by Paulette | Aug 18, 2026 | Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions
Small Business HR · May 2026 When Business Gets Tough, Keeping Your Team Together Rising costs. Uncertain markets. Staff who are quietly struggling. Here’s how to lead with clarity — and protect your business while you do it. Paulette McCormack CAHRI · MAHRM · MER ·...
by Paulette | Jul 24, 2026 | Employment Law, HR Compliance, HR Consultant, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation
Long-Term Sick Leave and Return to Work: Your Questions Answered What a 2026 Fair Work decision means for small and medium businesses One of the situations we get asked about most often at Fresh HR Insights is what to do when someone has been off on long-term sick/...
by Paulette | Jun 23, 2026 | HR Consultant, HR Expert, Informational Snip bits, Small Business HR
What AI Is (and Isn’t) Changing for Small Business Teams The short version, because you’re busy: AI is changing how work gets done faster than almost anything we’ve seen in a generation — but what your people actually want from a job has barely...
by Paulette | Jun 3, 2026 | Employing People, Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Small Business HR, Workplace Bullying
Addressing Workplace Bullying: How Employers Can Prevent Claims and Build a Safe Workplace Workplace bullying remains one of the most damaging — and most preventable — issues a small business can face. The good news? Employers who put the right processes in place,...
by Paulette | May 28, 2026 | Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Performance Management, Small Business HR
“That’s just bullying!” It’s one of the most common things we hear when an employee is unhappy about being managed. But under Australian law, there’s a clear and important line between genuine workplace bullying and a manager simply doing their job. That line is...
by Paulette | May 16, 2026 | Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Human Resource, Informational Snip bits, Our Services, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation
We are living through one of the more challenging economic periods in recent memory. Interest rates, housing costs, grocery bills, fuel — it’s all adding up for your employees. And while you might be feeling the pressure on your own bottom line, it’s worth...
by admin2022 | May 14, 2026 | Employing People, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Human Resource, Offers and Packages, Small Business HR, workplace policies and procedures
Workplace Policies and Procedures: Why Your Small Business Can’t Afford to Wing It in 2026 (and Why ChatGPT Won’t Save You) Most small business owners don’t think about workplace policies and procedures until something goes wrong. It’s the...
by Paulette | May 4, 2026 | Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Solutions, Informational Snip bits, Small business, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation
In today’s environment, many employees are navigating more than just the demands of their role. Rising living costs, housing uncertainty, caring responsibilities, and financial pressure are becoming part of everyday life, and they don’t switch off when someone walks...
by Paulette | Apr 20, 2026 | Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Informational Snip bits, Recruitment, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation
There is a noticeable shift happening in recruitment conversations right now, and small businesses are feeling it first. For years, the focus was on attracting talent through flexibility, perks and purpose. Those factors still matter. But increasingly, business...
by Paulette | Apr 10, 2026 | Employing People, Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Solutions, Informational Snip bits
In 2026, understanding annual leave is no longer just about entitlements or compliance; it’s about people. We are living in a time where the world feels heavier. Between rising cost-of-living pressures, constant exposure to global events, and ongoing uncertainty, many...
by admin2022 | Apr 6, 2026 | HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Small business, Small Business HR, Workplace Bullying
Workplace Bullying: The Complete Guide for Australian Employers Workplace bullying is one of the most damaging issues a business can face — and one of the most preventable. Workplace Bullying harms your people, drains productivity, and can expose you to serious legal...
by Paulette | Mar 24, 2026 | Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Human Resource, Offers and Packages, Our Services
The human resources function has always been the backbone of a successful business — but in today’s fast-moving, digitally connected world, it no longer needs to sit within four office walls. Virtual HR has evolved from a cost-saving alternative into a strategic,...
by Paulette | Nov 15, 2025 | HR Consultant, HR Expert, Small Business HR, Workplace Articles
Baby Priya’s Law: New Rules on Parental Leave After Stillbirth or the Death of a Child From 7 November 2025, important new legal protections—known as Baby Priya’s Law—will come into effect. These changes amend both the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the Paid Parental...
by Paulette | Aug 22, 2025 | Employee Termination Procedure, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Managing And Terminating, Unfair Dismissal Claims, Workplace Investigations
Managing Disciplinary Actions through to Fair Termination: A Step-by-Step Guide Business owners often face the difficult task of addressing employee performance or conduct issues in a fair and lawful manner. This comprehensive guide walks you through managing...
by Paulette | Jul 12, 2025 | HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Human Resource, Offers and Packages, Small Business HR, workplace policies and procedures
Why Every Small Business Needs Comprehensive Employee Policies and Procedures Does the phrase “human resources policies and procedures” make you groan? If you’ve been focused on growing your business, you might feel you haven’t had time to create formal...
by Paulette | Jul 4, 2025 | Employee Termination Procedure, Employing People, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Managing And Terminating, Unfair Dismissal Claims
What is a Probation Period? A probation period is an initial stage of employment (often 3 to 6 months) during which a new employee’s suitability for the role is assessed. It allows both the employer and employee to confirm the job fit before committing to a long-term...
