The times are a-changin’

BUSINESSES in Geelong are adapting to the evolving way people work and they’re seeking to understand the growing obligations they have to their staff so everyone can thrive on the job and at home.

Employers across all levels of business understand the time and resources required to attract, retain, develop and manage staff.

Wages can account for up to three-quarters of the company’s costs and business owners accept the obligations go much further than that.

This year, we’ve seen some developments that have made employing staff seem even more difficult to understand.

While it’s important to continuously consider ways to improve the ways we work and protect the wellbeing of our people, it’s also important to keep stakeholders such as businesses engaged in the process to ensure changes don’t overcomplicate the process of giving someone a job.

The obligation for all employers to implement single touch payroll (STP) came into effect on July 1 this year.

This new way of reporting tax and superannuation information will eventually prove to be a significant step forward but this move to digitise payroll and the interpretation of an incredibly complex award system has seen some companies inadvertently underpay their staff and it’s been played out quite publicly, no doubt affecting business confidence.

The recent introduction of labour hire licensing has meant that any business that supplies one or more workers to perform work in and as part of another host business will need to be licensed and there are significant costs associated with this registration process as well as strong penalties for non- compliance.

The workplace manslaughter legislation that is before the state Parliament could become law on July 1 next year.

This may mean bosses could face up to 20 years in jail over the suicide of their workers if it’s found that conduct within the workplace has contributed to their illness and death.

The diminishing distinction between the workplace and our private lives is no more prevalent than in the evolving social media space.

Employers can be responsible for the social media posts of their employees and this now means that employees must moderate their comments or face repercussions including dismissal from their work.

Giving someone a job can change their fortunes, it’s empowering for people and job creation should always be encouraged — it’s the cornerstone to the wellbeing of our community.

We want a system that rewards employers for putting people into meaningful employment otherwise we face disruptions such as overseas outsourcing and independent contracting which has become prevalent in the gig economy.

While we should always be seeking to improve the way we do things, we must ensure that stakeholders such as businesses are engaged in the process to ensure the additional obligations don’t unnecessarily undermine growth.

Well done to our local businesses who have coped well with a year of change and let’s hope they continue to drive employment in our region.

The chamber looks forward to continuing to support businesses so they can thrive in Geelong throughout 2020.

Ben Flynn is chief executive of Geelong Chamber of Commerce. geelongchamber.com.au