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| April 2009 |
Vol 2, Issue 4 |
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| Greetings! |
Have you noticed how tougher times tend to focus our minds on how to make the most of what we've got? You will find plenty of valuable tips for achieving just that - right here, right now.
We've also started a new segment in this issue. The 'Case Study' is where we'll share stories of how businesses are using our services. Read it for practical ideas for your own workplace.
If you find the information in this newsletter useful, you might be wondering what you have missed in previous issues. You can access them all here. |
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Or Call Us:
1300 785 150
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| Simple guide to employee productivity |
Last month, we looked at how to measure employee engagement. Did you ask the questions and take some action?
While millions of words have been written about how to get more from your staff, there are really just three things you need to remember.
For your employees to work the way you want them to, they need:
1. Something to believe in
Why is their job important? What are your core values, vision, mission and goals? How have you communicated these to your team? Your strategic plan describes the game.
2. Knowledge of what they're supposed to be doing
Your organisational chart, policies, procedures, job descriptions and employment contracts are the rules of the game. You also need to let people know how they fit into the wider picture of the work that is done in your organisation.
3. Best job fitness
Closer examination of productivity problems often reveal they result from 'square pegs in round holes'. Recently, we have been helping managers reassess the fit of key people within their teams and take steps to allow their individual strengths to shine. Sometimes, this may result in more training or restructuring, or it may simply lead to the shifting of some tasks between people. With right people in the right positions, you can be confident you have built a winning team.
Tip: It's easier to move forward one step at a time...
Action: Just make sure you are taking steps and moving forward! |
| Case study |
 We're running a bit late with this month's newsletter because I've been busy consulting on a recruiting project for a service industry employer.
They invited short-listed applicants to complete the online Harrison Assessment for pre-interview screening. The employer used customised job templates and set parameters for certain traits that were particularly relevant for each role. For example, because the roles have ongoing client contact, it was essential to screen out any candidates who were overly pessimistic.
My contribution was to provide an opinion on the suitability of 225 candidates for 24 jobs over 3 days. It was fascinating to see so many reports in such a short period. It really demonstrated how powerful the assessments are in picking up those small individual variations that are so significant in any job. REMEMBER! You can test the power of the online tool for yourself this month with our free trial offer. |
| In case you missed it: Balance cash boost for small business |
Have you applied for this grant, featured in last month's newsletter? Although the first round of the Fresh Ideas for Work and Family business grants program has just closed, there will be further chances to apply in the future.
This national initiative provides grants of $5000 to $15000 to successful small businesses to implement practices that help employees balance their work and family obligations and improve employee retention and productivity.
The program aims to assist small businesses across regional and metropolitan areas. It is designed to support projects that benefit both the employer and employees, demonstrate long-term sustainable outcomes for the business and have the potential for wider application to other businesses. Applications will be accepted from:
- Small businesses in Australia with fewer than 15 employees.
- Not-for-profit and non-government organisations.
- Consortia of small businesses.
- Sole traders and incorporated sole traders that employ between 1 and 14 employees.
Make sure you're in included in the next round:
3. Further information on family friendly work arrangements, work-life balance and the program is available at http://www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/FreshIdeas/Pages/default.aspx or call the Workplace Infoline from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday on 1300 363 264 or email FIWF@deewr.gov.au.
We know at least one business has applied as a result of this newsletter. We look forward to letting you know of their success and how the grant will be used. If you also have a success story, let us know! |
| Time to give your business a good 'once over' ? |
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 Productivity and sales may be slow at the moment but that does not necessarily mean that you should hit the brakes on everything in relation to your business. The fact that things may be a little slow from a day-to-day workload perspective means that you have more time to step back and take stock of all those things you always mean to do, but never seem to get to.
Following are some helpful questions you may like to consider to prepare your business for the tough year ahead and put it in an optimal position for when the tides turn and business is on the up! Once you have ascertained the specific areas of your business that require attention, ensure that you speak to the relevant professional in order to get the best advice on how to improve your current situation.
Accounting
- Do you have a positive working relationship with your accountant?
- Is your business structured in such a way that your personal assets are protected?
- Do you have private assets held separately from the assets of your business?
- Are business owned assets held in the correct way, under the correct structure for your situation? For example, sole trader vs. partnership vs. company vs. trusts.
Operations and Trading Terms
- Are your contracts with customers and/or suppliers correctly structured and legally compliant?
- If you are supplying materials in the course of your business, does your contract allow for the retrieval of unpaid goods?
- Do your current contracts and trading terms processes include provisions to facilitate the prompt recovery of debt owed to you?
- Are there areas of your business that could be cut down or made more cost effective but will not affect the operations and daily functioning of the business?
Risk management
- Do you have a compliant and up-to-date shareholder's agreement?
- Do you have clearly defined corporate governance practices in place?
- Does your current insurance policy adequately cover your business structure and assets?
- Is any intellectual property sufficiently protected and/or legally registered?
Michael Quinn, Director of The Quinn Group, is an experienced lawyer, accountant and educator. If you would like further information or assistance, Michael and the team of legal and accounting professionals at The Quinn Group can be contacted by calling 1300 QUINNS or visiting the website www.quinns.com.au | |
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Thank you to all our readers who have responded so positively to our recent emails. It's always great to hear from you. We're also delighted that so many people choose to forward our emails to friends and colleagues and would like to take this opportunity to thank you, too! Until next time...
Warm regards
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 TAKE ACTION NOW with our April Promotion |
Successful employee recruitment, selection, engagement, succession and performance management all depend on understanding talent.
- What motivates your employees?
- How effective are your team dynamics?
- How can you identify high potential candidates?
To help you find these answers and more, this month we are offering you a FREE DEMONSTRATION of our online assessment system.
Just email us your full name, email address and telephone number and we will send you an invitation with your personal link to our online system.
When you have completed the questionnaire (it only takes about half an hour), we will send you your free report. | |
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