As the year winds down, many businesses enter a quieter period. This end-of-year lull provides the perfect opportunity for both candidates and …

Are your team feeling the weight of a long and demanding year? Balancing projects, meeting deadlines, and managing personal commitments can lead to…

At this time of year, HR teams and business owners are navigating a delicate balance between wrapping up the current year and laying the groundwork…

As the end of the year approaches, many businesses are getting ready to celebrate the festive season and reflect on the year that was. Office …

In the quest for individual happiness, work plays a significant role. After all, the average person spends around one-third of their life at work, …

1:1 meetings are a cornerstone of effective management. These dedicated moments for managers and employees provide a consistent rhythm for …

In today’s fast-paced work environment, we’re all feeling the pressure. Deadlines are tighter, workloads are heavier, and the juggling act seems …

At BespokeHR, we’ve spent the last 15 years learning, evolving, and growing. Along the way, we've faced triumphs and trials that have shaped us …

In 2009, after receiving the prestigious Telstra Young, Private, and Overall SA Businesswoman of the Year awards, I made a bold decision that …

Managing team performance in today’s dynamic workplace has become increasingly challenging for business owners and leaders. As business owners and …

When we think about career advancement, the traditional image often involves climbing the corporate ladder to eventually manage a team. But here's …

Despite a stable labor market in South Australia, employers still face poor candidate behaviour. This unsettling trend raises questions about the …

As the workplace continues to evolve, business owners and employers are finding themselves at a crossroads with work-from-home (WFH) arrangements. …

In the ever-changing business landscape, the ability to navigate mental health challenges is crucial for both business owners and employees. …

Managing employee leave can feel overwhelming in the fast-paced business world, but staying on top of it is key to keeping your workplace …

As a business owner, it's easy to let self-care fall by the wayside while juggling endless tasks and responsibilities. But looking after your …

The importance of mental health in the workplace cannot be overstated in the fast-paced and competitive business landscape. A mentally healthy …

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, one constant remains: the importance of a motivated and engaged workforce. Companies around the globe …

In today’s fast-paced job market, employees are seeking more than just a weekly pay packet. They want a holistic and meaningful work experience …

Team meetings are meant to be a hotbed for creativity and collaboration, but they often end up being perceived as time-wasters by employees. If …

In the realm of Human Resources and team management, few tools are as effective in fostering collaboration, trust, and communication as team …

In today's fast-paced professional world, continuous growth and development are not just desirable—they are essential. Regardless of skill level, …

In the bustling environment of today’s workplaces, mental health can often take a backseat to pressing deadlines and ambitious goals. However, as …

In today's fast-paced business environment, agility is paramount. One of the most effective ways to foster agility is by building a robust feedback…

As businesses navigate an ever-evolving marketplace, strategic workforce planning has never been more critical. Companies must drive efficiency and…

As leaders, we know that a motivated team is a productive team. However, finding the right strategies to keep your team inspired and driven can …

Performance reviews often get a bad rap. Seen by many as merely administrative formalities or dreaded by employees and managers alike, these …

In the world of management, clarity is king. Without clear directions, even the most talented teams can flounder, unsure of priorities, …

Performance reviews are a critical part of employee management and can significantly influence the morale, productivity, and retention of your …

In the vibrant tapestry of a team, each thread – or team member – contributes to the strength and beauty of the whole. However, just as a single …

In the intricate dance of teamwork, where diverse talents and personalities converge to achieve common goals, people often view harmony and …

In the realm of team dynamics and performance, having the right mix of individuals is more akin to art than science. Each team member brings their …

In the vast sea of leadership theories and practices, certain timeless traits stand out as markers of effective leadership. Among these, the …

In the world of business today, leadership capability frameworks have become an indispensable tool in driving organisational success. These …

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the alignment of organisational structure with business strategy and objectives has emerged as a …

In an era of unprecedented change and complexity, the demand for strong leadership has never been more important. As businesses, governments, and …

In the dynamic landscape of business, the daily challenges of managing people can be overwhelming. Reacting to day-to-day issues often takes …

As we reflect on the challenges of the past year, one recurring theme stands out – the impact of stress, burnout, and distractions on both managers…

Last month, we delved into the importance of clarifying your people priorities. This month, we're shifting our focus to a more personal sphere. …

In today’s competitive and fast-moving employment landscape, personal development has become a non-negotiable aspect of professional success. …

