In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by Pree Sarkar, founder and director of Switch Recruitment, to explore the real reasons employees leave their jobs—and what employers can do to keep them. With decades of recruitment expertise, Pree shares candid insights into employee dissatisfaction, why compensation is rarely the full story, and how small business owners can create workplaces people want to stay in.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why people really leave – Pree shares the top four reasons employees move on: leadership, role fit, stagnation, and compensation.
• The danger of disengagement – How “moderate dissatisfaction” can quietly damage performance and culture if left unaddressed.
• Simple ways to check in – Use the traffic light method and ask key questions to assess satisfaction levels before it’s too late.
• Keys to small business retention – Pree’s approach includes flexibility, values-based hiring, development, and intentional team culture.
• The cost of replacing people – Why investing in employee experience and regular connection is far more affordable than rehiring.
• What’s happening in the market – A look at current economic conditions and what they mean for retention and recruitment trends in 2024.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn. 

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Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how to hold onto your great people by understanding what really makes employees stay. Drawing on open-text survey responses from multiple businesses, Karen shares ten key themes that employees say contribute to long-term engagement and satisfaction.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• The top 10 reasons employees stay – Based on real employee feedback across multiple businesses.
• Why effective leadership matters most – Encouragement, communication, and valuing mental health make a major difference.
• The role of company culture and values – And why they must be more than words on a wall.
• How to promote learning, growth, and development – Even without a formal training program.
• The importance of flexibility, autonomy, and innovation – And how to support these in practical, people-first ways.
• How to build meaning into daily work – So employees feel they’re making a difference beyond just tasks.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this solo episode, Karen Kirton invites listeners to reflect on a fundamental but often overlooked question: when was the last time you reviewed your company values? She explores how values can guide culture and business decisions—but only if they’re embedded meaningfully, not just words on a wall.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• How to reflect on the purpose of your values – Why your values should be directly tied to the culture you want to create.
• Steps to define or refresh your values – Including practical prompts and tools like Brené Brown’s values lists.
• Why behavioral statements matter – How to bring values to life with examples of what they actually look like in action.
• How to embed values in everyday decisions – From client conversations to team check-ins, using values as a lens for consistency and alignment.
• Tips to regularly revisit your values – Why reflection and discussion across the team is key to making values part of your culture, not just documents.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources. 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this follow-up episode, Karen Kirton continues her conversation with David Larter from Send Jolly about how to emotionally connect with new hires through a thoughtful onboarding experience. Building on the analogy of a flight journey, David shares practical strategies for making onboarding meaningful—from setting realistic expectations to using branded gifts that reinforce a company’s values.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• The power of honesty during onboarding – Why sharing both the positives and challenges of the organisation helps build trust from day one.
• Creating an onboarding map – How to plan the onboarding journey step-by-step to reduce anxiety and improve clarity for new hires.
• The role of welcome gifts – How thoughtful, curated items (like a bonsai grow kit) can emotionally connect new hires to your company’s mission.
• Using technology to streamline onboarding – How tools like monday.com can support consistent, efficient processes that still feel human.
• Making it personal – Why the question “How do we want new hires to feel?” should guide every onboarding decision.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Do you have an emotionally connected onboarding process? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by David Larter from Send Jolly to explore how to build emotional connection through onboarding. While process and systems are important, making new hires feel safe, welcome, and inspired from day one can significantly impact retention, engagement, and productivity. David shares stories and insights from his own onboarding experiences—both good and bad—and outlines what works when it comes to emotionally engaging new starters.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• The emotional state of new hires – Why nervousness, anxiety, and excitement all play a role in onboarding, and how to address each one.
• Creating a sense of security – How providing structure, clarity, and a “map” of the onboarding journey helps ease uncertainty.
• Fostering human connection – Practical ideas like buddy systems, pre-start LinkedIn connections, and team welcomes that build belonging early.
• Communicating purpose from day one – Why sharing your mission and showing new hires how they contribute increases emotional buy-in.
• Pre-boarding strategies – How the interview process and candidate experience shape the emotional connection before day one even arrives.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this insightful episode, Karen tackle's the challenges and opportunities of managing a multigenerational workforce, a reality for modern workplaces where up to five different generations collaborate. From Baby Boomers to Generation Z, each group brings unique expectations and experiences to their roles, influencing workplace dynamics significantly.

