A Practical Approach to IR for Cafes. With Nathan Forward

In this episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phil Di Bella is joined by Nathan Forward, a Human Resources Business Partner at People Squared. With over 15 years of experience in HR and IR compliance, Nathan shares his expertise on navigating industrial relations, ensuring compliance, and fostering a positive workplace culture. The discussion covers key legislative changes, the importance of proactive HR management, and practical tips for creating a thriving business environment.

Key Topics and Themes:

• The importance of staying proactive in compliance and HR management
• Understanding and adapting to changes in industrial relations laws
• Strategies for fostering a positive workplace culture
• Balancing employee needs with business viability
• Practical tips for effective human resource management

Takeaways:

• Ignorance is not a defence: Stay informed and proactive about compliance and legislation changes.
• Foster a culture of belonging: Ensure your employees feel valued, safe, and engaged.
• Use HR systems: Implement tools like FoundYou for compliance and efficient HR management.
• Be proactive: Address issues early and consult with experts to avoid costly reactive measures.
• Communicate effectively: Regularly engage with your team to understand their needs and motivations.

About Our Guest: Nathan Forward is a Human Resources Business Partner at PeopleSquared, with over 15 years of experience in HR and industrial relations. He has worked with the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Queensland Government, providing deep insights into compliance, legislation, and effective human resource management. Nathan's expertise helps businesses navigate complex regulatory environments and foster positive workplace cultures.

Links and Resources:

• The Coffee Commune
• PeopleSquared
• Fair Work Ombudsman
• FoundYou HR System

Time-Stamped Key Points:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and episode overview
• 00:00:20 – Phil Di Bella introduces the show's sponsor, The Coffee Commune
• 00:00:40 – Phil welcomes listeners and introduces the episode's theme on compliance and HR
• 00:01:00 – Introduction of Nathan Forward, HR Business Partner at PeopleSquared
• 00:01:20 – Nathan's background and expertise in HR and industrial relations
• 00:01:40 – Nathan discusses his experience with government compliance and investigations
• 00:02:00 – The importance of understanding legislative changes and their impact
• 00:03:00 – Why ignorance is not a defence in compliance issues
• 00:04:20 – Simplifying complex legislation for business owners
• 00:05:00 – Strategies for creating compliant and attractive wage packages
• 00:06:00 – The evolving needs and expectations of the workforce
• 00:07:00 – Importance of communication and understanding employee motivations
• 00:08:40 – Key changes in industrial relations and their impact on businesses
• 00:09:00 – Understanding the "right to disconnect" for employees
• 00:10:00 – Visa changes and their impact on the hospitality industry
• 00:11:00 – Balancing business viability with employee needs
• 00:13:00 – Upcoming changes in wage theft legislation
• 00:14:20 – Complexity of wage systems in hospitality and managing different pay rates
• 00:17:00 – Discussion on passing on wage costs to customers
• 00:20:40 – Importance of proactive HR and compliance management
• 00:21:00 – Human resource management: fostering a culture of belonging and performance
• 00:24:00 – Practical tips for managing human resources effectively