We’ve dodged potholes and managed plot twists, but now that we’re approaching the final stretch it’s time to reflect on how 2022 has changed the way employers manage their businesses, people, and obligations. From the biggest increase to the minimum wage in over a decade to the most significant proposed changes to our industrial relations framework, it’s safe to say that this year has presented many different challenges for businesses, big or small.

So, whether you’re taking a break or keeping your doors open through the holiday season, we’ve compiled our top 10 must-reads of the year that’ll get you up to speed on the year that was.

1. How to simplify performance reviews

Every employer wants to get the most out of their employees, and one of the ways to achieve this is via regular performance reviews. In this article, we discuss how online tools can take the hassle and stress out of the performance review process, and why reviewing your employees is essential to creating and maintaining a high-performance culture.

2. The questions to steer clear of in an interview

We always think about the questions we should be asking when meeting with a potential recruit in an interview setting but we often don’t consider the questions we shouldn’t be asking. In this article, we share the questions every employer should steer clear of when interviewing and how you can avoid awkward silences.

3. Government passes Respect@Work Bill

The Government announced the passage of the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 (‘the Bill’) into Parliament. The Bill amends the Commonwealth workplace anti-discrimination and sexual harassment framework to implement a further seven recommendations from the Sex Discrimination Commissioner’s Respect@Work: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (2020) (‘the Report’) that the previous Government did not adopt.

4. Family and domestic violence leave entitlements have changed

Domestic violence is an ever-present and serious concern within Australian society. As individuals and parties become more empowered to speak up and gain support, we must be constantly assessing how employers and our workplaces can play their part in supporting victims. Here we discuss what Family and Domestic Violence Leave is and provide an update on the changes to the entitlements.

5. National Safe Work Month: tips for stopping costly trips, slips, and falls

All businesses have a duty of care to ensure all people who turn up to a workplace – wherever that is – are safe and well. Now more than ever is the time to commit to building a safe and healthy workplace. Here we explain what the numbers show about hazards and how your business can create a safe workplace.

6. Don’t rush staff onboarding. Here’s why

Australia’s unemployment rate is at a record low of 3.4 per cent – meaning job applicants are greatly in demand. This puts pressure on businesses to get onboarding perfect before we risk losing employees who become dissatisfied during their first 90 days. Here we explain why you shouldn’t rush the process and the consequences if you get it wrong.

7. HR essentials: the 12 policies every business should have

Workplace policies are an essential ingredient of any business, whether it’s a successful start-up, small business, or large corporation. Having good, well-written HR policies in place will help establish a clear understanding of expectations and standards, while also protecting the rights of employers. This article shares the 12 HR policies every business should have in place.

8. Toxic culture: recognise it, correct it, build a better business

Did you know the Productivity Commission Mental Health Inquiry of 2020 found workplace mental unwellness costs Australian workplaces up to $39 billion each year in lost participation and productivity? What this means is there are significant consequences when the workplace you manage isn’t set up to be supportive. Here we explain how to recognise toxic culture, correct it, and build a better business.

9. Discovered a fake ‘sickie’ on socials? Your options explained

Unfortunately, we’ve all been there. Your employee has called in sick. You’ve managed to cover their shift and work around their absence. But later, another employee shows you the allegedly sick employee’s Instagram story – rather than being homesick, they’re posting about having a fun day at the beach! No one likes being taken advantage of, but what options are available to you in this situation? In this article, I explain how employers must handle this situation, the intricacies of personal leave entitlements, and why businesses can’t afford to get it wrong.

10. The minimum wage increase begins 1 July: here’s what you need to know

The Fair Work Commission’s Minimum Wage Panel (FWC) handed down its decision on the annual wage review on 15 June this year. This decision increased the minimum wage by 5.2 per cent – the biggest jump in more than a decade. This article explains the FWC’s decision and shares what this means for businesses.

Compliance is our strength, and we love helping others achieve it. With the resources available in enableHR, you’ll have everything you need to be 100% compliant when managing your people.

See enableHR in action today! Contact us to learn more about how we can help your business get compliance right – all the time.