In this fast-paced world, the allure of "shiny objects" presents a constant challenge. Whether it's the latest trends, cutting-edge technologies, …

As we boldly step into 2024, it's not just individuals who should be contemplating resolutions and priorities; organisations too can benefit from …

As we step into the dawn of 2024, leaders find themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving landscape, shaped by the lessons learned and …

Last month, we explored the importance of emotional regulation for managers in creating a positive workplace culture. This month, we delve into the…

Sam had always been an ambitious entrepreneur. With a knack for numbers and a vision to make an impact, he established his accounting firm, …

In today's fast-paced business landscape, standing still is not an option. Both innovation and continuous improvement are essential for businesses …

In the modern-day workplace, emotional regulation plays a pivotal role in promoting a harmonious and productive atmosphere. It's not uncommon for …

This is an open letter to managers and business owners. As we navigate the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, its financial strain …

In recent times, as HR professionals, we've borne witness to a concerning trend. A rising number of new candidates and hires, brimming with …

Change is an inevitable force in today's fast-paced business landscape. Whether it's a shift in how an organisation operates or a complete overhaul…

'Tis the season to be... absolutely terrified of HR mishaps? For managers, the Christmas period can be like walking through a winter wonderland …

The day began like any other for Pete. As the manager of a team of twelve, he had grown accustomed to the sounds of keyboards clattering, phones …

"Coaching is unlocking a person's potential to grow." This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the essence of coaching in the realms of …

As a seasoned professional in leadership, workplace culture, HR, Recruitment, and Learning & Development, I have seen firsthand the importance …

In the realm of leadership, the choice between wielding power and harnessing influence can make all the difference in building an engaged, …

From 1 August 2023, the entitlement of 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave introduced under the Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family …

There is clearly something in the air at the moment as we are seeing more unrest, exhaustion, short fuses, lack of accountability and quick to …

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, successful leaders are no longer solely defined by their authority and hierarchical power. Instead,…

John had been managing a small team of five for the past year, and he was proud of what they had accomplished together. They had delivered several …

I am thrilled to share with you our brand new, shiny auditing tool which we have spent the last few months researching, refining and developing as …

Trust is the invisible thread that weaves together the fabric of a thriving workplace. It forms the foundation of healthy relationships between …

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, successful leaders are no longer solely defined by their authority and hierarchical power. Instead,…

Performance reviews allow us to evaluate our employee’s progress, identify areas for improvement and support their ongoing development. However, …

Probationary periods are a valuable tool for employers to assess the skills, work ethic, and fit of new hires. However, managing employees on …

American entrepreneur and author, John C. Maxwell once said — "Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life …

It’s the kind of scenario that nightmares are made of (for managers).  What do you do when a crisis hits your organisation, and the buck …

This month we’re taking a deep dive into leadership and answering the question — “how do I become a great leader, and how do I not only lead …

While economists are still forecasting that Australia will avoid a recession this year, we have definitely started to see redundancies extending …

Goal setting is an important aspect of personal and professional development. While SMART goals are a widely used framework for setting and …

Being a manager is not an easy job, especially when it comes to managing conflicting priorities. With so many things to juggle and limited time, it…

As a manager, you have a lot on your plate. From overseeing multiple projects and teams to communicating with clients and stakeholders, it can be …

Inspiration /ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃn/  A feeling or experience that motivates, encourages, or stimulates creativity, imagination, or productivity. It …

So you think you’re doing all of the right things.  You pay your staff really well. You provide an office space that is light and airy, …

When it comes to disengaged workplaces and staff exits, a factor often overlooked is authentic, purposeful connection. 75% of people who …

Are you noticing that people in your organisation aren't performing as well as they used to? It can be frustrating trying to figure out why this …

Don’t sweat the tough stuff!Does having tough conversations and providing feedback as a manager instantly make you sweat under the collar? The …

As a manager, effective communication is essential for providing feedback to your team. Not only does clear and effective communication help you …

At Bespoke HR we say — "Treat people not how you want to be treated, but how they want to be treated". Although we think we should treat others how…

Communication in the workplace can make or break an employee’s experience. It can be the difference between making a high performer leave a …

Our last two blogs provided ways to set up your 2023 for success. This blog will focus on setting a dedicated business planning day, which will…

