on going into ... Read more
No Net Detriment Principles for Child Employment (NSW)
27th May 2007
On the 22nd of May, a full bench of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission set the “No Net Detriment Principles” pertaining to the Industrial Relations (Child Employment) Act 2006 [“Child Employment ... Read more
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