Taking your staff out for a good time should seem like a simple enough task, but a staff party is still “work”, and your obligations don’t magically disappear just because you’re not on an actual work site. 

The promise of a new year brings with it the possibility of a fresh start, new beginnings and maybe new resolutions that may or may not last further that the 2^nd January!  

It’s also a busy time in recruitment as candidates start to re-think their priorities and whether they feel valued in their current jobs. 

If you run a business, do you think you have a good handle on what your team are looking for? 

Maybe they want a promotion or pay rise, a change in direction with their career or maybe (I hope not) they’re just not feeling appreciated enough to come back in the New Year. 

There are few things in life that can provide a bigger dopamine hit (the feel good hormone), than being told you’ve done a great job, reached your targets in good time, are a great team player or, any other part of your job you’ve done well at. Spreading out a bit of gratitude at the end of the year costs nothing compared to not letting your people know they’re appreciated which could potentially cost you a lot more in recruitment, stress, and lost productivity. 

Mental health is a critical part of overall well-being, yet many people hesitate to seek help. In New Zealand, initiatives like MentalHunts are helping reduce stigma and make support more accessible, particularly in communities where asking for help has traditionally been challenging. 

There's actually quite a lot to unpack on this subject, and pushing ego aside, let's focus on the raw human element. People will always remember how you make them feel! We know this, yet we can trip ourselves up sometimes when challenged with a difficult situation. For some people, empathy to others comes as second nature, and for others, maybe not so much. Identifying our strengths and weaknesses is really important here. Confidence will also play a major part, and for people with neurodivergence or learning disabilities, that may add another layer where conversing and comprehension could need support and patience. 

Winter bugs can hit small teams hard. This article explores practical, evidence-based ways to reduce the spread of illness in your workplace—saving time, money, and stress. From flexible sick leave to better ventilation and hygiene, learn how to keep your team healthy and your business running smoothly this winter.

HR and Health & Safety teams often operate in silos—but under New Zealand’s HSWA, they’re on the same team. This article explores how collaboration between HR and H&S can improve mental wellbeing, onboarding, performance management, and ultimately, workplace culture and safety. It’s time to stop sitting at separate lunch tables.

Understanding human reactions in crises—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—is vital for effective emergency response. Learn how to recognize these behaviors and support your team with tailored guidance, fostering calm and safety in high-pressure situations.

Let’s be honest—crises don’t RSVP. They don’t give you a polite heads-up before flipping your world upside down. One minute, business as usual. The next? Chaos.

When the unexpected happens, your team is looking to you. Will you be the calm, collected leader who guides them through the storm—or the deer in proverbial headlights?

Spoiler alert: Great crisis leadership isn’t about having all the answers in the moment. It’s about preparing ahead of time, so when the pressure’s on, you don’t make things worse.

Needing to re-enter the workforce after a break? It can be daunting to take that first step back and it’s common to second-guess your skills and experience. It’s important to remember, the life skills gained during time away are incredibly valuable and can be so transferable to the workplace.

To make the transition back to work smoother, there are several steps that can help. First and foremost, it’s important to identify your skills, consider the kind of employer you want to work for, determine how many hours you can manage, and reflect on the conditions that would help ease your return. Additionally, it’s crucial to know your “why.” For most, it’s a financial necessity. For others, it might be about seeking social interaction, personal growth, or a sense of belonging within a team.

The sad thing is there are no 'right' answers when it comes to depression, as everyone seems to have their own version of disappearing into the ‘kumara pit’ or being chased by ‘The Black Dog.’

The ideas in this document are not meant to replace seeing a GP, going to a counsellor, or contacting qualified mental health services.

Managing Winter Absenteeism: HR Tips for Snowy Seasons

Winter snow often increases staff absenteeism, making effective HR management crucial. Learn key strategies for handling absenteeism, managing medical certificates, and staying compliant with employment laws during peak snow seasons. Ensure your business navigates weather-related challenges smoothly with our expert HR insights.

"I would appreciate it if you could be more mindful of your words/actions. In other words, don’t be a sh*the@d.”

Magnum Hire learnt this the hard way. And, it was an expensive lesson: $137,463 plus bonus and holiday pay to be exact

The employment relations authority made it very clear that an owner/ director of a company is not allowed to create an unsafe workplace by yelling at and belittling managers to the point where they are suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, depression and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.