In this episode, you'll explore:

• Understanding Generational Differences: Delve into the characteristics that define each generation—from Baby Boomers influenced by post-war recovery to Gen Z shaped by digital innovation—and how these differences impact work styles and expectations.
• Tailored Communication and Leadership: Learn strategies for effective communication and leadership that respect and leverage generational differences. Discover how adapting your management style can enhance team cohesion and productivity.
• Recruitment and Retention Across Ages: Gain insights on customizing recruitment approaches and retention strategies to meet the varied needs and motivations of different age groups, enhancing your company’s appeal across generations.
• Developing a Multigenerational Strategy: Get practical advice on creating a workplace environment that fosters cross-generational mentorship and collaboration, helping to prevent generational silos and promote knowledge sharing.
• Leveraging Technology and Tradition: Understand how to balance technological advancements with traditional work values that resonate with older generations, ensuring a harmonious and progressive workplace.

Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to team leadership, this episode offers valuable perspectives on managing diverse age groups effectively, ensuring all team members feel valued and understood.

Tune in to transform your approach to generational diversity and turn age differences into a competitive advantage for your business. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!
 
 Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources. 

  Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this follow-up episode, Karen Kirton continues her conversation with Maja Paleka, co-founder of Juggle Strategies, on how to make hybrid working more effective. After exploring the struggles of hybrid work in Episode 64, this episode dives into practical solutions that create clarity, consistency, and connection in the workplace.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why mandating office days often fails – And what to do instead if you want real collaboration and engagement.
• The value of team-based decision making – How co-designing hybrid arrangements can lead to greater buy-in and better outcomes.
• How to design meaningful in-office time – Tips for intentionally planning office days that foster connection, learning, and culture—not just back-to-back meetings.
• How to align hybrid work with your culture and values – Why hybrid design should be tied to your business strategy and purpose.
• Real-world examples that work – What Maja’s seen succeed across different teams and organisations—and how to start applying it yourself.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by Maja Paleka, co-founder of Juggle Strategies, to unpack a question many leaders are still grappling with post-pandemic: what is the purpose of the office? Despite the flexibility revolution, businesses are still struggling to land on the “right” hybrid model—and often default to mandating office days without real impact.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why hybrid isn’t working as intended – From inconsistent implementation to unclear expectations, many organisations are missing the mark.
• The myth of serendipity – Why mandating in-office days doesn’t necessarily foster watercooler moments, and how office culture pre-COVID wasn’t as collaborative as we remember.
• What leaders are really trying to achieve – From productivity concerns to cultural connection, we explore the deeper motivations behind return-to-office mandates.
• Why office time must be designed intentionally – Simply being present isn’t enough; true connection and collaboration need planning and purpose.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

Do you have a flexible workplace? We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing the modern workplace, especially in HR functions. As AI becomes more mainstream, businesses must decide how to leverage its potential while staying aware of its limitations and ethical risks.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• What AI really means in the workplace – Including simple definitions, examples of AI already in use, and why “autonomous” systems matter.
• Where AI is showing up in HR – From recruitment and onboarding to learning and development, engagement, remuneration, and performance management.
• AI as a co-pilot – How tools like ChatGPT can support brainstorming, communication, and team discussions without replacing human input.
• Bias, privacy, and data risks – Why AI needs to be used with caution, particularly regarding fairness in recruitment and confidentiality in data entry.
• How to start using AI in your business – Whether through research, partnering with experts, or engaging curious team members, it’s time to explore its potential.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

With significant workplace legislation changes in Australia, businesses must navigate new compliance requirements, employee rights, and cultural shifts. In this episode, Karen Kirton breaks down what these changes mean for businesses and how leaders can go beyond compliance to build a great workplace.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Key legislative updates – Changes to paid family and domestic violence leave, parental leave, flexible work, and positive duty obligations.
• How to prepare your business – Why updating policies, contracts, and training is crucial to staying compliant.
• Cultural considerations – How workplace laws reflect societal shifts and what that means for your company culture.
• How to implement proactive support – Why taking a human-centered approach to leave policies can boost trust and engagement.
• The role of leadership in compliance – How educating managers and employees helps businesses stay ahead of legal risks.

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!

How have the recent legislative changes impacted your workplace? We’d love your feedback on this series; just head on over to Amplify HR or connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/