In this insightful episode, Karen revisits the ever-relevant topic of workplace flexibility, particularly the hybrid work model, as businesses continue to adapt to the changing dynamics of office and remote work into 2025. This episode builds on past discussions and incorporates fresh research to guide companies on how to effectively manage their evolving workplace strategies.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

-> The latest 2024 research on the trends in office use and hybrid work policies, with insights into why businesses are re-evaluating their need for office space.

-> The benefits of hybrid work models in maintaining employee satisfaction and retention, and how these can be balanced with the need for in-office presence.

-> Practical strategies for businesses considering increasing office-based days, including how to enhance office spaces to make them more appealing and conducive to collaboration.

-> Six key considerations for integrating more office days:

1. Gathering and utilizing employee feedback effectively.
2. Defining clear objectives for why office presence is necessary.
3. Revising physical office spaces to better suit current work habits.
4. Crafting flexible policies that accommodate diverse employee needs.
5. Ensuring technology supports hybrid working effectively.
6. Continuously monitoring and adjusting policies based on real-time feedback and results.

-> How to involve employees in the decision-making process to ensure any changes are well-received and effectively implemented.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders looking to navigate the complexities of hybrid work environments while aligning with both business goals and employee needs.

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

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

As the year draws to a close, in this episode Karen delves into effective strategies to tackle the year-end rush and lay a strong foundation for employee retention. Essential listening for business owners and leaders, this episode offers practical advice and strategic insights to ensure you enter the new year with momentum.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• End-of-Year Review Strategies: Learn how to assess your year-end tasks with a focused approach, using tools like the urgent-important matrix to prioritize and delegate effectively.
• Technology Integration: Explore how technology can streamline your year-end processes, potentially using AI and other innovations to tackle repetitive tasks or enhance productivity.
• Employee Retention Focus: With January being a prime time for job changes, discover strategies to enhance employee satisfaction and retention, reducing turnover and its associated costs.
• Practical Tips for Clearing Your Desk: Get actionable advice on organizing your tasks to ensure you can take a well-deserved break without loose ends causing stress over the holiday season.
• Preparing for the New Year: Start strategizing for the upcoming year with a clear, refreshed mindset by understanding the crucial components of strategic planning, compliance updates, and more.

This episode is packed with insights not just to wrap up the year but to approach the new year with a robust plan for your team's engagement and retention. Whether you're winding down or gearing up for a busy season, the guidance offered here will help you manage your workload and your workforce effectively.

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

 Free download:

 2025 Unlocked: A guide to Effective & Impactful Goal Setting - Amplify HR

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen sat down with Ed Greenwood from Eton HR to tackle a phrase we’ve all heard: “culture fit.”

But what does it really mean? 🤔 Too often, it’s used as a vague reason to reject candidates, leaving them feeling dismissed and disrespected. Ed challenges us to define our company culture clearly and avoid hiding behind this term, which can even mask unconscious bias.

This discussion challenges conventional hiring practices and offers new insights into providing meaningful candidate feedback and managing unconscious bias.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

-> The common misuse of 'culture fit' as a feedback term and its impact on candidates, who often invest heavily in the recruitment process emotionally.

-> Strategies for hiring managers to give more constructive and precise feedback to candidates, enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

-> The importance of interview preparation on both sides, emphasizing that hiring managers should be as prepared as the candidates to ensure meaningful and productive interviews.

-> Practical approaches to improve hiring decisions, including the integration of psychometric assessments early in the recruitment process to better align candidate profiles with company culture.

-> Innovative hiring practices, such as offering candidates a 'do-over' opportunity in interviews, fostering a more inclusive and candidate-friendly recruitment experience.

-> Insights on reducing unconscious bias by delaying judgment and enhancing interaction during interviews, ensuring a fair and equitable assessment of all candidates.

This episode provides invaluable insights for HR professionals and hiring managers seeking to refine their recruitment strategies and foster a more inclusive and supportive hiring environment.

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

Free download:

Hire right: Making your business a people magnet - Amplify HR

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this critical episode, Karen dives into the challenges and strategic decisions required for businesses experiencing rapid growth. We explore the concept known as the "Valley of Death" and its implications for scaling businesses, a concept explored by Verne Harnish in his book, "Scaling Up."

