Find Grow Keep

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,...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the pitfalls of informal interviews and why relying on casual conversations over coffee often leads to poor hiring decisions. While small businesses may prefer a flexible approach to recruitment, structured interviews provide a much stronger foundation for selecting the right candidate. In today’s episode, you will learn about: The flaws of informal interview...

What is a healthy level of employee turnover? And how does your business measure up? Monitoring employee turnover is one of the easiest, and most informative, metrics to track. In this episode, Karen Kirton dives into the critical topic of employee turnover, discussing why it's essential to measure, what constitutes a good turnover rate, and how to manage it effectively. Karen explains the di...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the relevance of Employee of the Month programs and whether they still serve as effective recognition tools in the modern workplace. While they remain popular, particularly in retail and office environments, their effectiveness depends on execution. In today’s episode, you will learn about: The pros of Employee of the Month programs – Why they are simple to i...

In this episode, Karen Kirton discusses the impact of losing a top employee and how business owners can navigate this challenge. Whether due to career growth, personal circumstances, or better opportunities, handling the situation effectively—both reactively and proactively—can help minimize disruption and improve retention. In today’s episode, you will learn about: Immediate steps to take when a...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores the five stages of team development , a widely used framework by Tuckman and Jensen that helps teams understand how they evolve over time. Whether you're onboarding new employees, forming a project team, or managing team changes , knowing how to guide your team through these stages will increase productivity, collaboration, and engagement . Key Takeaways...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how to implement structured feedback in your organization —not just through formal performance reviews, but in everyday interactions that shape engagement and productivity . Research consistently shows that employees crave regular, constructive feedback, yet many organizations struggle to create a culture where feedback is both consistent and meaningful . In...

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores what happens when managers avoid people management responsibilities —whether they openly dislike managing people or simply shy away from difficult conversations. Many organizations promote technical experts into management roles without giving them the skills or mindset shift needed to succeed as leaders, leading to disengagement, dysfunction, and conflict wi...