Work Wonders

Work Wonders

Download on the App Store

Work Wonders episodes

  • S1 E9 - What is 'culture' and why does it matter?

    Send a text

    In today’s episode, we’re talking about workplace culture and giving you some ideas of simple changes you can make to improve the culture in your organisation.

    We’re going to talk about

    • what makes culture
    • what culture influences, and
    • how YOU can influence the culture in your business

    You don't need to spend a lot to improve your culture, but you do need to give it time.

    You can start today by completing this free workplace culture survey

    You'll find the show notes and links to relevant resources here

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    14 min
  • S1 E8 - How you can survive 'the great resignation' skills shortage

    Send a text

    We've been hearing a lot of talk lately about 'the great resignation' or 'the great reset'.  We're sure you've heard it too. You will have heard about a 'war' for talent or the skills shortages in your industry or region.

    People have been asking:

    • What is the 'the great resignation? 
    • What caused it? 
    • How will it affect my business? (Perhaps it already has!)

    So we rushed into the studio to produce this episode for you, where we break it all down and put it into perspective for employers. 

    Every industry is different but if you're worried about how to attract and retain quality staff, listen as we explore what you can do to make sure YOUR business stands out from the crowd.

    For recruitment and selection support tailored to your situation, you can contact us here 

    You'll find the show notes and links to relevant resources here

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    22 min
  • S1 E7 - 5 simple steps to hiring well

    Send a text

    This foundational episode is all about hiring staff.  We break the process down for you into 5 easy-to-follow steps:

    1. Designing the job and what a person needs to do that job
    2. Attracting the best possible candidates
    3. Interview only the best candidates 
    4. Evaluate the candidates you interviewed
    5. Make a job offer!

    Angela also shares her FREE Recruitment Checklist which is available to be downloaded

    For recruitment and selection support tailored to your situation, you can contact us here 

    You'll find the show notes and links to relevant resources here

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    16 min
  • S1 E6 - Worst interview questions... and what to ask instead!

    Send a text

    In this episode, we chat about the worst recruitment interview questions we've each come across in our time working in HR.  

    Listen now to hear what we found when we dug deep into our experience. You'll have a few laughs while you learn how to frame a question to give you the information you want. 

    Candidates can tell when you don't know what you're doing. So it's worth getting it right - especially in this tight labour market.

    For interview help tailored to your situation, you can contact us here

    You'll find the show notes and links to relevant resources here

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    18 min
  • S1 E5 - Special guest: Gavin King of Condon Advisory Group

    Send a text

    Today it’s interview time!

    We’re delighted to introduce you to our first-ever Work Wonders special guest. Gavin King is an Associate and the Director of Insolvency at Condon Advisory Group, a national firm of Forensic, Solvency and Turnaround Practitioners in Parramatta.

    Gavin has an interesting work history and some unique insights to share with you. You may be surprised by the people management challenges that come up in his day-to-day work. We certainly learnt a lot from this interview - and we think you will too!

    You'll find the show notes, including links to Gavin's offer and his contact details here  

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    21 min
  • S1 E4 - Employing casuals has changed

    Send a text

    Do you employ Casual staff in your business?

    In this episode, we discuss Casual Conversion. It has been 12 months since this legislation change that allowed a pathway for Casuals to transfer to Permanent employment. 

    So now is a great time to consider 

    • How, when and why you should offer Casual Conversion 
    • What you should do if an employee asks you for it 
    • What are reasonable grounds for declining Casual Conversion 

    We will talk through the steps to follow and give a few scenarios to better understand how this might work in your workplace. 

    You'll find links to all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes.

    For further advice on how casual conversion impacts your business, contact Angela on (02) 4555 4634. 

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    15 min
  • S1 E3 - What you need to know before you hire anyone

    Send a text

    In this episode, we talk about all the things you need to know before you start hiring staff. We will discuss your basic obligations as an employer including:

    • Knowing the employment type
    • Knowing what you need to pay your employee
    • The National Employment Standards (or “NES”)
    • Anti Discrimination; and  
    • Single Touch Payroll 

    We will also share a recent example of a business being taken to court by Fair Work so know how to avoid that in your business. 

    You'll find links to all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes 

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    14 min
  • S1 E2 - How is your business recovering from COVID?

    Send a text

    How is your business recovering from COVID?

    It’s been a long 2 years with multiple lockdowns, stand-downs, home-schooling, face masks, hand sanitiser, social distancing, work from home, zoom/teams meetings, vaccinations etc. And whilst we are still living with COVID in our communities, we are moving forward. 

    In today’s episode we’re going to consider a few key things depending if your workplace is either still working fully remote, transitioning back to the workplace or a bit of both - choosing to stay hybrid.

    We talk about:

    • Work Health & Safety
    • Mental Health
    • Working from Home 
    • Keeping staff engaged
    • Mandating COVID vaccinations and/or RAT tests 
    • Privacy & Confidentiality 

    You can find links to all the resources mentioned in this episode here 

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    20 min
  • S1 E1 - What is HR?

    Send a text

    In today's episode, we talk about 'What is HR?' and give you:

    • a better understanding of what HR is, 
    • some background on the topics we will discuss in future episodes, and 
    • insight into what good HR management can do for your business

    There's a LOT in this episode, but you don't have to do it all and you don't have to do it all at once. We'll be guiding you through what's important in your business and helping you set priorities in every new episode.

    Listen and learn what we have in store for you!

    What are you wondering about? 

    You can help us grow with your feedback: Please leave a review, give us a rating or get in touch.

    And if you like what you've heard, please tell your friends!

    Read the show notes here.

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    13 min
  • Introducing the Work Wonders podcast

    Send a text

    Welcome to the Work Wonders podcast where we simplify HR for small businesses owners and managers by answering the questions you’re wondering about for your workplace.

    The podcast will be hosted by Angela Gauci and Susan Rochester from Aster HR.

    We will discuss topics from the world of HR - from starting an employment relationship to ending it, worker’s compensation, WH&S, payroll, training & development and everything in between. 

    We will bring you up to date information on legal updates, best practice and provide guidance to recruit, engage and retain a great team of staff in your small business.

    We will keep it simple and practical answering all the things you are wondering about. We’ll also bring you guests occasionally to give you a wider perspective on all things HR.

    We’re here to help you grow your business. And we know that the people in your business are your greatest resource and looking after them will look after your business. 

    We know your time is valuable, so our episodes will be short and sharp, full of practical tips you can use right away.

    * 2 sesons published a year
    * New episodes each Monday

    We look forward to having you join us!

    You can find the show notes for this episode here

    Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.

    Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.

    All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

    3 min

About Work Wonders

From the publisher's feed

Back in late 2021, we decided that instead of chatting to each other about the challenges and triumphs of people management in small businesses, we should invite you to join the conversation. And…