Navigating the Compliance Maze: A Guide to Hiring Staff

Hiring staff can be a daunting task, but nailing compliance from the get-go is essential. From placing that initial job ad to ensuring a safe and compliant workplace, there's a lot to cover. This guide breaks down the must-know laws and regulations to keep you on track. Off course I love the use of software for a few of these tasks so as well as my favourite “Employment Hero” I have also been investigating; Rippling, Bamboo and WageLoch this year just to see them all at work.

1. Give Discrimination the Boot

Discrimination in the hiring process? Not on your watch! Sure be really careful of your inherent bias which is probably more of an issue than you know. So get a friend to take names and photos off any applications before you review, or have some one else vet your candidates with you.

2. Equal Employment All the Way

Equal employment opportunities aren't just a good idea—they're the law. Don’t forget about the pay transparency laws that came into being in late 2022 which made it illegal for you to force your employees to keep their remuneration secret.

3. Set Those Records Straight

Start how you mean to finish. Make sure your employment contracts and onboarding documents are up to date with current legislation. Of course this is why I like software so that these documents are updated regularly. If you don’t think you need HR software yet FWA has free templates for Business to use.

5. Check the Right to Work

Hiring someone without the right to work can land you in hot water. So of all your processes makes sure you have one that checks your employees tight to work in Australia. Most times this will be a fee per service (unless your HR software includes a right to work checker… a lot do ;-P)

6. Keep on Top of Payroll

Payroll can be complex, but it's crucial to get it right. Find out how to ensure your payroll processes are smooth and compliant. Again if you choose good payroll software a lot of this is built in. If you don’t want software please please talk to someone in the know and the FWA website will need to be bookmarked and use them as much as possible.

7. A Healthy, Safe Workplace

A safe workplace isn't just about compliance—it's about caring for your team. Unfortunately WHS legislations has not yet been nationalised so please refer to your state based legislation as a bare minimum. Legislation is always base level going above legislation is moving towards an employer of choice.
Hiring your first employees signifies a dramatic growth stage of any business, take your time, get advice and if you do it right I believe employees pay you back in ways you can’t even imagine…