The HR health check that could transform your business
Did you know that spending just 15 minutes on an HR health check could save your business hours of frustration and thousands of dollars down the road? With over 25 years of experience in HR compliance, workplace policies, and advising Australian businesses, I’ve seen simple, proactive measures lead to remarkable transformations.
HR isn’t just about ticking boxes or creating a paper trail. It’s a strategic advantage that can protect your business, engage your employees, and pave the way for sustainable growth. Here’s how an HR health check sets the foundation for success.
What is an HR health check?
Think of an HR health check like a service for your car. It’s not just about fixing problems; it’s about spotting risks before they become costly breakdowns.
During an HR health check, I take a close look under the hood of your business to assess issues such as:
Gaps in employment law compliance
Risks tied to inadequate workplace policies
Weaknesses in processes like on boarding, probation, and terminations
It’s a chance to evaluate where you stand now and map out the strategies to help your business thrive.
Digging into the core HR essentials
Every business faces its own challenges, but there are common pitfalls that can quickly derail growth if left unchecked. Here are some key areas I explore during an HR health check.
1. Reviewing current documentation
The first step is gathering and reviewing existing HR documents. This could include employment contracts, on boarding checklists, or even something as specific as a code of conduct.
For example, one client hadn’t updated their contracts for years, leaving them exposed to serious compliance risks under current employment law. A quick fix not only brought them back in line but also enhanced employee trust through greater clarity.
2. Identifying compliance risks
Many compliance risks hide in plain sight. One business I worked with had mistakenly hired an employee who wasn’t eligible to work in Australia due to visa restrictions. Cases like these can lead to significant fines and reputational damage, but a robust HR process would have caught it upfront.
Other common issues include unclear:
Award classifications
Overtime and payment structures
Probation and termination clauses
Proactive compliance doesn’t just protect your business. It builds a foundation where employees feel supported, knowing their rights and entitlements are respected.
3. Establishing effective workplace policies
A solid framework of policies ensures every team member operates on the same page and reduces risks tied to miscommunication. During health checks, I often find areas where policies simply don’t exist or are outdated.
One often-overlooked policy is the probation process. If managers haven’t followed through on documenting feedback to help new hires succeed, it can lead to messy situations during termination discussions. And, under employment law, even probationary employees have rights that need to be considered.
The critical impact of getting HR right
What happens if gaps go unchecked? Believe it or not, it doesn’t take malicious intent to fall into costly trouble.
For example:
I’ve seen cases where businesses failed to meet tax obligations, costing them tens of thousands in penalties.
I’ve worked with companies that lost quality hires because of unclear expectations during on boarding.
These mistakes are avoidable, but only when businesses take a serious look at their HR practices before issues surge out of control.
A proactive focus leads to thriving workplaces
The beauty of an HR health check isn’t just in catching problems; it’s in unlocking opportunities to improve. By taking a partnership-based approach, I work collaboratively with businesses to build tailored solutions that align with their goals.
Here’s what that process looks like in practice:
Review and refine workplace policies: Ensure alignment to the latest regulations.
Audit contracts and compliance measures: Identify at-risk areas and address them before they escalate.
Coach leaders on proactive management: Equip teams to create positive change.
Each business is unique, which is why every recommendation I make is grounded in evidence and tailored to the needs of the team and the company.
Don’t wait - invest in your HR health now
When it comes to HR, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Without the right foundations, you’re not just putting your business at risk - you’re limiting its potential to thrive.
Connecting with a trusted HR advisor can bring in the perspective and professional guidance your team needs to flourish. At the very least, it’s worth exploring a health check to ensure you’re protecting your greatest assets - your people and your peace of mind.
Take the first step today
Would you like me to take a closer look under the hood of your business? My HR health checks are designed to save you time, money, and the hassle of navigating the complexities of employment law and workplace policies alone.
Book your HR health check now, and together, we’ll create a better foundation for your business to grow.