I have been developing my HR expertise for over 20 years, so it was a great honour to be invited to speak about “How to handle a grievance at work” on ABC Radio National’s “Best Practice” program, which brings listeners the big ideas in workplace culture, leadership, innovation and trends. The producer took a particular interest in the work we do at WorkPlacePLUS around independent workplace investigations, and how we support businesses or organisations facing complex workplace issues such as claims of bullying, discrimination or harassment, inappropriate use of the internet or social media, fraud, theft, misconduct or non-performance of legislation or policies. Visit the ABC RN website here to read more about my discussion with Richard Aedy on “How to handle a grievance at work” and LISTEN NOW to the full radio interview > How did I go? When you’ve listened, please leave me a comment to let me know your thoughts. I loved visiting the ABC’s brand new studios in Southbank and experiencing the pace and professionalism of Australia’s most respected news and media organisation. It is also terrific to realise the true power of radio. Sharing my expert advice on national radio has potentially helped directors, managers and supervisors all around Australia. I look forward to doing it again! A special thank you to the producer, Ian Coombe, and the presenter, Richard Aedy, for having me on the program. Whatever complex challenges you may be facing in your organisation, there is always a ‘best practice’ solution. Are you clear on the steps you need to take? WorkPlacePLUS offers comprehensive risk management including HR audits and reviews. We also offer independent mediation and investigative services for when issues arise. We encourage continuous improvement by facilitating appropriate communication and educational training. For more information, please contact us today. TO ACCESS MORE INTERVIEWS & PODCASTS, VISIT OUR MEDIA PAGE >

Does your workplace shut down over the Christmas Holidays? As we approach the festive season, it’s time to plan ahead for a smooth transition into the New Year. Use this checklist to help make sure you’ve got your bases covered: Skeleton Staffing Many workplaces will shut down around Christmas and New Year’s but some require continuous staffing, such as medical and aged care facilities. To prepare: ✅ Finalise staff rosters including any extra arrangements needed for contract workers. ✅ Clarify accountabilities including who will have building access. ✅ Provide updated emergency contact information. ✅ Plan ahead for any financial transactions or admin procedures that may be needed during the shutdown period. Review Your Employment Obligations ✅ Check in on the wellbeing of your staff and offer support to those who may be struggling. Read about Employee Assistance Program  > ✅ Employers are required to pay employees their usual wages during Christmas/New Year’s shutdown unless their award or agreement says otherwise. ✅ Review your obligations regarding pay rates and entitlements over public holidays. Your award or enterprise agreement will outline what employees should be paid when working on a public holiday. Remember to communicate to employees if pay day  will be impacted by a public holiday. ✅ Check that any upcoming or planned overtime  requests are reasonable and what overtime rates apply (if any). ✅ For employees who have accumulated leave, check your award or agreement to see if you are allowed to request them to take their leave during the shutdown period. Read Managing employee annual leave balances > ✅ Review employment laws and regulations including recent or upcoming changes, and make sure you comply. Review our compliance checklist for employers > Protect Your Assets ✅ Make sure your IT systems are backed up and secure including functioning generators. ✅ Turn off any equipment that won’t be needed. ✅ For equipment that will be needed, ensure that it has been serviced and power supply is backed up. ✅ Check all security and emergency procedures. The down time after Christmas is a great opportunity to review your workplace practices. This is important to ensure that you are meeting your employment obligations, preventing risks and operating smoothly into the new year. For more information, please contact us today.

