SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / August 26, 2024 / Amidst a turbulent economic climate and the consistently changing workplace relations landscape, Australian small and medium-sized businesses are facing unprecedented challenges in managing their HR functions. Employment Compass today announced the launch of its 'HR Health Check' service, aiming to provide a lifeline to businesses working through what the most recent changes mean to small business.

HR challenges in 2024

Recent studies paint a tough picture of the HR hurdles faced by Australian SMEs:

• 43% of small businesses report difficulty understanding and keeping up with changes in employment law, leading to potential penalties and disputes.

• 61% of SMEs struggle to attract and retain skilled employees, with competition from larger companies and a tight labor market exacerbating the issue.

• Small business owners wear many hats, with 45% spending at least one full day each week on HR administrative tasks, leaving little time for strategic initiatives.

• The pandemic has taken a toll on employee wellbeing, with 52% of small businesses reporting an increase in mental health concerns among their staff.

New employment laws & their impact

Recent changes to employment legislation, including the introduction of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill and ongoing discussions around casual employment, have added another layer of difficulty and uncertainty for SMEs. Businesses are now grappling with the delicate balance of accommodating employee requests for flexible work arrangements while ensuring operational needs are met.

The evolving definition of casual employment presents its own set of challenges, requiring businesses to understand the nuances of the new classification and its implications for hiring and managing their workforce. Layer this with the growing emphasis on job security required a careful recalibration of workforce strategies to provide greater stability for employees without compromising business agility.

Finally, the 'right to disconnect' laws came into effect today. The aim of these laws set out to establish boundaries around work-life balance and after-hours communication, considered an important aspect of maintaining a healthy and productive workforce in the digital age.

The HR health check: a holistic solution

The HR Health Check developed by Employment Compass, isn't just a surface-level scan; it's a deep dive into core HR practices of small businesses. We begin with a meticulous compliance review, ensuring your policies, procedures, contracts and documentation are in align with the Fair Work Act and ensure you business is not at risk.

We don't just leave you with a list of problems; we provide solutions. Our actionable recommendations report delivers a roadmap for improvement, tailored specifically to your business's unique needs and challenges. We work alongside you to close these gaps and make sure that you can focus on what is most important for your business.

The benefits for SMEs

Investing in the HR Health Check isn't just about fixing problems; it's about unlocking a wealth of benefits that can transform your business from the inside out. Small businesses who have worked with Employment Compass have:

• Confidence in HR compliance and reduced risk of penalties or disputes.

• Attracted and retained top talent with a positive and supportive workplace culture.

• Motivated and engaged employees contribute to improved business performance.

• Streamlined HR processes and reduced employee turnover can lead to significant cost savings.

• Developed a proactive HR strategy that aligns with business goals and drives growth.

About Employment Compass

With the recent wave of legislative changes sweeping across the Australian employment landscape, SMEs need more than just an HR provider; they need a trusted partner who understands their challenges and can guide them through the changing workplace compliance requirements.

Employment Compass is that partner. We go beyond simply offering HR services; we empower businesses to build workplaces where both employees and the company can succeed. Our 24/7 access to HR advisors, proactive compliance reviews like the HR Health Check, and expert guidance on performance and disciplinary matters provide the peace of mind that businesses need to focus on what they do best.

We believe that every business, regardless of size, deserves access to expert HR support. With Employment Compass by your side, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you will mitigate risks, and create a positive work environment that supports long term sustained growth.

Media Detail

Contact: Benjamin Dominic
Email: info@employmentcompass.com.au
Organisation: Employment Compass
Phone: 1300 144 002

SOURCE: Employment Compass