In our last blog we focused on preparing your team for success in 2023, now it is time to consider the new business trends that might affect …

With 2023 already upon us, the month of January always provides a great opportunity to focus our attention on the year to come. Regardless of …

In our last blog you reflected from an individual perspective, now its time to consider your team. How did your team perform this year? Did you have…

December has arrived. And what a crazy year have we have all had. Personally and professionally.  And now is the time as we head to the end …

Our last two blogs have been about reflection. This one will get you facing forward and focusing on the future. You don’t always have to think …

According to the HR Australian Institute, HR mechanisms and having robust systems in place can have just as much of an impact on retention as …

This month we have been discussing retention and reward in workplaces, especially geared towards post-pandemic climates.  “If you don’t want …

What actually makes a person want to stay at a workplace? Free lunches? Beanbags? Flexible working? Great pay?  No.  They may certainly …

This month we’ve been talking about the ‘R’ word — retention. Our clients are currently sharing stories and challenges of not only attracting great …

The leader steers the ship. Most often when we’re discussing leadership it’s generally in a loose and sweeping metaphorical sense, but in today’s …

“So here’s what you do, right?” an enthusiastic Tik Toker mockingly whispers down the barrel of a camera. “Just rock up to work. Do the BARE a** …

Does your workplace suffer from incidental burnout and pressure? Are you spotting those that are chameleon-like — stressed and on the verge of …

We’ve already established that mental health, stress and burnout can be multi-faceted and often complex. However, there are a range of preventative …

Hi Bespokers, This month we are showcasing R U OK? Day and encouraging opening up conversations within our workplaces. Do you have the …

Ok, so I’ll admit it. The world of HR isn’t always a walk in the park. With hairy topics like: Holding onto star employees (while dealing with …

With policies and procedures for everything and now 5 generations potentially in one workplace, humanising your workplace has never been more …

If I were a potential candidate looking to work for your company, what does your Employer Brand – and particularly your digital presence say about …

Ensuring your HR Policies and Procedures are up to date and compliant has never been more important than it is now.  The start of a new …

As the economy continues to fight against a second wave of COVID, businesses are still being challenged in ways that could either make or break …

“My top performer is already on the highest salary bracket and still wants more. How do I keep them?” So you have a high …

We enter performance review season with the best of intentions. And despite the typical resistance from employees (ranging from mild anxiety to …

Is there still a place in today’s ever-connected world for the annual performance review? Many high-profile companies — like Adobe, GE, Accenture, …

A great way to search for talent in 2022 is online. However, does this stand for executive leadership positions? We have found some of our best …

So you’ve found a fantastic executive leader and you’re ready to start putting some offers on the table. Here are a few things to keep in mind when …

This month we will discuss how to hire for executive leadership positions. This approach may look very different to your standard role hires and …

Leadership and business ownership go hand in hand. It is important for any business to have strong leadership skills.  Every person may have …

This month’s theme is centered around aligning your people with your business. We all know that your people are what can make or break your …

From the weird, to the wacky, to the common questions, I feel confident in saying there hasn’t been a question that I haven’t come across in the …

A new month, new Bespoke HR theme!  This month we’re running Business Bootcamp. This is a series that will uncover some of the ‘makes’ and …

So you’re ready to get started in transforming your culture. You, my friend, have come to the right place.  Here are the stages we guide and …

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been learning about the multitude of challenges managers face on a day to day basis.  The Bespoke HR team of …

Communication is key when it comes to being a great manager. The simplest of interactions and conversations have the power to empower and engage …

Tried and tested conversation starters and strategies for being a likeable and empowering manager Last week we shared a range of examples of what …

Tried and tested conversation starters and strategies for being a likeable and empowering manager This month we will be focusing on a series around…

One of our signature templates that have been as popularly requested with our clients as hot potatoes, is our Culture Code document (which we guide …

It seems that ‘culture’ has become quite the buzz word, and it can easily be misinterpreted based on what the media and Silicon Valley has to say …

You can do everything in your power to try and cultivate a thriving and happy workplace culture, however are these secret and often undetected …

And just like that, we’re into the second month of 2022. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?  This month we will be focusing on providing you…

January is often the time for planning, team days, goal setting and setting up for the year ahead.  What process do you use to set yourself up…

According to leading research and insights firm Gartner, the top priorities for business owners and HR specialists in 2022 are shifting to meet …

