Business

VITAL ROLE OF GOOD STAFF React fast, be prepared

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

PREARING for the unexpected and having your staff primed to react quickly are the key elements of business survival and success in the second half of 2022.

Before the pandemic, Future Business was all about technology and finding new ways of automating your system and making the most of data.

But many managers and owners now realise they took their staff for granted and while technology is essential, it doesn’t achieve the sales, the marketing and the personal touch that good people achieve.

Three years later, businesses are converting back to looking after their human resources, hiring good staff and training them to react quickly to difficult situations.

With ongoing uncertainty due to the global pandemic, it’s a good idea to make sure your business continues to prepare for unexpected situations in 2022.

The Federal Government’s business. gov.au has some excellent, easy to read advice on business essentials for the second half of 2022.

There may be continued disruptions to supply chains due to varying border restrictions and labor shortage issues, particularly if you rely on imported goods for your business.

The site has Tips to prepare your business: • Keeping updated with the latest information regarding supply chain disruptions that could affect your business and industry • Having plans in place for what to do in the event of a disruption to your supplies • Looking into alternate suppliers who can maintain your stock if you’re unable to get it from your usual supplier. • Get tips on how to prepare your business for an emergency before it happens.

The site also has advice on finding suppliers, negotiating contracts, building relationships and resolving disputes.

Mental health and wellbeing

Following the uncertainties and challenges of the past years, it’s become more important than ever to look after your and your staff’s mental health and wellbeing.

Having a mentally healthy workplace involves having: • A culture that understands mental health is everyone’s responsibility • Plans in place to manage mental health risks • Staff that feel supported to talk about mental health • Tailored mental health support for you and your staff.

Hiring good staff

Just how much businesses are depending on staff is highlighted in the employment figures for last year,

In 2021, the number of employing small businesses increased by 14.2% from 2018. Hiring staff is a natural part of business growth, allowing you to accomplish more in your business. Staff can also bring in fresh ideas and skills.

Before you employ someone, business.gov.au said you should make sure you are clear on: • The tasks you need the employee to do • The skills and qualifications they need to have • How long and how often you will need them for EG. full time or part time, a permanent or temporary position.

Of course, you will also need to understand your obligations and responsibilities as an employer. Details are included on the business.gov.au site.

Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC)

is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation established in 1996. CMRC is a leader in the provision of specialised support services to newly arrived migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants. CMRC works within a community capacity building framework to encourage individuals and multicultural communities to identify and address their own issues. It works in collaborative partnerships with a great number of agencies to provide services which have both an immediate and long term benefit for the community. CMRC employs over 60 full time, part-time and casual multi-lingual staff.