Find Grow Keep

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing the modern workplace, especially in HR functions. As AI becomes more mainstream, businesses must decide how to leverage its potential while staying aware of its limitations and ethical risks. In today’s episode, you will learn: What AI really means in the workplace – Including simple definitions, examples of AI...

With significant workplace legislation changes in Australia, businesses must navigate new compliance requirements, employee rights, and cultural shifts . In this episode, Karen Kirton breaks down what these changes mean for businesses and how leaders can go beyond compliance to build a great workplace . In today’s episode, you will learn: Key legislative updates – Changes to paid family and domest...

With rising cost-of-living pressures, inflation, and ongoing salary demands , ensuring your employees feel fairly compensated is crucial. In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how businesses can navigate salary reviews, market benchmarking, and retention strategies when money is tight. In today’s episode, you will learn: Why salary conversations matter – How transparency around pay decisions can...

In this episode, Karen Kirton answers the common leadership challenge : what happens when a team member doesn’t want to grow or develop? While growth and learning are key for retention, not every employee is looking for career progression . Karen explores strategies for both high performers who resist development and underperformers who reject training . In today’s episode, you will learn: How to...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores what to do when a new hire isn’t meeting expectations and how to approach performance concerns during the probation period . She shares her own early career experience of being let go unexpectedly and highlights the importance of structured onboarding, clear expectations, and regular feedback to ensure a fair and transparent process. In today’s episode, you w...

In this episode, Karen Kirton shares key insights from a recent web event on retaining employees amid ongoing economic challenges and skill shortages. With job markets tightening, businesses need to invest in retention strategies to keep top talent engaged and motivated. In today’s episode, you will learn: Why salary benchmarking matters – Ensuring fair and competitive pay prevents employees from...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how to successfully promote someone into a management role , ensuring they have the right skills, support, and development to thrive. Many businesses make the mistake of promoting based on tenure or technical skills , rather than leadership potential. This episode provides a structured approach to avoid common pitfalls. In today’s episode, you will learn: Whe...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the concept of floating public holidays , where employees can swap a gazetted public holiday for a day that holds more personal significance . With Australia’s diverse workforce , many public holidays may not be relevant to all employees. This policy can help create a more inclusive workplace while also addressing practical payroll and operational considerati...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores why upskilling employees is essential for long-term business success , especially in response to skills shortages, automation, and evolving job requirements . Many small businesses assume that training and development are only for large companies , but Karen breaks down affordable, practical ways to invest in employee development , helping businesses retain k...

In this episode, Karen Kirton interviews Nathan Soti, Managing Director of Ethos 360 Recruitment , to discuss practical strategies for selecting the right candidates in a highly competitive job market . Following the last episode’s focus on employer branding with Jane Toohey , this episode shifts to effective hiring processes and candidate selection techniques . With 90% of CEOs expecting staff sh...

In this episode, Karen Kirton interviews Jane Tui, Director of Outsource to Us , to discuss how marketing and branding play a crucial role in recruiting top talent . With 90% of CEOs expecting staff shortages and unemployment rates at historic lows , businesses need to stand out and be attractive to potential employees —not just customers. In today’s episode, you will learn about: Why recruitment...

The economy is slowing. Now is the time to ensure your business is in the best position to weather the storm. As we approach the end of January, the global economic mood hints at potential downturns reminiscent of past crises. This episode explores how businesses can thrive amid these challenges by focusing on robust people and culture strategies. With rising inflation, interest rates, and stagnan...

In this episode, Karen Kirton discusses the key HR, people, and culture considerations for businesses moving into a new year . With significant changes in workplace legislation, evolving workforce expectations, and the need to stay proactive, she outlines critical areas to focus on to ensure compliance, engagement, and business success. In today’s episode, you will learn about: Budgeting for HR an...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the concept of open hiring , where the first person to apply for a job gets the position . This hiring method is designed to remove bias and provide opportunities for individuals who typically face employment barriers, such as those with disabilities, criminal records, or gaps in work history. In today’s episode, you will learn about: The benefits of open hir...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how to handle employee requests to work remotely from different locations —whether interstate, in a different city, or even overseas. As remote work becomes more common, businesses must balance flexibility with operational needs, compliance, and fairness . In today’s episode, you will learn about: Equity concerns – How to ensure fairness when some employees m...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores affordable ways to upskill employees and address skill shortages in small businesses. With many companies struggling to find skilled workers , investing in learning and development can be a game-changer for employee retention, engagement, and business growth . In today’s episode, you will learn about: The business case for upskilling – How employees who feel...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the key factors to consider before hiring your first HR professional . Many business owners wonder if company size, industry, or workforce complexity determines when to bring in HR support, but the decision is more nuanced. In today’s episode, you will learn about: The evolution of HR in businesses – How HR functions typically start with admin tasks assigned...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the four-day work week , an increasingly popular workplace model where employees work fewer hours but retain their full salary . As businesses worldwide experiment with this approach, Karen breaks down the potential benefits, risks, and steps to successfully implement it . In today’s episode, you will learn about: Why businesses are trialing the four-day work...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores strengths-based leadership and why developing strengths leads to greater success and well-being than focusing on weaknesses. Traditional workplace development has emphasized fixing weaknesses , but research suggests that leveraging strengths is far more effective for motivation, engagement, and performance. In today’s episode, you will learn about: What stren...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how to shift company culture beyond just telling managers to "fix" their teams. Culture is shaped by the entire organization , not just one person, and shifting it requires a structured and strategic approach rather than isolated efforts. In today’s episode, you will learn about: Why assigning culture change to a single manager is ineffective – A ca...

In this episode, Karen tackles the critical issue of employee retention, providing actionable advice and insights on how businesses can retain their best talent in a competitive job market. The discussion is grounded in the latest research and practical strategies that you can implement immediately. In this episode, you will learn about: Personalized Engagement : Discover the power of 'Asking...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how small businesses can create career paths for employees, even with limited roles or organizational structure. With today’s competitive job market, providing career growth opportunities is a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent. In today’s episode, you will learn about: Why career paths matter – Research shows that candidates prioritize trainin...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how social media can be a powerful tool for attracting top talent and building a strong employer brand. With recruitment becoming increasingly competitive, businesses must go beyond traditional job ads and engage potential candidates where they spend their time online . In today’s episode, you will learn about: The current job market landscape – Why job ads h...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores why change management is one of the most challenging aspects of leadership and why it often scores poorly in staff satisfaction surveys. While communication is a critical part of managing change, it is only one piece of the puzzle —a successful transition requires a structured approach that considers human psychology and workplace dynamics. In today’s episode...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the complexities of salary increases , particularly in a year impacted by rising inflation, competitive labor markets, and Fair Work Commission wage decisions . As businesses navigate financial constraints while trying to retain talent, it’s crucial to take a structured approach to salary reviews and communicate effectively with employees. In today’s episode,...