Akyra Strategy & Development

In August 2024, new legislation came into effect giving Australian employees the ‘Right to Disconnect’ 📵 In essence, this means that if you contact an employee outside their regular working hours, they may not be required to respond. But how do you know when it's appropriate to contact your workers? And when you can expect them to respond? 🤔 To make sure you understand what the Right to Disconnect means for your business, check out our handy explainer video which unpacks some of the key issues 🧡 Watch here 👉 https://loom.ly/pZ4MxHk #HumanResources #HR #Akyra #PeopleManagement #EmployeeEngagement #AkyraSolutions #FamilyBusiness #RightToDisconnect

Last week, The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Department of Home Affairs compliance officers inspected around 40 businesses in the food sector who engage migrant workers in Brisbane. During these surprise inspections, Fair Work inspectors checked the time and wage records to ensure that all workers are being paid correctly. Inspectors also took a close look at pay slips and other important records. While the focus of these inspections was on employers of sponsored visa holders under the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa program, these types of surprise inspections highlight the importance for all business owners and employers to ensure they are strictly compliant with their wage and record-keeping obligations. Find out more 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gbzgQ7zn Akyra can assist your business with all of your wage compliance requirements. Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation 👉 https://loom.ly/3kAKlqM #HumanResources #HR #Akyra #PeopleManagement #EmployeeEngagement #AkyraSolutions #FamilyBusiness

Akyra acknowledges that October is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting the importance of mental well-being 🧡 This year, the focus is on improving access to mental health resources, a topic that has become increasingly relevant in our fast-paced, often stressful world. In this week's Akyra blog, we look at what barriers there might be to managing mental health and what resources are available for you as a business owner and also for your workforce. Read more 👉 https://loom.ly/u6SpYJA #HumanResources #HR #Akyra #PeopleManagement #EmployeeEngagement #AkyraSolutions #FamilyBusiness

Did you know that the Queensland Government recently passed the Respect at Work Bill, leading to major anti-discrimination reforms? 🤔 These reforms will see: ❇️ expansions and new inclusions to protected attributes under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 ❇️ new duties for employers to proactively prevent workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and other harmful conduct ❇️ the Queensland Human Rights Commission empowered to investigate workplace compliance These changes come into effect from 1 July 2025 📆 If you are unsure of how these reforms may affect your business, Akyra can provide the support and advice needed to ensure compliance. Contact us today for an obligation-free discussion 🔗 https://loom.ly/3kAKlqM #HumanResources #HR #Akyra #PeopleManagement #EmployeeEngagement #AkyraSolutions #FamilyBusiness

Workplace bullying is a major issue across Australia, with a recent report finding that 67% of workplace investigations dealt with complaints related to bullying 😬 This issue can have a major impact on the psychosocial safety of employees, as well as contributing to a hostile working environment and reputational damage for a business. This means mitigating workplace bullying should be a priority for all employers! In this week's Akyra blog, we unpack what constitutes workplace bullying, the impacts it can have on employees and business, and clear strategies to mitigate the risks. Find out more 👉 https://loom.ly/Wekic7I #HumanResources #HR #Akyra #PeopleManagement #EmployeeEngagement #AkyraSolutions #FamilyBusiness

Last week, Akyra's Founder and Managing Director, Margaret Goody,GradDipMgmt, FAICD, CAHRI, held a complimentary workshop at Brisbane Business Hub. Titled 'Unlocking Success…the intersection of compliance and best practice for best fit' Margaret's presentation explored key employment law and industrial relations legislation together with employee engagement as tools to foster an environment where trust, transparency and mutual respect are solid foundations to recruit and retain a productive and engaged workforce 🧡 During the workshop, Margaret unpacked: ✔️ Recent legislation and reforms, including changes to casual employment, the Right to Disconnect and sham contracting reform ✔️ The risks of non-compliance and how to manage these ✔️ The key elements of employer branding ✔️ And actionable tips on how to become an employer of choice Thank you to our engaged and enthusiastic workshop participants, and to Brisbane Business Hub, which was a wonderful venue. Akyra's experienced team of HR professionals can support your business with all of your HR needs. Contact us today to book an obligation-free consultation 👉 https://loom.ly/3kAKlqM #HumanResources #HR #Akyra #PeopleManagement #EmployeeEngagement #AkyraSolutions

