We have loved tapping into the experience and knowledge of our business advisors, who we have been working with very closely during this time and with the rollout of our grants program.
We have selected advisors which had areas of both common and differing focus and experience to provide our businesses with the best advice for their business.
Trish Reaburn of Solutions To Spec shared her thoughts and expertise on how businesses can optimise their people management practices.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
I am a human resources professional with a wealth of knowledge of the people management playing field across many industry sectors and organisations. There are not many situations that I have not come across. I love to learn about different businesses and to share my knowledge and provide support where I can. I’ve made the transition from being an employee to being a business operator, initially as a sole operator then making the agonising decision to hire employees, so I not only understand the legislative compliance issues, but I also understand the pressures of being a business owner/employer too.
How long have you been in the human resources industry?
Thirty years plus
We know consultants can specialise in a variety of areas. Where do you see your organisation sitting in this ecosystem and how do you see your areas of specialty?
The entire people management lifecycle… anything from job design, recruitment, performance management, training, WHS to offboarding/termination and all of the associated compliance through policy, procedures and practices.
What are the main issues you see coming up time and time again for your business clients?
Business owners being confused by Industrial Awards and legislation, not understanding obligations, and being afraid to have conversations with employees when things are not going well. The other big challenge right now is recruitment, with such a tight labour market.
It is important to know who is a good fit for your business, and those people who you work best with, and can help the most. Who do you feel your agency is able to work best with and to help the most?
We are suited to any business who has employees - or might be thinking about employing – and who wants to do the right thing as an employer. Our model is based on supporting small to medium sized businesses.
What do you see as the biggest upcoming opportunities for businesses?
Probably the same as it has been, to stay on top of legislative changes and to create a work environment that is engaging, fulfilling and rewarding for all (so a workplace that is flexible and adaptable).
If there was one key message you wanted to give to business owners, what would it be?
Communication is key…. Communication with management, key stakeholders, advisors/consultants and most importantly with employees. People cannot do what you want them to do if you don’t explain what, when, how and why and how well they did it (provide feedback). Without being disrespectful to anyone, I approach leadership a bit like parenting….. provide information and set boundaries, then allow people to operate within those boundaries and deal with the fall out when the boundaries are stepped over – or are at risk of being breached.
About Solutions To Spec
After working with large organisations, including global corporates, for 30 years the Director found herself looking for a new challenge. Whilst she loved her HR roles and the connectivity to people that those roles provided, in large organisations it was easy to lose the human aspect. She recognised that there are many businesses operating who are unable to – and usually don’t need to - engage an in-house HR representative.
In 2018 she created a business model that provides customised, practical hands-on support for small and medium sized businesses that allows business owners to stay focused on what they enjoy doing, whilst receiving specialized support to ensure compliance. It was this element of customisation that influenced the company name - Solutions To Spec!
Solutions are created to resolve the specific challenges of each individual business.
Solutions To Spec’s service offering covers the full employment lifecycle, including:
* Recruitment and selection – strategies and tools that lead to ensuring the right people are in the right jobs at the
right time
* Position descriptions – clarify who is responsible for what, including job design and succession planning
* Training and development – induction, knowledge/skill development and maintenance
* Legislative compliance – coaching to develop understanding of legislative obligations and responsibilities, including
developing and implementing relevant policies and procedures
* Performance management – tools and coaching that lead to effective reviews and feedback with the intent of
improving employee and business outcomes
* Industrial relations – supporting business owners through the legal aspects of employment relationships
* Remuneration and reward – design and implementation of relevant and fair financial and tangible rewards for the
work performed
* Work health and safety – developing policies and procedures and educating the workforce to ensure preservation of
the health and wellbeing of all persons in the workplace
* Injury management – providing a conduit between injured employee, employer, insurer and medical practitioners
* HR information systems – facilitating the selection of a fit-for-purpose system, moving to implementation and user
training and support
* Relocation services – guiding employers and employees through the maze of issues associated with moving
city/state/country for work/business.
With over 30 years leadership experience across a range of industries, from local family businesses to large global corporates, Solutions To Spec can also provide valuable insight through conducting operational process reviews and recommending improvements to create efficiencies and greater effectiveness.
Learn more: www.solutionstospec.com.au
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Emma Grivell
Business Engagement Advisor - Urban Projects
E: egrivell@charlessturt.sa.gov.au