HR to Go

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Jun 2026

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About the show

HR to Go is your pocket-sized guide to Australian employment law and smart people management — brought to you by the experts at Effective Workplace Solutions (EWS). In each quick episode, we unpack real-life workplace issues, help you avoid costly mistakes, and give you practical tools to lead with confidence — without the jargon or overwhelm. Whether you’re navigating tricky staff situations, aiming to boost performance, or just trying to stay compliant (and out of court), this podcast travels with you — and talks straight. Real advice. Real stories. Real HR solutions. On the go.

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27 recent

June 2, 2026Episode 2732 min

Ep 27: HR Mythbusting - The HR Myths That Continue To Catch Employers Out

In this episode of HR2Go, Karen is joined by Greg Arnold, founder of Effective Workplace Solutions, to unpack some of the most common HR myths that continue to catch employers out. From “you need three warnings before termination” to “salaried staff don’t need timesheets” and “paying above award covers everything,” Karen and Greg explore why these assumptions are often incomplete, outdated or taken out of context. They discuss how workplace myths can spread through businesses, why relying on informal advice or “we’ve always done it this way” thinking can create real risk, and what employers need to consider when it comes to records, probation, resignations, serious misconduct, awards and performance conversations. This episode is a practical reminder that HR compliance is rarely about simple rules. Context, evidence, process and documentation matter.

March 27, 2026Episode 2645 min

Ep 26: Employee Benefits - The Costs Employers Often Overlook (And How to Get It Right)

Employee benefits can be a powerful way to attract and retain talent but they often come with costs employers don’t fully consider upfront. In this episode of HR2Go, Karen is joined by Matt Hardy (MRTG Taxes) to unpack the real cost of employee benefits, with a focus on Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and the governance required to manage it effectively. From company vehicles and hybrid work arrangements to gift cards and ad hoc perks, this conversation highlights where businesses can unintentionally create tax exposure, compliance risk and unnecessary cost. In this episode, we cover: What FBT is and why it’s often misunderstood How everyday benefits can trigger tax exposure Why policy, record keeping and consistency matter Practical ways to structure benefits to suit your business The importance of understanding the full cost upfront

February 17, 2026Episode 2539 min

Ep 25: Drug Testing at Work - Risk, Medicinal Cannabis & the Leadership Mindset Shift

Drug and alcohol testing is designed to reduce workplace risk — but is it enough? In this episode of HR2Go, Karen Arnold speaks with Associate Professor David Allen from Drug & Alcohol Solutions Australia about alcohol, drugs and impairment in Australian workplaces. They discuss: • Workplace drug testing and WHS obligations • The rise of medicinal cannabis prescriptions • Impairment vs trace detection • Policy clarity and the Sydney Trains case • Practical steps when an employee tests positive This conversation explores how employers can balance safety, fairness and wellbeing — while managing increasing regulatory and psychosocial risk. A must-listen for HR leaders, business owners and executives navigating workplace drug and alcohol policy in Australia. For tailored HR and employment advice, visit ewsolutions.com.au.

November 18, 2025Episode 2444 min

Ep 24: The HR End of Year Wrap Up: 2025’s Biggest Workplace Issues — with the EWS Team

In this special end-of-year roundtable, the EWS team sits down for a rapid-fire look back at the HR moments, surprises and challenges that defined 2025 — and what employers should be ready for in 2026. Karen is joined by Greg Arnold, Peter Norrie and Jane Van Gulick for a candid, insightful wrap-up of the year, including: The HR issues that just wouldn’t quit in 2025 The “oh no, not again” moments that kept landing on our desks Why reasonable management action remains one of the most misunderstood areas of workplace law The trends and legislative changes that made life easier… and the many that didn’t The most creative excuses employees tried this year (including a meth-contaminated Panadol story you won’t forget) The behaviours we’d ban from workplaces in 2026 The biggest misconceptions businesses still have about bullying, harassment and psychosocial safety 2025’s HR buzzwords — and whether we should keep or kill them We finish with the team’s predictions for 2026 and where businesses should be focusing their energy come January. If you want a real-world snapshot of Australian HR challenges — straight from the desks of practising consultants and employment law experts — this is the episode to queue up.

October 8, 2025Episode 2341 min

Ep 23: Psychosocial Hazards - The Hidden Risks Inside Every Workplace

Episode 23 – Psychosocial Hazards: The Hidden Risks Inside Every Workplace Not all workplace hazards wear high-vis. Some sit quietly in job descriptions, Zoom calls, and Monday morning meetings — until they start to cause real harm. In this episode of HR2GO, Karen Arnold is joined by Michelle from My Virtual Safety Manager to unpack the growing focus on psychosocial hazards in Australian workplaces. Together, they explore what these risks actually look like, why they matter, and how business owners can manage them without the jargon or overwhelm. You’ll learn: What counts as a psychosocial hazard (and how to spot early warning signs) Why mental health is now a compliance issue, not just a wellbeing one How to approach risk assessments and employee consultation with confidence The real-world business impacts of ignoring cultural and mental health risks Tune in for practical, plain-English insights to help you build safer, more respectful workplaces — and protect both your people and your business.

