HR Leader Podcast Network

Payroll is essential for any business. As explained by the Australian Payroll Association’s chief executive, Tracy Angwin: “No one thanks you for getting payroll right. But crikey, do you know when it’s wrong.” This episode of The HR Leader unpacks the potential issues and the need to get payroll right. Here, Tracy shines a light on the complexities and critical nature of payroll management within organisations. The conversation delves into the risks associated with payroll, compliance issues, and the impact these have on company culture and employee morale. Payroll is often perceived as a thankless task within the HR portfolio, where errors can lead to significant financial, regulatory, and cultural risks.  To manage payroll effectively, Tracy highlights three key areas: people, processes, and platforms. Ensuring a competent, well-trained payroll team with appropriate governance structures is vital. The technology platform used for payroll must be fit for purpose, with proper integrations and functionality to meet the business’s needs. Those who do not realise this run the risk of falling behind in the modern workforce.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the alignment of people, skills, and strategy emerges as a pivotal factor for organisational growth. This was the focal point of a recent episode of The HR Leader, joined by Mercer’s leadership talent succession practice leader, Gareth Jones. The intricate connection between the workforce, the skills necessary for effective operation, and the strategic path of an organisation was discussed in depth. The importance of this alignment cannot be overstated, as disconnection in these areas can significantly stifle business efficiency. The conversation was timely, as Mercer’s Global Talent Trends Report highlighted that more than a third of HR leaders are concerned about the lack of workforce capability and future skills within their organisations. Another study by Mercer revealed that 50 per cent of executives fear their current talent models may not meet future demands. According to Gareth, technology, artificial intelligence, and environment, social and governance (ESG) are at the forefront of corporate skill requirements. These emerging needs are creating new roles and demanding a fresh set of skills.

Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Rebecca Warren, executive general manager of small-business banking at CommBank, about how she navigated a historically male-dominated industry over her 20-year career and why she believes inclusion and diversity are not just morally imperative, but key to achieving superior business results. Tune in to find out: Why she loves commercial finance. The secret power of ‘quiet achievers’. How CommBank is creating a more inclusive and supportive work culture. And much more!

In a recent episode of The HR Leader, co-founder and chief operations officer at Sidekicker, Jacqui Bull, delves into the pressing issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. The conversation shines light on the multifaceted benefits of DEI training and why it’s crucial for employers to not only understand but also actively promote these values within their teams. Jacqui emphasises the significant financial and productivity gains that can be achieved through fostering a diverse workforce. She points out that diversity of thought and people often leads to better business outcomes. Moreover, the current job market shows that employees place high value on DEI, with many prospective employees considering a company’s commitment to these principles when choosing their next employer.

Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Suzanne Wood, state general manager residential broker Victoria/Tasmania at Westpac Group (and state chair of the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group), about how she climbed the career ladder in banking and the power of having strong female role models. Tune in to find out: How she learnt the art of having difficult conversations. The perils of unconscious bias and how to tackle them. How Westpac is supporting women through the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group. And much more!

In the current economic climate, financial stress plays a key influence on workplace wellbeing. Interest rates, inflation, and a rising cost of living have taken their toll on the population, prompting the need for intervention. The latest episode of The HR Leader discusses these issues. Marc Bineham, a money and wellness coach, joins the podcast to give his expertise in the often-overlooked area of wellness: financial wellbeing. This stress doesn’t just negatively affect the individual; it can translate into a staggering loss of productivity for organisations and the wider economy. Businesses can assist their employees by implementing financial wellness policies. Marc touches on the stigma surrounding money discussions and how people are more comfortable sharing personal life details than their financial status, a cultural trait that hinders open conversations about financial health. He advocates for a cultural shift, similar to campaigns encouraging open discussions about mental health, to normalise financial wellbeing discussions.

In this episode of The HR Leader, Jack Campbell sits down with Jatin Vengurlekar, founder of Montagio Custom Tailoring, to discuss the significant shifts in workplace uniforms during the pandemic and the broader impacts on the retail industry. As companies navigate the gradual return-to-office life, many are re-evaluating dress codes, leaning towards a more relaxed approach to professional attire. The pandemic has undeniably influenced workplace fashion, with many employees trading in suits and ties for more casual wear. Jatin notes that the transition to working from home led to a more relaxed fashion, a trend that persists even as employees return to the office. The evolution of attire reflects a broader change in corporate culture. The conversation then turns to the retail sector, which faced its own set of challenges during the pandemic. Lockdowns and restrictions led to a significant downturn in business for retailers, with many relying on face-to-face interactions. The impact on staffing was profound, with many retail workers left without work. The industry at large saw an exodus of talent as workers sought more pandemic-resistant careers. To combat these challenges, some retailers are focusing on company culture and benefits as a means of attracting and retaining staff. While these perks can be enticing, Jatin argues that wages remain the primary concern for most candidates. In an environment where living expenses continue to climb, potential employees seek roles that offer financial stability and growth.

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Anjali Crossette, manager of motor operations at non-bank lender Liberty, about breaking barriers and misconceptions about car finance and why she believes the industry needs to showcase gender diversity across every rung of the career ladder. Tune in to find out: Why the finance industry is an attractive industry to work in for women. The progress being made in gender diversity in car finance. How Liberty is leading the way by example. And much more!  

A lack of understanding surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is polarising workplaces. Ongoing and comprehensive training and education are crucial in the modern workplace. These themes were explored in a recent episode of The HR Leader with Cultural Infusion chief executive Peter Mousaferiadis, highlighting just how important it is for organisations to create equitable and inclusive workplaces. The significance of intersectionality was explored, and how understanding this term can assist in developing a healthy and happy workplace. Peter also delved into the role of technology and data in recognising issues and helping to eliminate them. Representation is a crucial aspect of DEI, and it’s important for workplaces to reflect the community they serve.

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Olympian and financial adviser at HLB Mann Judd, Sarah Carli, to discuss how she made her way from the track to financial advice. Ms Carli, who competed in the 400-metre hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, reveals the valuable skills she has learned as an adviser that have positively impacted her athletic career, as well as how she balances being a professional athlete with working full time. Tune in to find out: The importance of a supportive work environment. How she balances her professional and athletic commitments. How there are more transferable skills between athletics and advice than many might expect. And much more!