Work Wonders

Send a text Ever wondered if a simple shift in understanding could revolutionize your workplace? Well, wonder no more! Join us on this episode of the Work Wonders podcast, where hosts Angela and Susan unravel the mysteries of leadership and management, transforming your professional playbook. In the Spotlight: Manager vs. Leader Angela and Susan don't just talk the talk; they walk you through...

Send a text Imagine a workplace where everyone feels safe, where the lines of communication are wide open and the structure is crystal clear. It's when psychosocial safety is prioritized. In this discussion, we break down the complexities of psychosocial safety, a fundamental concept in Australian workplace law, pivotal to every business. Unveiling the potential hazards such as high job deman...

Send a text The Secure Jobs Better Pay legislation is the biggest change in employment legislation in Australia in over a decade.  There is a lot involved, but in this episode we break it down to what you need to be prepared for next.   Specifically we explore new limitations being brought in around Fixed Term Contracts from 6 Dec 2023. We discuss: * What a Fixed Term Contract is * What had change...

Send a text Have you heard the talk about going back to the office now? Have you heard stories of how many offices are vacant whilst we've become comfortable working remotely? In this episode we discuss the question - do we need to go back to the office? and..why? We give you practical tips to help negotiate this with your team if you plan to return back to the office full-time or engaging ne...

Send a text In this episode we met James Parnwell, Director of The Online Co and host of the 'Digital Marketing That Puts People First' podcast. We had a great conversation where we discussed: * Using values in your business for more than your website! * Managing a remote workforce * Benefits of a healthy culture for more than just your team * And employing family members. Check them out...

Send a text Do you use a probation period in hiring staff for your business? In this episode we explore the topic of a Probation Period including: What it is Why you would use one How long it is What you do in that time; and How to include it in your offers of employment  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 o...

Send a text In this episode we met Sarah Hunter, Founder of Aurora Transformations . Sarah is also Leader Mentor at the new Upstairs Co-working space and sits on the Board of Rural Aid , AG Institute and has previously been a facilitator for the Australian Government's Entrepreneurs' Programme. We had a great conversation where we discussed: * The employee value proposition (EVP) * Benef...

Send a text In this episode we explore some HR mistakes you could be making...without even knowing it! We discuss 5 things to discuss and we'll tell you how you can avoid it going too far. You don't know what you don't know...so we're here to help discuss these with you so your business isn't at risk of not being compliant.  You can find the show notes for this episode her...

Send a text In this episode we interviewed Sallina Jeffrey, Founder of The Mentoring Movement .  We had a great conversation where we discussed what makes a high performing team, how leaders can engage and retain employees.  Sallina shares the findings of her research and gives some great tips of what you can do in your workplace no matter the size nor industry to achieve a high performing team. ...

Send a text In today's episode we unlock the door and let you inside Aster HR and tell you about 6 tools we use in our professional to help us in our work and also provide high quality and insightful information and advice for our clients.  You may haven't have thought of these before but trust us when we say they can save you time, money and give you valuable insight into your team.  Yo...

Send a text Welcome to Season 4! 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: What if someone resigns while doing higher duties? Is a new employee allowed to take leave during probati...

Send a text Season 4 begins in just 4 weeks! Angela & Susan take a quick look at what we have in store for you. We're back on Monday 11 Sept 2023 - 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 to...

Send a text In this episode, we meet Chris Barton and hear about his commitment to raising awareness about mental health (you may have recently seen his achievement mentioned on the 6-o'clock news!). But Chris has also achieved a lot in his career and as a business owner and we were lucky enough to get the chance to interview him about all of it.  We had a great conversation where we discusse...

Send a text The Secure Jobs Better Pay legislation is the biggest change in employment legislation in Australia in over a decade.  There is a lot involved, but in this episode we break it down to what you need to be prepared for next.   Specifically we explore new entitlements beginning 6 June 2023: * Changes to parental leave * Changes to flexible working arrangements  You can find the show notes...

Send a text In this episode we met Gabrielle Benkovich, Director of Judge Accountants in Penrith, NSW. We had a great conversation where we discussed: * Her journey going from being an employee of the business to part owner of the business * What she's learnt about managing a team * How to maintain a positive workplace culture Check them out on Facebook or LinkedIn Judge Accountants is giving...

Send a text In this episode we talk all about the Respect @ Work legislation that came into law in December 2022.  Our conversation covers: Where this has come from  What it's all about What it means for your business Where you can start 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 yo...

Send a text Have you ever thought about being on a Board? In this episode we met with David Schwartz, CEO of Board Direction . And he talked all about the world of finding and gaining a Board appointment. He shared why he thinks there's value in sitting on a Board for your career (even for small business owners!). As our guests always do, he shared with us his journey of becoming a business o...

Send a text In this episode, we look at the darker side of teamwork...and situations when teamwork isn't working for you. Do any of these sound familiar? ' Decision Desert' - where everyone in the team waits for someone else to decide to move forward. All opinions are welcomed for the effort of being shown to be collaborating, but there's a lot of confusion, and ultimately no d...

Send a text In this episode we met Shelley Cootes, Director of Narrow Escape Rooms in Penrith, NSW. We had a great conversation where we discussed: * Her journey going from having a Full Time job to Business Owner * Recruiting a team of staff * Teamwork (and how an escape room can be a great team building activity !) * And she also shares a few funny stories from the other side of the escape room!...

Send a text In this episode we discuss the new legislation around paid Family & Domestic Violence leave which begins in 2023. We explore: * What it is this new entitlement and what is it used for * What the changes mean for you * What you can do now to prepare * What you can do when you get a request For a more in depth look at this topic, watch a replay of our webinar here . Find out more abo...

Send a text Welcome to Season 3! 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’ve got staff who are saying they should be entitled to time-off-in-lieu. Do I have to give it to them a...

Send a text Season 3 begins in just 2 weeks! Angela & Susan take a quick look at what we have in store for you. We're back on Monday 13 March 2023 - 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 (did you notice our new branding? let us know what you think). We focu...

Send a text There's a change on the horizon for your hosts Angela Gauci and Susan Rochester.  In this little bonus episode we tell you all about it! We appreciate the support you've given us during 2022. You've inspired us to continue bringing you more quality content and interesting guests, which we will do in the new year. Merry Christmas and we will see you in 2023! You can find...

Send a text We're almost there... We appreciate the support you've given us during 2022. You've inspired us to continue bringing you more quality content - and interesting guests - in 2023. With Christmas just around the corner, Angela and Susan discuss all the ins and outs of managing your team during the holiday season in this final episode for the year. Listen in and check you&ap...

Send a text What is a 'Knocker Upper', and where would you get one? How would you know if you had a good one?  Sometimes HR terms like 'essential selection criteria' and 'KPIs' can sound like so much gobbledygook to the uninitiated. You may have a vague idea of what they mean, but probably don't give them much thought in your day-to-day work - unless you're...