Published January 2023

For many of us, the first week (and month!) back after the festive season can be a struggle.

To help you and your team get back into the swing of things, we have put together some of our top tips to get your team back on track to ensure they are ready for the new year ahead!

1) REFLECT ON LAST YEAR

Now is a great time of year to gather your team and reflect on the last 12 months. Take the time to discuss the team’s performance and allow the rest of the team to share their input. Some questions you may want your team to think and discuss about include:

• What went well last year? Focus on what you and your team were able to achieve.
• What didn’t go so well? Were there any projects or deadlines that the team didn’t meet, discuss what happened and why it may have resulted that way.
• What surprised you? Did anything happen throughout the year which you and the team did not expect. This could be either good or bad.
• Is there anything that could be done differently? Look at what needs to be improved and how this can be done.  

2) SET A ROADMAP

Whilst you have the team together, take the time to plan a roadmap of the year ahead, by looking at all the different projects and the timelines you would like to achieve. This is a great opportunity to have an open discussion around any concerns or gaps that may need to be addressed.

Once the roadmap is complete, your team will have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and how they will work together to achieve certain projects and deadlines.

If you will need additional people in your team, be sure to read the next point!

3) PLAN AHEAD WHEN IT COMES TO RECRUITMENT

Recruitment was once a dream job – post an ad on Seek, wait for the applications to roll in, and be spoilt for choice when you began shortlisting. This is no longer the case, in any location, for any role.

If you find yourself recruiting for any reason this year, be prepared to always be on the front foot and to move as quickly as you can through the process. You should also consider engaging an expert. At Edwards HR, our recruitment team will set your team up for success through a recruitment campaign tailored to your needs, helping you find the right people, the first time.

We are not your typical recruitment agency – we are better than that. We can help with any or all steps along the way with our extensive hiring process, and offer future support with onboarding, inductions and education around staff retention and reducing turnover. As heavy industry specialists, we just get it and we would love to help.

If you are looking for your next dynamite employee, let’s talk about a solution that meets your needs!

4) SET YOUR TEAM GOALS

There is no better time to set some goals for you and your team than at the beginning of the year. We suggest setting a few realistic goals (ideally no more than 5) that your team can aim to achieve over the next 12 months.

Remember to keep track of these goals and check-in with your team to see how they are progressing! If you are not sure where to start, try quarterly.

5) REFRESH YOUR TEAM ON YOUR COMPANY POLICIES

When was the last time you sat down with your team and went over your company policies and procedures? If the answer is 12 months or more then the start of the year is a great time to sit down with your team and have a refresher on your company policies.  This will ensure your employees are on track with your company’s expectations and procedures.

We recommend that following this, every employee should be asked to sign a copy of each policy and then a signed copy should be kept on their personnel file. Employers should try and ensure that refreshers on company policies are completed annually with your team.

6) IDENTIFY ANY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

If any employees have expressed an interest in any training, development or mentoring opportunities, discuss these and determine if they are viable this year. You might also consider whether there are any opportunities for group training.

Engaging your employees to take part in training opportunities will not only allow them to further develop their skills, which has benefits for the individual and the company, but often supports them to become more engaged in the workplace.

7) UNDERSTAND THE 22/23 IR REFORMS & NEW EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENTS

There are many changes coming for employers in 2023, not to mention those that are already in effect (eg. pay secrecy). There are more obligations for employers to be across than ever before, and unfortunately there are hefty fines associated with non-compliance.

All employers should familiarize themselves with the changes – you can read our latest updates here, and also find out more on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

If you would like help understanding these changes or how they will work in a practical sense, please reach out to our team.

WHAT’S NEXT?

With the festive season now behind us, it’s time to look forward and start the new year off on the right foot to ensure your business is set up for success for the whole year and well into the future.

If you would like an obligation free discussion about how the Edwards HR team can help to set you up for success, contact our team – 07 3568 0866