January 2012

Issue 1

Dear Friends

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2012!

This month we look at the recent findings of the Fair Work Ombudsman's report into compliance within the retail industry. With 26% of retail employers audited in breach, the findings highlight the confusion surrounding the transition to Modern Awards.

We also look at the emerging trend of gamification, as well as how Australian employers can achieve a balanced workforce.

Yours sincerely,

Ben Thompson
CEO

1 in 4 retail employers in breach - can you afford to get it wrong?

You may have seen media coverage earlier this month concerning a report on the retail industry compliance campaign conducted by the Fair Work Ombudsman and finalised this month.

The compliance audit that targeted 2000 random employers across Australia found that 26% of retail employers are not complying with the terms and conditions of Modern Awards and the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (“The Act”).

The report identified numerous breaches, including the underpayment of over 750 staff members and the subsequent back payment of over $500,000 in wages.

Read more

The Year of Gamification: Motivating Gen Y and more

Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2012. A year where there will undeniably be many rewarding moments, challenges and opportunities.

2011 was a year marked by rapid technological change, a growing consciousness of the aging population and Generation Y’s increasing prevalence in the workforce.

How would you capture the essence of Generation Y in the workforce in three words? Think: Tech-Savvy, Achievement-Orientated and Attention-Craving.

To motivate, retain and engage employees from a generation that grew up with Nintendo and Play Station rather than monopoly and table tennis, employers are having to adopt a new solution. This solution is known as Gamification.

Read more

The Right Workforce

Once the crowds have finally subsided and the madness of the sales and holidays are over, it’s a great time for small and large businesses alike to regroup and look at how the season went.

Profits? Losses? Understaffed? Overstaffed?

Maybe it ran smoothly or, like the majority, there were a few hitches along the way. Regardless of the size or type of business, as an owner or even an employee, these are the things that matter to us.

Read more