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Understanding the Valley of Death: We discuss the stages of business growth where companies often face significant challenges—typically at revenue milestones of $1 million, $10 million, and $50 million. Understanding these stages helps in preparing for the inherent trials that come with scaling.
• Strategic Staffing Adjustments: Insight into the tough decisions regarding team composition that many business owners face as they grow. We tackle how the initial team that helped start the business might not be the same team you need to scale beyond certain revenue thresholds.
• Proactive and Strategic Planning: Strategies for business owners to anticipate the need for role adjustments and possible redundancies, focusing on how to handle these changes proactively to align with long-term business goals.
• Cultivating Leadership and Retaining Talent: Tips on how to develop existing employees into roles that match the evolving needs of the business, which can be more beneficial than bringing in external hires.
• Maintaining Alignment with Core Values: The importance of ensuring that all changes and transitions within the company align with the core values and culture of the organization. This alignment helps in retaining a positive environment and supporting sustainable growth.

This episode is especially valuable for business owners and leaders who are navigating the complexities of scaling their operations. The insights provided aim to equip you with the necessary tools and mindset to manage growth effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure that your team evolves in alignment with your business’s expanding needs.

Subscribe and tune in for a deep dive into managing business growth and workforce transitions effectively.

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 a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen Kirton addresses the significant cultural shift in Australian workplaces with the introduction of the 'right to disconnect'—a new legal right under the Fair Work Act allowing employees to refuse work-related communications outside regular working hours. This episode delves into the implications for business owners and managers, blending compliance requirements with cultural considerations.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

-> The definition of the right to disconnect and its incorporation into Australian law, emphasizing its relevance for businesses with both over and under 15 employees.

-> The importance of understanding when it's reasonable for employees to respond to work-related contacts outside of usual hours, and the factors that influence this, such as the nature of the business or the employee's specific role and compensation.

-> Practical advice for businesses on how to effectively integrate this right into workplace policies without causing disruption or fear among employees.

-> Suggestions for managers on maintaining communication boundaries and respecting employees' personal time, which include not sending late emails or messages unless necessary.

-> Strategies to ensure that workplace culture aligns with the new legal requirements, encouraging a respectful and balanced approach to employee availability and workplace demands.

-> How businesses can use this legislative change as an opportunity to review and possibly redefine work-life balance and employee engagement within their company culture.

This episode is a must-listen for business leaders and managers seeking to understand and implement the right to disconnect in a way that supports both their operational needs and their employees' well-being.

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

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

When it comes to building a strong workplace culture, some things work and some things definitely don’t. Hiring an HR manager is not going to fix your problem, and neither is conducting endless employee surveys. 

In today’s discussion, we reflect on a crucial topic that many leaders encounter: the struggle to foster business growth amid a problematic organisational culture. Drawing from conversations with CEOs, we delve into the common issue where cultural undercurrents, such as blame and resistance to change, hinder progression and innovation.

What you'll discover in this episode:

-> Insights into the detrimental impact of a blame-oriented culture on business growth and how it can stall progress by focusing on external factors rather than internal improvement.

-> The pitfalls of relying solely on frequent employee surveys without implementing meaningful changes, leading to increased dissatisfaction and disengagement.

-> Strategies to effectively address and transform your organization’s culture, starting with defining a clear and compelling company purpose and aligning it with core values.

-> Practical steps for leadership to actively participate in cultural transformation, ensuring that the culture supports the company's strategic goals.

-> The importance of clear communication from leadership about cultural initiatives and employee feedback to foster a sense of involvement and commitment across the organization.

Join us as we explore how to break the cycle of negativity and steer your company towards a culture that truly supports and accelerates growth.

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

Also Mentioned in This Episode:
How to change workplace culture
6 Tips for Hiring Your First HR Person

Episode 44
Episode 47

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

n today’s dynamic economic environment, where living costs are soaring, employees seek more than just a salary from their jobs. This episode focuses on the critical role of personal and professional growth in employee retention and engagement. We delve into how fostering a culture of development can significantly impact your team's loyalty and satisfaction.

What you'll discover in this episode:

-> The importance of career progression and development opportunities in retaining and attracting talent, as highlighted by recent Australian research.

-> Strategies to offer flexible working arrangements that align with modern work-life balance expectations, including insights into the new 'right to disconnect' regulations.

-> Practical approaches to creating a culture that supports professional growth, from innovative reward systems to comprehensive mental health support.

-> Tips on developing a work environment that not only meets but anticipates the needs of your employees, ensuring they feel valued and invested in.

