Advice

In this opinion piece Chris Luxford looks at the challenges facing the local workforce, like off-shoring and shifting skill requirements, and the way these impact how businesses access staff with the right skills for their operations.

As flexible working becomes a reality for many businesses around the country, SMB owners should know their legal position in regard to employee requests for changes in work arrangements.

With all the political, economical, social and technological change taking place around us, how important is cultural fit in 2012 when recruiting to fill roles within your business? Very, says one expert.

Workplace politics and power structures can be like walking a minefield, but it’s vital the influence they have on performance management is kept to a minimum, or eliminated altogether, if employee performance is to be measured properly.

Many businesses could be seeing a decline in productivity, as boredom causes more and more employees to turn to non-work related activities to keep themselves entertained during work hours.

It can be tough to keep employees engaged through the cold winter months, as many are struck down by colds, flus and the winter blues. Here are 12 practical ways to keep your team’s productivity up.

Awareness of mental illness may have increased, but Australian businesses are still failing to recognise and manage mental health risk in the workplace, according to new research.

Bosses are too busy ‘shock proofing’ their business against sudden impact events to focus on important internal business issues, which is leading high numbers of dissatisfied employees to hunt for new jobs.

Sleep deprivation is costing the Australian economy billions every year in lost productivity, according to a new sleep study.

Small businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on quick-thinking ‘maverick’ staff members, and a new study has identified how employers can channel the talents of these independent thinkers.

Thanks to ever-advancing technologies, businesses are increasingly able to offer their staff flexible working options. Some have even gone as far as to embrace the working from home concept – or ‘teleworking’ as it is becoming known. Here’s a look at how offering employees the opportunity to work from home offers considerable benefits for both parties.

A survey of local internet users has given employers reason for concern, with 30 percent reportedly checking Facebook five or more times a day. But a blanket social media ban might not be the right answer for every business.

The reference-check is often the final hurdle in a candidate securing a job and has long been a trusted process, but a recent study has found an alarming amount of references provided are actually fabricated.

Company culture is the key to creating and maintaining an engaged and productive workforce, according to a new study, with employee engagement most boosted by coaching, buddy programs and company outings.

Businesses are becoming complacent when it comes to their duty of care towards employees required to travel for work, a new study has found.

With workplace stress on the rise and its health and productivity implications extending further than ever, it’s essential both employees and employers implement stress-busting strategies.

With safety and security an ongoing concern, businesses need to be increasingly savvy to protect themselves and their customers from potential threats. Pre-screening of employees is a vital first step many miss.

With the long weekend fast approaching business owners are bracing themselves for the dreaded “sickie” phone calls, however a new report has revealed the most common reason for faking a sick day is not what many would assume.

Facebook has threatened to take legal action against employers who demand current staff or prospective employees hand over passwords to their Facebook accounts.

In this opinion piece, Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency director Helen Conway looks at the slow progress being made toward achieving gender parity, but points to landmarks this year that look set to make a difference – including new legislation.