Earlier this month, our Director Margaret Goody,GradDipMgmt, FAICD, CAHRI participated as a member of the Mental Health in the Workplace panel hosted by the Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce event, alongside Martin McGlone (Business Wellness Coach) and Mandy Alborn (Educational Mentor & Children's Rights Ambassador). The discussion, facilitated by Tanya Fisher (Clinical Counsellor), focused on a crucial topic: "Mental Health and Wellbeing... business and people," aligning with October's Mental Health Month. 💬 Here’s a quick recap of Margaret's key insights from the session: 1️⃣ Supporting mental health in small businesses: Margaret highlighted the importance of tools like the People at Work survey, which helps businesses identify psychosocial risks that can affect employee mental health. While businesses can't control external factors, they can foster a supportive work environment. 2️⃣ Managing mental health as a business owner: Business owners must carve out time for activities that help them reset, whether it's a walk on the beach or a moment of mindfulness. When owners are too stressed, decision-making can suffer, impacting the business. 3️⃣ Cost-effective resources: Margaret pointed to fantastic tools from the Black Dog Institute and Beyond Blue that small businesses can access to support mental health for their workforce without breaking the budget. Her final takeaway? Keep things simple and make time to reset regularly. By celebrating wins and managing risks, business owners can create healthier workplaces for everyone. #HumanResources #HR #Akyra #PeopleManagement #EmployeeEngagement #AkyraSolutions #EmployeeEngagement #MentalHealthMonth

In today’s fast-paced work environment, the well-being of employees is more crucial than ever, and is a vital component of any thriving business. For employers, implementing effective wellness programs and financial counselling can go a long way in supporting the wellbeing of your employees 🧡 In this week’s Akyra blog, we explore why employee wellness matters and how it can positively impact your business. Read more 👉 https://loom.ly/IeQZ7mU #HumanResources #HR #Akyra #PeopleManagement #EmployeeEngagement #AkyraSolutions #FamilyBusiness

This October marks National Safe Work Month - a time to commit to building safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians 🧡 As we recognise this important issue, it is critical for employers to remember one aspect of safe working environments which may sometimes be overlooked - psychosocial hazards. As Safe Work Australia explains, "a psychosocial hazard is anything that could cause psychological harm (e.g. harm someone’s mental health)." Psychosocial hazards may include bullying, sexual harassment, workplace conflict and a range of other issues. If you are unsure of how to address or minimise the risk of psychosocial hazards in your workplace, the team at Akyra is here to assist. Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation 👉 https://loom.ly/3kAKlqM You can also find out more about National Safe Work Month here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gPjyXqv #Akyra #HRSupport #PeopleManagement #NationalSafeWorkMonth #SafeWork #PsychosocialHazards

Applications for the Business Basics Grant Program are now open! The Business Basics Grant amount has been raised from $5,000 to $7,500 and is focused on business enhancement for small businesses with less than 5 employees, and a maximum turnover of $300,000. You can apply for $7,500 (excluding GST) in funding. This funding can apply areas such as professional business advice, strategic marketing services and website build/upgrade. If successful, funding is paid upfront on approval. Successful applicants don't have to co-contribute to this grant but must pay for any related expenses in excess. Akyra can provide professional business advice around what you might need to increase core skills and adopt best practice in the areas of employee relations, human resource management and/or industrial relations. If you’re interested in submitting an application for this program, contact Akyra to discuss how we can support you in creating a project proposal. Submissions close Friday 11 October 📆 Find out more and submit your registration of interest today 👉 https://loom.ly/9c6LKFA #SmallBusiness #BusinessBasics #Funding