Join us as we explore how to integrate these strategies into your business practices to keep your best employees engaged and motivated.

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

 Free download: Hire right: Making your business a people magnet - Amplify HR

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

Today, Karen explores the pivotal role of a strong, adaptable culture in supporting sustainable business growth. As businesses aim to scale, the foundation of shared values, beliefs, and practices becomes essential. These elements should foster innovation, agility, and resilience, aligning closely with the organization’s growth objectives.

What you'll discover in this episode:

-> The significance of culture in the scalability of a business, emphasizing the need for a culture that encourages risk-taking and innovation.

-> Key elements of a growth-supportive culture including strong leadership, continuous innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.

-> Practical steps for building and reinforcing a culture that can sustain rapid growth, such as strategic recruitment, focused training and development, and effective feedback mechanisms.

-> Insights from leading studies and reports that highlight the importance of cultural alignment in enhancing a company's capacity to innovate and expand.

Join us as we delve into how you can integrate these cultural strategies into your business framework to support and sustain growth.

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 a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen Kirton explores how to lead your business—and more importantly, your people—through successful digital transformation. While tech tools may streamline operations and boost efficiency, it's your team who brings those systems to life. So how do you ensure they're ready, capable, and confident to embrace the changes?

Karen breaks down what digital transformation really means, why it’s not just an IT project, and how to build the culture and leadership needed to make it stick.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• What digital transformation really is – It’s not just new software. It’s a rethinking of how your business operates and delivers value.
• The true driver of transformation: your people – Technology only works if people are equipped and motivated to use it. It’s a people and culture journey as much as a tech one.
• Common challenges during transformation – From resistance to change and upskilling gaps to generational differences and environmental concerns, Karen outlines what to look out for.
• The role of leadership – Why digital-savvy leaders who communicate clearly and consistently play a critical role in success.
• Why learning is key – Encouraging continuous learning and embracing experimentation helps reduce fear and builds capability.
• The power of communication and collaboration – From roadmaps to intranet resources, Karen explains why teams need both the why and the how—and how to foster information-sharing across the business.

Karen’s practical tips for preparing your team:

1. Develop a clear strategy and roadmap – So everyone knows where you’re going and how you’ll measure success.
2. Foster collaboration – Break down silos and share knowledge across departments using daily huddles, async tools, or shared platforms.
3. Empower people with digital tools – Ensure employees can access information and take ownership of the change journey.
4. Monitor, review, adapt – Digital transformation never truly ends. Gather feedback and adjust your plan as you go.

Karen's takeaway:
Digital transformation is as much about mindset and behaviour as it is about software. If your team isn’t brought along for the journey, even the best tools won’t help. Clear communication, strong leadership, and a culture of learning are the real keys to success.

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

Visit Amplify HR for more insights and resources. 

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep

In this episode, Karen Kirton answers a question many leaders face: What do you do when a team member just doesn’t seem like themselves anymore? They might be disengaged, irritable, or withdrawn—and as a manager, it’s not always clear whether to raise it, how to approach it, or what to do if they shut you down.

Karen explores how to recognise behavioural changes, initiate the right kind of conversations, and manage this situation with empathy, clarity, and responsibility.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• Why it’s important not to ignore changes in behaviour – Using the iceberg metaphor, Karen explains how most of what’s going on for people is beneath the surface and why it’s worth checking in even when someone says they’re “fine.”
• How to start the conversation – Learn Karen’s go-to language for raising concern in a safe and supportive way, without making it a performance issue.
• What to do when they say “I’m fine” but the behaviour continues – Why revisiting the issue a few weeks later might be the moment they’re ready to talk.
• Understanding emotional bandwidth at work – How employees often suppress personal stress at work, and why your concern may either trigger tears or defensiveness—and how to handle both with care.
• Your responsibility as a manager – When ongoing issues could indicate more serious problems like bullying or harassment, and why addressing it isn’t just helpful—it’s a duty of care.
• The power of curiosity and positive intent – Karen shares how a mindset of genuine care and openness can lead to trust and better workplace communication.

Karen's takeaway:
There’s no downside to checking in. You might uncover a small fixable issue—or support someone through something bigger. Just don’t keep asking the same question over and over if they shut it down. Come back once, with empathy and clarity, and create space for the conversation to open up.

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

Send us a text

Get our free eBook packed with practical strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Perfect for business owners and leaders focused on building a thriving team. Download it at amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep