AI Can Draft, But It Can’t Decide: Why Human Insight Still Matters in HR
AI is transforming HR — but without human oversight, it can create costly compliance mistakes. From misclassified roles to invalid contracts, the risks are real. Discover how AI can support HR efficiency while still needing expert judgment to ensure accuracy, fairness, and legal compliance in Australian workplaces.
Federal Court decision in FWO v Woolworths & Coles: What employers need to know about annualised salaries and set-off arrangements
The Federal Court has delivered a landmark ruling in FWO v Coles & Woolworths, reshaping how employers can rely on annualised salaries and set-off clauses. The decision raises the compliance bar, confirms pay-period obligations, and highlights risks of underpayment. Employers should act now to review contracts, strengthen record-keeping, and upgrade payroll systems.
The First Day Effect: How Onboarding Shapes Everything That Follows
Hiring is only half the battle. Without structured onboarding, businesses risk compliance breaches, wasted leadership time, and disengaged employees. At EWS, we see too many new hires left to “sink or swim.” Onboarding done right protects your business, embeds culture, and accelerates productivity. Here’s how to strengthen compliance, culture, leadership, and efficiency — and turn onboarding into a real strategic advantage.
The Hidden Risks of “We’ll Fix HR Later”
When small businesses delay HR, it’s not just inefficient — it’s risky. In this article, we explore how legal changes, shifting employee expectations, and weak foundations can put your business at risk — and how Aussie Helpers built clarity and confidence without the corporate overkill. HR isn’t admin — it’s infrastructure.
Leadership Gaps Are Costing You More Than You Think
You’ve ticked the compliance boxes—but people are still leaving, underperforming, or burning out. This article unpacks the hidden costs of under-skilled leaders and why capability, not just compliance, is your greatest risk.
Major Changes Proposed to Junior Pay Rates in Retail, Fast Food, and Pharmacy Awards
Learn about the proposed removal of junior pay rates for workers aged 18 and over in key awards. See what this means for retail, fast food, and pharmacy employers ahead of the October 2025 hearings.
Payroll Mistakes Happen in 99% of Businesses — Here’s Why You Need to Check Yours Before 2025
Payroll mistakes happen in 99% of businesses — often without anyone realising. With wage theft laws changing in 2025, even minor errors could carry major penalties. Here’s what to check now to stay compliant.
Compliance or Chaos? Your Essential HR Guide for 2025
2025 isn’t the year to “wait and see” when it comes to compliance. With criminal penalties for wage mistakes, new rules around mental health, and mandatory harassment prevention, the stakes have never been higher for Aussie workplaces. Whether you’re running payroll or shaping culture, your next move could protect—or expose—your business.
New wage laws are here – Make sure you are ready
The introduction will set the stage by explaining the increasing compliance requirements for small businesses under the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code and the criminalisation of wage...
Big Changes to Casual Employment: What Your Business Needs to Know
Big Changes to Casual Employment: What Your Business Needs to Know Changes to casual employment laws are on the horizon, and it is important for employers to understand what this means for their...
New Year, New You – Workplace Addition
Recharging Your Team: 10 Strategies to Overcome the Post-Holiday Slump The festive season has come and gone, and for many businesses, January brings its own unique challenge: the post-holiday slump....
Public Holiday Shifts: Consult Before You Commit
A Reminder to Employers to Consult with Employees About Working on Public Holidays. Are you aware that Employers are now required to consult with employees about working on public holidays, even if...
High Court Upholds Public Holiday Decision
BHP appeal to High Court unsuccessful. Earlier this year we reported on the outcome of a Federal Court case where it was held that a BHP labour supplier had breached the NES obligations under s114...
Could Your Organisation Be Underpaying Staff?
Staff underpayment, often referred to as “wage theft”, has become a highly publicised issue. Could Your Organisation Be Underpaying Staff? Staff underpayment, often referred to as “wage theft”, has...
Unfair Dismissal Exposed: FWC Highlights Procedural Failures and Investigation Flaws
A lesson in the importance of balancing misconduct with procedural fairness during dismissals. In a recent case in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) involving workplace sexual harassment allegations,...