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 | 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 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 23, 2026 | HR Solutions, New Laws New Risks, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation, Workplace health and Safety
28 April is fast approaching—and with it, a growing focus on one of the most critical workplace risks today: psychosocial harm. Regulators across Australia are increasing scrutiny on how organisations manage hazards such as: High job demands Poor role clarity...
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 9, 2026 | Employment Relations, HR Solutions, Human Resource, Informational Snip bits, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation
In today’s always-on work culture, stepping away from your job can feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. However, understanding annual leave is crucial for both employees and business owners who want to sustain long-term productivity, mental well-being, and...
by Paulette | Jun 17, 2025 | Building A Workforce, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Human Resource, Small business, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation, Workplace Articles
Determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor can be tricky for small business owners. Making the right call is crucial – it affects pay, superannuation, leave, taxes, and legal obligations. Simply calling someone a contractor or having...
by Paulette | May 31, 2025 | 12 Basics of HR, Employment Relations, Fair Work Ombudsman News, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Informational Snip bits, Legislation Updates, New Laws New Risks, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation
A new workplace law gives many employees the “right to disconnect” from work outside their normal hours. For small businesses (fewer than 15 employees), this change takes effect on 26 August 2025. In plain terms, your staff will have the right to ignore work-related...
by Paulette | Apr 25, 2025 | 12 Basics of HR, Employment Relations, Fair Work Ombudsman News, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Human Resource, Informational Snip bits, Managing And Terminating, Offers and Packages, Small business, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation, Unfair Dismissal Claims, Workplace Articles
by Paulette | Apr 21, 2025 | Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Human Resource, Informational Snip bits, Offers and Packages, Small business, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation, Workplace Articles
Accurate employment record-keeping has always been a legal necessity—but in 2025, it’s firmly in the spotlight. The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has launched a nationwide blitz, targeting businesses that fall short of their record-keeping obligations. For small business...
by Paulette | Mar 9, 2025 | Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Informational Snip bits, New Laws New Risks, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation
As we begin to assess Cyclone Alfred’s impact, many businesses face ongoing challenges related to flooding, operational disruptions, and employee wellbeing. It’s important for employers to understand the key factors that may affect their business and workforce...
by Paulette | Mar 3, 2025 | New Laws New Risks, Topics of Conversation
With Tropical Cyclone Alfred forecast to impact Queensland and NSW in the coming days, we want to ensure you are informed about your responsibilities and options as an employer under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. Stand-Down...
by Paulette | Jan 28, 2025 | Employment Relations, HR Consultant, HR Expert, HR Solutions, Human Resource, Informational Snip bits, Offers and Packages, Small business, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation, Workplace Articles
In many small businesses, the founder’s passion and drive form the organisation’s backbone. However, this close involvement can sometimes become a double-edged sword, particularly when the business owner exhibits toxic behaviours that undermine the team and...
by Paulette | Aug 1, 2024 | Award Provisions, Legislation Updates, Topics of Conversation
Casual Employment These changes start on 26 August 2024. Preparation is key! Contained within the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing the Loopholes) Bill 2023 (‘the Bill’) is the replacement of the existing definition of casual employee with a ‘fair and objective...
by Paulette | Jun 4, 2024 | Fair Work Ombudsman News, Informational Snip bits, Legislation Updates, Payroll Compliance, Topics of Conversation
National Minimum Wage Increase: What Small Businesses Need to Know From July 1, 2024, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced a 3.75% increase in the National Minimum Wage and award wages. This change will impact approximately 2.6 million Australian workers,...
by Paulette | Apr 9, 2024 | Employment Relations, HR Solutions, Informational Snip bits, Small business, Small Business HR, Topics of Conversation
Mental health and well-being are crucial from the moment we wake up and throughout our daily lives. They become even more important when dealing with personal challenges, work issues, or global crises like the Covid-19 pandemic. In the workplace, you’re likely...
