Effective communication and a "scientific" approach are critical in developing - or removing - performance bonus and recognition schemes, says head of reward at Hewitt CSi, Jairus Ashworth.
Employers must ensure they understand the modern award system before it comes into effect in just nine months, according to workplace lawyer Shana Schreier-Joffe, who warns that the new Fair Work Australia regulator is likely to be vigilant in pursuing employers for non-compliance.
Employers should consider introducing a "moodometer" and resilience programs in an effort to combat employee depression - which is costing Australian business billions of dollars each year, according to best-selling author of Back from the Brink and depression sufferer Graeme Cowan.
In a social media world where "anyone can publish", managing the redundancy process to avoid online reputation damage is crucial, says HR technology consultant Michael Specht.
Employment growth is more stable than the mainstream media portrays, and Australia may well survive the global financial crisis without the big job losses seen in previous downturns, according to HSBC chief economist Dr John Edwards.
As talent-sourcing gets easier, employers should consider breathing new life into their organisations by "top grading" their workforce and shedding poor performers, says Taleo senior vice president Al Campa.
Smart employers are directing their branding strategies inwards to engage workers who survive staff culls and to maintain positive relationships with the talent they're forced to let go, says MD of The Face, Adam Shay.
Panicky managers that put bottom-line efficiencies before people during the economic downturn run the risk of obliterating company morale and losing their best talent, says Robert Half Asia-Pacific's managing director, David Jones.
Employers should get ready to deal with trade union requests to disclose company information - and determine what they can keep confidential - before the first part of the Fair Work Act 2009 takes effect mid-year, says University of Adelaide Professor of Law, Andrew Stewart.
