Work Wonders

Hosted by Aster HR

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Latest episode

Dec 2024

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EN-AU

About the show

Back in late 2021, we decided that instead of chatting to each other about the challenges and triumphs of people management in small businesses, we should invite you to join the conversation. And the Work Wonders podcast was born! Managing people is serious business. We bring you all the latest, practical advice without the pain. The podcast is brought to you by Aster HR https://www.asterhr.com.au/ and your hosts are Angela Gauci and Susan Rochester

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60 recent

December 22, 2024Episode 1014 min

Using HR Technology to Improve Employee Engagement

Send a textIn our final episode of our "engagement and retention" series, we also take a look at HR technology and how the right HR tech can enhance employee engagement and retention, or in some cases, hinder these efforts.Technology is rapidly transforming the way we manage people, from performance reviews to employee feedback. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right tools? And how can you ensure that technology is actually helping to build stronger relationships, rather than replacing them? We explore:how technology can help improve retention and engagementthe potential pitfalls of over-relying on techpractical tips for teams on getting the most out of their HR toolsYou can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

December 8, 2024Episode 926 min

Guest Interview: Divinia Eather from Eather Group

Send a textIt’s interview time again!In this episode, we spoke with Divinia Eather from Eather Group and it was a great discussion.Eather Group is a family business that has been innovating cost-effective, sustainable solutions to traditional construction issues for 14 years in Western Sydney. Divinia tells us about how their small business has grown from 2 trucks and just the business owner to today having a fleet of 20 trucks and more than 40 employees.They have a strong committment to diversity, equity and inclusion and Divinia shares how they have seen this translate to engagement and retention amongst their staff. They are proud to share: 38% of their staff are women25% of their staff are Indigenous100% of their staff are local to Western Sydney Eather Group are also the Winner of the 2024 Telstra Business Award for Indigenous Excellence, and Divinia shares a little about that journey. Follow Eather Group on LinkedIn hereFollow Eather Group on Facebook here You can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

December 1, 2024Episode 814 min

The role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in creating an engaged workplace

Send a textContinuing this season's theme of engagement and retention, in today's episode we explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and how it's essential for building an engaged, inclusive environment that not only makes employees feel valued but also improves retention.DEI isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a culture where everyone can thrive. Research shows that companies with strong DEI initiatives have higher retention rates and more engaged employees. We discuss:what is DEI why DEI matters how it links to employee engagement and loyaltypractical strategies for fostering an inclusive workplaceYou can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

November 24, 2024Episode 715 min

Career Growth - Investing in Employee Growth for Long-Term Retention

Send a textIn this episode we explore the link between offering career growth and development opportunities to your employees and long-term retention.Employees today expect more than just a paycheck—they’re looking for growth opportunities, new challenges, and the chance to advance in their careers. In fact, studies show that lack of career development is one of the top reasons people leave their jobs. So we will equip you with the tools to create these opportunities, even if you are a small business or have limited resources.You can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

November 17, 2024Episode 622 min

The link between Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Employee Loyalty

Send a textIn this episode, we discuss employee wellbeing and how it’s linked to mental health and employee loyalty. We explore the types of wellbeing initiatives companies are adopting, and how these efforts are directly influencing employee loyalty. In today’s competitive job market, loyalty is a two-way street, and investing in well-being can make all the difference in retaining your top talent so we also offer practical strategies for you to enhance or introduce wellbeing programs in your business. You can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

November 10, 2024Episode 515 min

How Hybrid and Remote Work Models are changing Engagement and Retention Strategies

Send a textIn this episode we discuss a topic that’s more relevant than ever—how hybrid and remote work models are reshaping engagement and retention strategies. With more companies embracing flexible work models, it’s crucial to understand how these changes are impacting employee engagement and how we can retain top talent in a virtual or hybrid world.The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work, and with this shift comes new challenges—and opportunities—for organizations to engage and retain their workforce. We explore:the impact of these work models on traditional engagement strategiesthe evolving expectations of employeesthe importance of trust and autonomy in remote environmentshow to create retention strategies that work for a dispersed workforceYou can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

November 3, 2024Episode 415 min

Building a Culture of Recognition and the impact on engagement

Send a textIn today's episode we’re exploring a crucial aspect of workplace culture—building a culture of recognition. Recognition is more than just a pat on the back—it’s a key driver of employee satisfaction and engagement. Whether you’re a leader, an HR professional, or someone passionate about creating a positive workplace, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand the power of recognition.We’ll cover:benefits of recognitionhow it impacts employee morale and retentionexplore different types of recognition programsoffer tips on how to integrate recognition into your daily operationsYou can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

October 27, 2024Episode 323 min

Guest Interview: Dr Belinda Chapman, Co-Founder of Quantal Bioscience

Send a textIt’s interview time again!In this episode, we spoke with Dr Belinda Chapman, Co-Founder and CEO of Quantal Bioscience and it was a great discussion. Quantal Bioscience is a private research laboratory focussed on doing good big things with tiny microbes, across the food, agriculture and education sectors. Belinda herself has more than 25 years’ experience as a research microbiologist, and has led, managed, developed and inspired small teams of 5-20 research scientists for most of the past 20 years, and in a range of workplaces, from state and federal government institutes to industry, large and small.Belinda opens up about her own journey of being a leader and comparing the difference between leading a team for a company you work for, and leading a team in your very own business. She also shares some great tips to improve engagement and retention in your workplace.Follow Quantal Bioscience's LinkedIn page hereFollow Quantal Bioscience's Facebook page here You can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

October 20, 2024Episode 224 min

Leadership’s Role in Retention - how it can either foster or hinder employee retention

Send a textIn this episode we explore how leadership influences employee retention. We discuss why retaining talent is so important, the role leaders play, and how different leadership styles can either keep your employees happy or push them away.We'll be breaking this down into three main sections: why retention mattershow leadership affects retention, and how each leadership style is differentshare strategies to help you keep your top talent engaged and committedYou can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.

October 14, 2024Episode 115 min

The Science of Engagement - Understanding what truly drives employee engagement

Send a textWelcome back to the Work Wonders Podcast! We are trying something new...in this season we will focus on engagement and retention and go into this topic in depth.In today's episode, we're exploring a topic that's crucial for every organisation—employee engagement. We’ll unpack what it is, why it’s so important, and how you can foster it in your workplace.We breaking this down into three main sections:defining employee engagementunderstanding its impact and exploring actionable strategies to boost itYou can find the show notes for this episode here Would you like to submit a question to the show? Let us know on our website or via LinkedIn.Brought to you by Aster HR, the Work Wonders Podcast is hosted by Angela Gauci & Susan Rochester and is recorded at Launch Pad at Western Sydney University.All information or advice included in this podcast is general, has been developed as a starting point for your business, and should be tailored to your specific requirements. It should not be considered legal advice. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information at the time of recording. However, references to things like employment laws are subject to change. For specific advice relating to your business, please get in touch with us.