HR Articles
Resources and updates for businesses
Gamification at Work: Worth It for Small Business?
Can Gamification Work in a Small Business? (And Is It Worth the Effort?) By Paulette McCormack · Fresh HR Insights Short version: yes, it can — but probably not in the way you’re...
Unfair Dismissal Cap Rises to $95,050 from 1 July 2026
Compensation cap rises to $95,050: what changes for your business on 1 July If you employ people in Australia, this Wednesday matters. From 1 July 2026, the maximum compensation...
EOFY 2026: The 6 HR Worries Keeping Small Business Owners Up at Night
The 6 Things Keeping Small Business Owners Up at Night This EOFY 2026 (and How an HR Person Helps You Sleep) Can I ask you something before you dive back into the BAS? As 30 June...
What AI Is (and Isn’t) Changing for Small Business
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...
AI in HR: A Helpful Tool, Not a Replacement for People
AI in HR: A Helpful Tool, Not a Replacement for People By Paulette McCormack | Fresh HR Insights I've been thinking a lot about artificial intelligence lately, and not in the...
If AI can write policies, contracts and performance plans, will AI replace HR?
AI Might Change HR – But It Won't Replace Human Connection Written by Paulette McCormack, CAHRI — 20+ years in HR, founder of Fresh HR Insights, lecturer/Tutor inER/HR at...
Addressing Workplace Bullying
Addressing Workplace Bullying: How Employers Can Prevent Claims and Build a Safe WorkplaceWorkplace bullying remains one of the most damaging — and most preventable — issues a...
Managers Acting in a Reasonable Way: What Does It Actually Mean?
“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...
Termination – No opportunity to respond – unfair dismissal (from 2012)
No Opportunity to Respond: The #1 Reason Small Businesses Lose Unfair Dismissal Claims (2026 Update) If you ask me what trips up Australian small business owners more than...
Missing In Action – Managing Employee Absence
When They Don't Show Up: Managing Employee Absence in 2026Your most reliable employee hasn't turned up. No call. No text. No explanation. What do you do next? Managing employee...
When Business Gets Tough, Keeping Your Team Together
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....
Managing Employees – 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...
