Work Wonders

Send a text In our final episode of our "engagement and retention" series, we also take a look at HR technology and how the right HR tech can enhance employee engagement and retention, or in some cases, hinder these efforts. Technology is rapidly transforming the way we manage people, from performance reviews to employee feedback. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the...

Send a text It’s interview time again! In this episode, we spoke with Divinia Eather from Eather Group and it was a great discussion. Eather Group is a family business that has been innovating cost-effective, sustainable solutions to traditional construction issues for 14 years in Western Sydney.   Divinia tells us about how their small business has grown from 2 trucks and just the business owner...

Send a text Continuing this season's theme of engagement and retention, in today's episode we explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and how it's essential for building an engaged, inclusive environment that not only makes employees feel valued but also improves retention. DEI isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a culture where everyone can thrive. Research shows...

Send a text In this episode we explore the link between offering career growth and development opportunities to your employees and long-term retention. Employees today expect more than just a paycheck—they’re looking for growth opportunities, new challenges, and the chance to advance in their careers. In fact, studies show that lack of career development is one of the top reasons people leave thei...

Send a text In this episode, we discuss employee wellbeing and how it’s linked to mental health and employee loyalty.  We explore the types of wellbeing initiatives companies are adopting, and how these efforts are directly influencing employee loyalty. In today’s competitive job market, loyalty is a two-way street, and investing in well-being can make all the difference in retaining your top tale...

Send a text In this episode we discuss a topic that’s more relevant than ever—how hybrid and remote work models are reshaping engagement and retention strategies. With more companies embracing flexible work models, it’s crucial to understand how these changes are impacting employee engagement and how we can retain top talent in a virtual or hybrid world. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption o...

Send a text In today's episode we’re exploring a crucial aspect of workplace culture—building a culture of recognition.  Recognition is more than just a pat on the back—it’s a key driver of employee satisfaction and engagement. Whether you’re a leader, an HR professional, or someone passionate about creating a positive workplace, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand the...

Send a text It’s interview time again! In this episode, we spoke with Dr Belinda Chapman, Co-Founder and CEO of Quantal Bioscience and it was a great discussion. Quantal Bioscience is a private research laboratory focussed on doing good big things with tiny microbes, across the food, agriculture and education sectors. Belinda herself has more than 25 years’ experience as a research microbiologist,...

Send a text In this episode we explore how leadership influences employee retention. We discuss why retaining talent is so important, the role leaders play, and how different leadership styles can either keep your employees happy or push them away. We'll be breaking this down into three main sections:  why retention matters how leadership affects retention, and how each leadership style is di...

Send a text Welcome back to the Work Wonders Podcast!  We are trying something new...in this season we will focus on engagement and retention and go into this topic in depth. In today's episode, we're exploring a topic that's crucial for every organisation—employee engagement. We’ll unpack what it is, why it’s so important, and how you can foster it in your workplace. We breaking th...

Send a text Season 6 begins in just 3 weeks! Angela & Susan take a quick look at what we have in store for you. We're back after the Public Holiday on Monday 14 October 2024 - with more special guests and hot topics, including your questions. You won't want to miss it! You can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on ou...

Send a text In our final episode of the season, we again explore some HR mistakes you could be making...without even knowing it!    We discuss 5 recruitment themed things and we'll tell you how you can avoid it going too far. Overlooking internal talent Not asking the right interview questions  Not being aware of bias (both ways) Not planning the onboarding process Not being specific about ex...

Send a text It’s interview time again! In this episode, we spoke with Martin Wren, CEO of Nova Employment and it was a great discussion. You will not be able to walk away from this episode without feeling inspired! Nova Employment is a Sydney based disability employment service. They've supported the vocational aspirations of young people with disability for well over 30 years.  Martin opens...

Send a text In this episode, we delve into the complex world of unfair dismissal, a critical issue that we hear many business owners and managers think about, even worry about.  We explains what constitutes unfair dismissal, the legal framework surrounding it, and the rights of both employees and employers. Importantly we tell you just what we do with our clients to avoid unfair dismissal claims. ...

Send a text Have you ever faced the daunting task of navigating a business's restructuring or pondered the right way to handle potential redundancies?  In this episode, we dig into the complexities of reshaping a company. We're not just talking about the why, but the how—offering strategic insights on realigning roles and departments. From retraining to transferring staff, we dissect the...

Send a text In this episode we spoke with Lisa LaMaitre.  She has developed, owned, and operated four businesses in four different industries, in the Canberra region, over the last 31 years.  Listen in as Lisa shares with us her journey and what she's learnt over that time in people management. Lisa is a Business Connect Business Advisor with Enterprise Plus . To access FREE support in your b...

Send a text Something a little different this episode! There could be many reasons you engage an external consultant for your business - think of an Accountant, a Lawyer, Business Coach, Web Developer, SEO expert or even a HR Consultant like us at Aster HR . There is a definate business strategy behind paying someone external to your business, as opposed to hiring an employee with this specialist...

Send a text In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of trust in the workplace. We explore what trust is, why it's essential, how to create and rebuild it when needed. Trust is the belief that colleagues will act with integrity and competence, doing what they say they will do. Creating a high-trust environment involves collaboration, effective communication, and psychological safety w...

Send a text In this episode we spoke with Sheila Cabacungan , founder of The Wealth Forum and Co-Founder of Mentor to Mentor Connect & Learn. We plan a lot of things in business, we plan our finances, our goals, even our holidays…but as a business owner, have you set a plan for the end of your business or the end point for yourself in your business? This was such a great conversation that gave...

Send a text In this episode we discuss and compare the differences (and similarities) between paid employees and volunteers.    We discover there is a lot the same, especially in the areas like: Recruitment & Iinduction  Accountability/performance  Work Health & Safety (including psychosocial safety)    By treating volunteers with the same level of professionalism and support as employees,...

Send a text In this episode we met Bill Carson , founder of Inspire Learning . We had a great conversation where we discussed: * The difference between empathy & sympathy * Is the term ‘mental health’ good or bad? * Practical ways to be empathetic as a manager * And the new legislation around psychological safety You can follow Inspire Learning on: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Bill is giving Work...

Send a text The Closing Loopholes Bill is another change in employment legislation in Australia.  In this episode, we discuss what you need to know. * What has changed * What exceptions apply * What this means for your business You can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn . Brought to you by Aster HR ,...

Send a text Welcome to Season 5! We started this podcast to answer your questions about managing people. And since we've begun, we have received some interesting questions. We're using the very first episode of our new season to give you some answers. Here's what you have asked: I know what hourly rate to pay my employee, but what else should I be paying them (if anything)? Can I pa...

Send a text Season 5 begins in just 2 weeks! Angela & Susan take a quick look at what we have in store for you. We're back on Monday 11 March 2024 - with more special guests and hot topics, including your questions. You won't want to miss it! About this podcast The Work Wonder podcast is brought to you by Aster HR . We focus on keeping it simple so we can give you practical answers t...

Send a text As the year is almost at an end and a new one about to begin...do you take this time to review what you have achieved in your business this year? And make plans for next year? In this episode of the podcast, we did just that. We reflect on what we have achieved and also talk about the trends coming in to 2024. Merry Christmas from Angela and Susan at the Work Wonders podcast. We will b...