September 17, 2025Episode 2211 min

Ep 22: Management Vs Leadership - Why Businesses Need Both To Thrive

What’s the real difference between management and leadership—and why does it matter for your business? In this episode of HR2Go, Karen Arnold unpacks the myths, the habits, and the practical takeaways that separate task-focused management from people-focused leadership. You’ll hear why trust in managers is at an all-time low, the five leadership habits every workplace needs, and how simple shifts—like accountability, consistency, and regular check-ins—can transform culture and performance. Whether you’re a small business owner, HR professional, or team leader, this episode will help you balance structure with influence, and management with leadership, so your people and your business can thrive. 👉 Learn more about how EWS can support your business at ewsolutions.com.au.

August 22, 2025Episode 2134 min

Ep 21: You’re Hired — Please Wing It! Why Employee Onboarding Matters More Than You Think

Employee onboarding isn’t just a checklist — it’s the foundation for culture, compliance, and long-term success. In this episode of HR2Go, Karen Arnold is joined by Sarah Stone, Capability Strategist and Co-Founder of Linkable, to unpack the real cost of poor onboarding, the risks of relying on “tribal knowledge,” and what great onboarding looks like in 2025. From compliance safeguards to building trust and connection, you’ll discover practical steps every business can take to set new hires — and leaders — up for success.

July 22, 2025Episode 208 min

Episode 20: From Grassroots to Growth: Getting HR Right Without the Red Tape

When you’re a small team doing big things, HR can feel like the last thing on the list. In this episode of HR2Go, Karen chats with Tash from Aussie Helpers, a grassroots charity supporting farmers across Australia. Like many purpose-driven organisations, Aussie Helpers was growing fast — but their people processes hadn’t kept up. Tash shares how the fear of “corporate HR” gave way to something much more valuable: ✅ Less stress ✅ Faster onboarding ✅ Clearer staff conversations ✅ Real peace of mind “We didn’t know what we didn’t know.” “It’s not red tape — it’s relief.” “I wish we’d done it 12 months ago.” Listen in for a candid, down-to-earth conversation about how strong HR systems don’t have to be rigid — they can actually free your team up to focus on what really matters. 🎧 Episode Host: Karen Arnold 🌐 Learn more about Aussie Helpers: www.aussiehelpers.org.au 🛟 Get HR support tailored to your business: www.ewsolutions.com.au

June 17, 2025Episode 1924 min

Episode 19: Your Culture Is Costing You Talent - Leadership, Retention & the Hidden Risks of Compliance Gaps

What’s driving your staff turnover — and what can you do about it? In this episode of HR2Go, Karen Arnold sits down with Stephen Woods, Director of Employee Wellness Australia, to unpack the big themes from the Beyond Compliance event. From leadership blind spots to workplace wellbeing, they explore why ticking the compliance boxes isn’t enough — and how culture, communication, and capability are the real keys to employee retention. You’ll learn: Why strong leadership is your best risk strategy How poor culture silently drives turnover and burnout The real cost of losing great employees — and how to prevent it Practical tools like stay interviews and leadership programs that work Whether you're an HR leader, business owner, or people manager, this conversation will help you shift from reactive to high-performing — with a workplace culture that actually retains top talent. 🔗 Learn more about Employee Wellness Australia: employeewellnessaustralia.com.au 📞 Need support with HR or employment law? Visit ewsolutions.com.au

May 20, 2025Episode 1817 min

Episode 18: Payroll Mistakes Are Costly: What Every Australian Business Must Know About Wage Theft Laws in 2025

Worried about payroll compliance? You should be. In this episode of HR2Go, host Karen Arnold is joined by Senior Consultant Peter Norrie to unpack how even minor payroll mistakes can lead to massive financial penalties — and even criminal charges — under Australia’s updated wage theft laws from January 2025. We explore: What a payroll audit really involves Why 99% of audits uncover compliance issues Common award misinterpretations and payroll system errors Real-life cases of wage underpayment and the impact on business reputation Why overpayments can be just as risky as underpayments Practical steps to protect your business from legal risk Whether you're an SME owner, payroll manager or HR professional, this episode is a must-listen for staying compliant, building trust with staff, and avoiding the devastating fallout of getting it wrong. 🎧 Ready for a payroll health check? Visit ewsolutions.com.au to book a consultation. #PayrollAudit #WageTheft #FairWork #HRCompliance #SmallBusinessAustralia #HR2GoPodcast