HR to Go

Karen is joined by Greg Arnold to unpack the HR myths that still catch employers out. From timesheets and warnings to probation, resignations, serious misconduct and award coverage, this episode explores why “common knowledge” can be costly, and why context, evidence, process and documentation matter.

Employee benefits can be a powerful way to attract and retain talent but they often come with costs employers don’t fully consider upfront. In this episode of HR2Go, Karen is joined by Matt Hardy (MRTG Taxes) to unpack the real cost of employee benefits, with a focus on Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and the governance required to manage it effectively. From company vehicles and hybrid work arrangements to gift cards and ad hoc perks, this conversation highlights where businesses can unintentionally create tax exposure, compliance risk and unnecessary cost. In this episode, we cover: What FBT is and why it’s often misunderstood How everyday benefits can trigger tax exposure Why policy, record keeping and consistency matter Practical ways to structure benefits to suit your business The importance of understanding the full cost upfront

Drug and alcohol testing is designed to reduce workplace risk — but is it enough? In this episode of HR2Go, Karen Arnold speaks with Associate Professor David Allen from Drug & Alcohol Solutions Australia about alcohol, drugs and impairment in Australian workplaces. They discuss: • Workplace drug testing and WHS obligations• The rise of medicinal cannabis prescriptions• Impairment vs trace detection• Policy clarity and the Sydney Trains case• Practical steps when an employee tests positive This conversation explores how employers can balance safety, fairness and wellbeing — while managing increasing regulatory and psychosocial risk. A must-listen for HR leaders, business owners and executives navigating workplace drug and alcohol policy in Australia. For tailored HR and employment advice, visit ewsolutions.com.au.

In this special end-of-year roundtable, the EWS team sits down for a rapid-fire look back at the HR moments, surprises and challenges that defined 2025 — and what employers should be ready for in 2026. Karen is joined by Greg Arnold, Peter Norrie and Jane Van Gulick for a candid, insightful wrap-up of the year, including: The HR issues that just wouldn’t quit in 2025 The “oh no, not again” moments that kept landing on our desks Why reasonable management action remains one of the most misunderstood areas of workplace law The trends and legislative changes that made life easier… and the many that didn’t The most creative excuses employees tried this year (including a meth-contaminated Panadol story you won’t forget) The behaviours we’d ban from workplaces in 2026 The biggest misconceptions businesses still have about bullying, harassment and psychosocial safety 2025’s HR buzzwords — and whether we should keep or kill them We finish with the team’s predictions for 2026 and where businesses should be focusing their energy come January. If you want a real-world snapshot of Australian HR challenges — straight from the desks of practising consultants and employment law experts — this is the episode to queue up.

Episode 23 – Psychosocial Hazards: The Hidden Risks Inside Every Workplace Not all workplace hazards wear high-vis. Some sit quietly in job descriptions, Zoom calls, and Monday morning meetings — until they start to cause real harm. In this episode of HR2GO, Karen Arnold is joined by Michelle from My Virtual Safety Manager to unpack the growing focus on psychosocial hazards in Australian workplaces. Together, they explore what these risks actually look like, why they matter, and how business owners can manage them without the jargon or overwhelm. You’ll learn: What counts as a psychosocial hazard (and how to spot early warning signs) Why mental health is now a compliance issue, not just a wellbeing one How to approach risk assessments and employee consultation with confidence The real-world business impacts of ignoring cultural and mental health risks Tune in for practical, plain-English insights to help you build safer, more respectful workplaces — and protect both your people and your business.

What’s the real difference between management and leadership—and why does it matter for your business? In this episode of HR2Go, Karen Arnold unpacks the myths, the habits, and the practical takeaways that separate task-focused management from people-focused leadership. You’ll hear why trust in managers is at an all-time low, the five leadership habits every workplace needs, and how simple shifts—like accountability, consistency, and regular check-ins—can transform culture and performance. Whether you’re a small business owner, HR professional, or team leader, this episode will help you balance structure with influence, and management with leadership, so your people and your business can thrive. 👉 Learn more about how EWS can support your business at ewsolutions.com.au.

Poor onboarding costs businesses time, money, and compliance headaches. Karen Arnold and Sarah Stone reveal why employee onboarding matters more than you think — and share practical steps to set new hires and leaders up for success.

When you’re a small team doing big things, HR can feel like the last thing on the list. In this episode of HR2Go, Karen chats with Tash from Aussie Helpers, a grassroots charity supporting farmers across Australia. Like many purpose-driven organisations, Aussie Helpers was growing fast — but their people processes hadn’t kept up. Tash shares how the fear of “corporate HR” gave way to something much more valuable:✅ Less stress✅ Faster onboarding✅ Clearer staff conversations✅ Real peace of mind “We didn’t know what we didn’t know.”“It’s not red tape — it’s relief.”“I wish we’d done it 12 months ago.” Listen in for a candid, down-to-earth conversation about how strong HR systems don’t have to be rigid — they can actually free your team up to focus on what really matters. 🎧 Episode Host: Karen Arnold🌐 Learn more about Aussie Helpers: www.aussiehelpers.org.au🛟 Get HR support tailored to your business: www.ewsolutions.com.au