WorkPlacePLUS is pleased to announce our partnership with National Disability Services (NDS) . NDS is Australia's peak body for non-government disability service organisations, representing over 1100 non-government service providers. Collectively, NDS members operate several thousand services for Australians with all types of disability. NDS is the only organisation that represents the full spectrum of disability service providers across Australia. Members range in size from small support groups to large multi-service organisations. NDS provides members with a strong voice, enabling the sector to collectively initiate change, influence outcomes and deliver the funding needed to ensure the best possible quality of life for people with disability. We are very proud to partner with NDS to provide even more benefits to members. WorkPlacePLUS will be supporting NDS members and associates by providing practical Human Resources/Industrial Relations solutions, support and advice, and additional resources such as webinars and regular updates. Member benefits include: ► WorkPlacePLUS has an IR/HR advisory service where NDS members and associates can receive a free initial half-hour phone consultation. ► NDS members receive an additional $50 per hour discount off the already competitive standard WorkPlacePLUS consultancy rates. To access these benefits, NDS members will need to complete the professional advisory services online form , which will be forwarded to WorkPlacePLUS for a response within three business days. Read more > Member Webinar NDS recently hosted an introductory webinar about the new HR/IR advisory service and the types of support WorkPlacePLUS can offer. Learn more > This is a member-only resource available to management and staff of NDS Organisational Members and Associates. We look forward to working together with the members and staff at NDS! For more information, please contact us today. WorkPlacePLUS partners with health and community service associations to provide workplace relations advice and integrated HR services. View our partnerships >

WorkPlacePLUS is committed to supporting Australia’s healthcare, aged care, NFP and community sectors. We partner with industry associations to provide members with best practice workplace relations advice and support. We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) ! AAPi is a values-driven peak body for psychologists that aims to promote the rich diversity of psychological practice in Australia. AAPi membership aims to advance the psychology profession with knowledge and education, and to achieve progress and respect for all psychologists. AAPi members now receive special member entitlements with WorkPlacePLUS, including a free initial phone consultation on HR issues affecting individual members or their psychology practice. Learn more > For more information, please contact us today.

Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is the national peak body for speech pathologists in Australia, representing more than 14,000 members. WorkPlacePLUS is SPA’s workplace relations partner and preferred human resources and industrial relations (HR/IR) provider. Since 2015, SPA has engaged WorkPlacePLUS to advise and support SPA members on HR management, industrial relations and employment matters. WorkPlacePLUS can provide outsourced HR support when you need it. Whether your needs are short or long term, WorkPlacePLUS is available to assist with all your HR requirements. We can partner with you to: Develop strategies and processes to prevent and respond to workplace issues Comply with various employment regulations and mitigate risk Deliver practical business outcomes Address complex HR issues so that you can focus on the everyday business operations of your practice WorkPlacePLUS provides support, assistance and resources for a broad range of workplace matters, for example: Developing and implementing your practice’s HR frameworks Developing or updating policies and contracts Filling in when your HR manager on long service or parental leave Conducting a payroll audit and attending to Fair Work issues Conducting management and supervisor training Facilitating difficult discussions and internal communications Addressing serious incidents e.g. bullying and harassment Conducting an independent workplace investigation Managing a significant change project e.g. restructuring Improving staff performance and engagement Monitoring and improving the work culture WorkPlacePLUS also offers a fully integrated Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and additional tools for workplace wellness. Since 2013, WorkPlacePLUS has developed a sound reputation for providing flexible, practical, cost-effective solutions and excellent customer service to Australia’s allied health sector. The experienced team of consultants at WorkPlacePLUS are skilled and accredited workplace investigators, mediators and HR generalists. They are professional, unbiased, and independent of your practice’s internal issues. SPA Member Benefits with WorkPlacePLUS Educational Resources SPA members can access member-only resources provided by WorkPlacePLUS including HR/IR updates, compliance checklists, educational articles, e-Learning modules, webinar recording and podcast recordings. Some of these resources may be time-sensitive and subject to changes. Workplace Relations Advisory Line WorkPlacePLUS has established a workplace relations advisory line for SPA members. SPA members can access an initial complimentary phone consultation of up to 30 minutes. The advice provided is general in nature and can assist your decision-making for matters affecting your practice, such as: pay rates, awards, leave & entitlements employee & contractor agreements hybrid & flexible working arrangements HR policies, systems & processes performance management + more... To activate this member benefit, please call Anna on (03) 9492 0958 or email anna@workplaceplus.com.au . Please have your member number handy. Discounted Rates If you require tailored advice for specific issues, WorkPlacePLUS can provide a cost estimate for you to review. SPA members receive a discount on WorkPlacePLUS standard consultancy rates. Contact For more information, pl ease contact us t oday.