Find Grow Keep

In this episode, we provide alternatives to a high performance culture and how being innovative, customer-centric or purpose driven may instead be what inspires high performance in your organisation.

Thanks to Warren Carney for agreeing to have his business case studied in this episode!

We’d love your feedback on this series, just head on over to amplifyhr.com.au or connect with Karen on LinkedIn!

Welcome to Episode 99: Navigating 2025 – Trends and Strategies for Employee Engagement!

In this episode, our host Karen Kirton explores the vital trends shaping employee engagement for the coming year and offers a step-by-step guide to enhancing your workplace environment. This episode is crucial for any business leader seeking to improve profitability and create a thriving culture through effective people management.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

-> The ongoing evolution of hybrid work and how to tailor it to benefit your business, ensuring productivity and employee satisfaction.

-> The increased importance of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, driven by recent societal changes and legislative updates, along with practical steps to address these needs.

-> The rising expectation for continuous learning and career development, particularly valued by younger workforce generations, and how you can integrate these into your business strategy.

-> A comprehensive seven-step plan to boost employee engagement and ensure alignment with your business goals for 2025:

1. Establish clear goals and a compelling vision.
2. Invest in learning and development.
3. Prioritize wellbeing with enhanced programs.
4. Foster connection and belonging, especially in hybrid settings.
5. Collect and act on feedback to improve workplace dynamics.
6. Recognize and reward achievements to motivate your team.
7. Communicate transparently and authentically to build trust.

-> Insights from the latest research, including Gallup's 2024 report, highlighting the significant impact of engaged employees on business profitability.

This episode not only provides you with the tools to anticipate and adapt to upcoming trends but also empowers you to strategically plan for a more engaged and productive 2025. Tune in to transform your approach to employee engagement and set your business up for success.

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 episode, Karen addresses the challenges of recruiting in a slow economy and the strategic shift towards hiring early career professionals or students. This approach not only cuts costs but also builds a pipeline of talent that grows with your business. Karen shares her insights and strategies on how to adapt the recruitment process to better suit early career candidates.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

-> The current recruitment landscape and how to navigate hiring amidst economic slowdowns without compromising on talent acquisition.

-> Strategies for attracting early career professionals, including the importance of initial screening calls to gauge candidate interest and suitability.

-> Detailed insights into conducting fair and effective recruitment processes that focus less on experience and more on potential and fit within your company culture.

-> Innovative methods for assessing candidates, such as prioritization exercises and whole-brain thinking activities, to understand their decision-making processes and personal attributes.

-> Practical advice on conducting interviews that allow candidates to showcase their true selves, including the unique 'do over' option which alleviates pressure and encourages authenticity.

-> Tips on how to continuously engage with candidates from the application stage through to final interviews, ensuring a seamless and candidate-friendly experience.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for business leaders and HR professionals looking to enhance their recruitment strategies and better integrate young talent into their organizations.

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 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 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 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/ 

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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/ 

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 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/ 

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 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/