What’s driving your staff turnover — and what can you do about it? In this episode of HR2Go, Karen Arnold sits down with Stephen Woods, Director of Employee Wellness Australia, to unpack the big themes from the Beyond Compliance event. From leadership blind spots to workplace wellbeing, they explore why ticking the compliance boxes isn’t enough — and how culture, communication, and capability are the real keys to employee retention. You’ll learn: Why strong leadership is your best risk strategy How poor culture silently drives turnover and burnout The real cost of losing great employees — and how to prevent it Practical tools like stay interviews and leadership programs that work Whether you're an HR leader, business owner, or people manager, this conversation will help you shift from reactive to high-performing — with a workplace culture that actually retains top talent. 🔗 Learn more about Employee Wellness Australia: employeewellnessaustralia.com.au📞 Need support with HR or employment law? Visit ewsolutions.com.au

Worried about payroll compliance? You should be. In this episode of HR2Go, host Karen Arnold is joined by Senior Consultant Peter Norrie to unpack how even minor payroll mistakes can lead to massive financial penalties — and even criminal charges — under Australia’s updated wage theft laws from January 2025. We explore: What a payroll audit really involves Why 99% of audits uncover compliance issues Common award misinterpretations and payroll system errors Real-life cases of wage underpayment and the impact on business reputation Why overpayments can be just as risky as underpayments Practical steps to protect your business from legal risk Whether you're an SME owner, payroll manager or HR professional, this episode is a must-listen for staying compliant, building trust with staff, and avoiding the devastating fallout of getting it wrong. 🎧 Ready for a payroll health check? Visit ewsolutions.com.au to book a consultation. #PayrollAudit #WageTheft #FairWork #HRCompliance #SmallBusinessAustralia #HR2GoPodcast

Compliance or Chaos?  Keeping Your Workplace in Check in 2025.

Happy New Year... Or is it? In our latest HR to Go podcast episode, Holiday Hangover: Revitalise Your Team for the New Year, we discuss how to re-energise your employees after the festive break and keep morale high. Discover practical strategies to help your team re-engage, refocus, and start the year on a positive note. Crucial start-of-year listening for all business owners and managers.

Karen Arnold from Effective Workplace Solutions chats about workplace Christmas parties. Listen to find out everything you need to navigate from a human resources point of view. Download the free EWS Christmas Party Checklist from our site: https://www.ewsolutions.com.au/product-page/ews-christmas-party-checklist

Karen Arnold shares the small details in workplace policies that can significantly affect your organisation’s culture, efficiency, and ability to manage your employees.

The wellbeing of your employees can make or break your business. We share our top tips for enhancing and maintaining workplace wellbeing, from affordable and easy tactics to simple strategies.

Remember the podcast episode where we discussed the new ‘Closing the loophole’ legislation (episode nine)? We’ve just recorded a sequel to highlight the new changes that are effective from August 2024. Listen now to find out how your business may be impacted.

In this episode of HR to Go, Effective Workplace Solutions Founder Greg Arnold dives deep into the evolving landscape of casual employment, focusing on the new laws set to take effect in August 2024. Our discussion covers: casual entitlements under Awards and legislation the definition of casual employment and the new definition of casual employment under the Closing Loopholes Bill casual conversion and how this will operate under the new laws the new laws around the Casuals Information Statement, and dismissal of casual employees Plus, we offer practical tips to help you prepare for these significant legislative changes. Don’t miss this essential episode to stay ahead in HR compliance and best practices.

Discover the key strategies for navigating redundancies with confidence in this exclusive podcast episode hosted by Effective Workplace Solutions. As a leading HR and employment law expert consultant in Australia, we understand the complexities of managing workforce changes. Listen now to gain valuable insights into the legal aspects, best practices, and effective communication strategies during the redundancy process. Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, or manager, this podcast episode is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate redundancies smoothly while prioritising the wellbeing of your team.

In December 2023, the Government passed a raft of changes to industrial relations and employment law in Australia. Some of these changes are significant and will impact some industry sectors more than others. Effective Workplace Solutions Founder and Senior Consultant Greg Arnold reveals what the changes are and how they may impact your business.

In this episode of HR to Go, Karen Arnold and Peter Norrie dispel the most common HR myths in Australia.

Some would argue it’s okay for employers to use technology to monitor the productivity levels of their employees, but where is the line drawn in relation to privacy? Karen Arnold explains what is and isn’t okay with employee spying, and what steps you need to have in place legally.

At some point, all businesses need to engage a consultant—whether it’s for strategic business planning, engineering, HR, financial or marketing. Before searching for the right consultant for your needs, it’s important to know what questions you should ask. Discover how to sift through the ‘sales’ pitches to find the real experts in our latest podcast episode of HR to Go.

Peter Norrie and Karen Arnold discuss how a regular payroll review can save businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars and even avoid jail sentences for wage theft.

EWS Managing Director Karen Arnold shares her top tips for successfully managing remote workers.

Effective Workplace Solutions Director Greg Arnold highlights the most commonly asked questions he receives from clients in relation to employment law and HR matters, and provides insightful responses.

In this podcast episode of HR to Go, we ask the managing director of EWS to share her advice about steps for managing employees' performance.

To read the full transcript, head to https://ewsolutions.com.au/episode-1-employee-retention-strategies/