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Many years ago, I worked as the Inhouse HR Manager for an amazing Australian Manufacturing company. We had an outstanding team, and we were growing rapidly. One of the key roles in the business was our Production Manager. He knew his stuff. He knew his team. He knew what the clients wanted. He was an outstanding problem solver. While he was inside the factory walls, his focus on Safety was laser focused. As a HR Manager, he was a great collaboration partner, and we got so…

October is Safety Month. In 2024, 168 people died at work and the number of serious workers compensation claims rose to 139,000 in Australia. Safe Work Australia estimates that workplace illness and injury cost the economy more than $30 Billion annually. That is why, even if you feel like WH&S is not important in your business, you really need to take it seriously. And why you need to be talking about it regularly. I recently learned about the “Vomit Test” when listening to a podcast by Abbie White as she interviewed Matt Jones of Four Pillars Gin. The idea is simple, if you haven’t…

Labour Day is more than a public holiday. It’s a reminder of why protecting people at work is central to good HR practice. Its origins highlight the fight for fair treatment, safe workplaces, and balance between work and life. For HR leaders and business owners, it’s a chance to reflect on how far workplace protections have come, and the responsibility we hold today. Why Labour Day Matters to HR? Labour Day commemorates the progress made in securing…

Why Wellbeing at Work Matters? Workplace wellbeing is more than a buzzword. It’s a critical part of building a healthy, productive, and loyal team. Yet, many businesses treat wellbeing at work as a checklist item. Policies alone aren’t enough to show employees they truly matter. Moving Beyond Policies? Having a wellness policy or Employee Assistance Program is a good start. But true care means going beyond policy and making wellbeing part of everyday culture. Employees need to feel…

When we think about wellbeing at work, we often picture policies, programs, or team culture. But the spaces we work in both physical and virtual play just as big a role in how supported, energised, and connected employees feel. Whether employees are in the office or working remotely, creating spaces that support their wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it’s the little touches that make the biggest difference. Here are some…

I’ve been working in HR for……… let’s just say, a long time. And in all those years there have been a very small number of people who went to work with the intention of performing poorly. For most people, there are complex range of circumstances that lead to poor performance. Due to that complexity, there is often a link between poor performance and absenteeism. Working out where to start is important so that you can set expectations, hold people accountable and either move towards success or separation. However, ignoring the issue is never the right option. Employee absence, creates more work for…

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, deliverables, and daily challenges, so much so that we sometimes overlook the people around us. R U OK? Day, held every September, reminds us that a simple question can have a powerful impact: “Are you OK?” This annual initiative encourages us to start meaningful conversations and create a culture where checking in on…

September is R U OK? Month, a powerful reminder that mental health conversations matter not just once a year, but every day. At Impact HR, we believe that protecting your people starts with creating an environment where well-being comes first. Small actions can make a big difference when it comes to mental health, and workplace culture plays a crucial role in supporting…

With everything that is going on in the world, Business owners and employees have a right to feel a little unsettled. I’m sure the general world view, post covid, is also a contributing factor to the whooping increase of 36.9% between 2018 and 2025 in the number of mental health claims made against employers. In 2023 the Government introduced laws relating to Psychological Safety and a Code of Best Practice to ensure businesses navigate this tricky area and create safer work environments. While being made responsible for the mental health of your team is a significant demand, some of the best ways to support yourself and your team can be simple and straight forward. Put simply, Psychological Safety in the workplace is about…