Starting a business is already a complicated affair. When you add employees to the mix, it can often become overwhelming for employers. Below we’ve compiled 10 golden rules for employers:
- Nobody starts work without a signed contract.
- Diarise probation expiry dates and make sure there is a performance review at the end of everybody’s probationary period.
- Find out what modern awards apply to your workplace and if you need an enterprise/flexibility agreement.
- Make sure you are paying people correctly.
- Understand the difference between casual and permanent part time employees. This will affect leave and payment.
- Do you have suitable policies and procedures (such as WHS procedures) for your workplace? More important, are they enforced?
- Always keep your records up to date.
- Don’t be afraid of managing underperformance.
- Find out how to conduct workplace investigations.
- Proper termination procedures are important. These are contained in the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code. For small businesses (those with fewer than 15 employers), it is mandatory. For others, it is a useful guide.
If you need more help setting up your business contact us on (02) 9199 8597 or email us.
The information contained in this post is current at the date of editing – 04 September 2025.