In late 2021, recruitment began to pick up again after a dip in requirements due to uncertainty from the pandemic. However, since this increase, …

So… how was your 2021? It was an extremely challenging year for many, and although we thought we’d seen the end of pandemic-related challenges at …

What a year 2021 has been with so many highs and lows. Reflecting back on the last day of the year, I thought I would share 7 key people themes and …

First of all, I would like to say a big thank you! 2021 has been craaazy and we couldn’t have done it without the support and love from our amazing…

We know most of you at the moment are looking forward to a well-deserved break, and some will also be working through for the month of December in …

We absolutely honor the attitude of appreciation at this time of year. How can you show your team your gratitude for what they’ve achieved this …

Can you believe we have all survived yet another crazy year? Whew! With all the ups and downs, people need effective leaders now more than ever. …

As we end the year 2021, it’s that time of year where HR professionals are getting ready for 2022 and starting to draft and align their internal …

Many business owners set out with the intention of being successful. However, how do we really define success?  One could assume that small …

With COVID-19 impacting so many businesses in 2020 and 2021, many were able to adapt and shift their mindset in how they operated.  According …

First impressions last - even more so for a potential new employee in their first three months in a new role.  Sometimes it’s the simple …

And just like that, 2021 is almost finished!  We have definitely conquered some crazy obstacles this year and juggled different tasks all at …

For the month of October, we have shared and discussed how critical transformation and innovation is in every business.  Certainly, the …

It seems easy to say “Hey! We want to innovate,” but sometimes it can feel as daunting as jumping off a cliff and building an aeroplane along the …

Implementing and fostering innovation can sometimes be easier said than done.  Being somewhat subjective, and doing things that appear to be …

It’s safe to say that 2020 and 2021 have been disruptive years for business owners. Trying to manage and lead a business through financially …

We’ve already established that mental health, stress and burnout can be multi-faceted and often complex.  However the positive of this is that…

Does your workplace suffer from incidental burnout and pressure? Are you spotting those that are chameleon-like — stressed and on the verge of …

In a recent report published by the Network of Workplace Health Promotion (NWHP), it’s been identified that more companies are beginning to realise …

It would be no surprise to hear that the most common request for support I’ve had from clients is based around mental health at the moment.  …

Simon Sinek once said “There are only two ways to influence human behavior: you can manipulate it or you can inspire it.” Creating an incentive …

              I recently had a client share a story (that is oh, so familiar!) about one of her new …

Picture this scenario. ‘Amy’ has worked for the ‘Sunnyvale Law firm’ for ten years.  She regularly puts in overtime hours, delivers …

We all want our staff to be happy and content at work, however some workplace cultures might just not be the right fit for someone, no matter how …

With a high level of external stress being echoed around the world with the pandemic, it is becoming evident this distress is beginning to take its …

If I said to most people, “can I give you some feedback”, sadly most people will automatically think they are about to be told off. That might be …

This week’s blog will focus on providing leaders with helpful tips and activities to help keep collaboration and connection alive within a team …

Our topic of the month for July has centred around effective leadership, clear communication and using the CPQQRT (Context, Purpose, Quality, …

It is no secret that open, transparent and constructive communication is the key to any successful relationship. Whether we are talking about …

“Self-development is invaluable to not only ensure your own success, but it also enables us to develop others.” – John Maxwell It’s easy to get …

Do you have a workplace where people can provide feedback in a trusting and safe environment where feelings aren’t hurt, productivity isn’t …

The end of the financial year is only weeks away. This time of year usually signifies the end of another year of performance, and therefore the need…

Of course, both parties in a hiring situation hope for the best: That is…the new employee will love their job and fit well with the rest of the …

Your standards define how your company works, which in turn builds trust in your brand. These can be guidelines that describe quality, performance, …

By now, we are all familiar with the contrary belief that the Onboarding process should  not start on the first day of a new job. Onboarding begins …

  In today’s time, the common workplace moves faster and demands more. Hitting us with COVID-19, we have witnessed the importance of culture, …

Providing a positive onboarding experience builds the productivity of your new hires, reduces employee turnover, and promotes a positive company …

As a leader or a Business owner.  Do you ever stop and wonder, how employees are speaking about their experiences with your organisation and …

Imagine the perfect person for your team is looking for a new job… They’re after something different. They want to contribute and be a part of …

If you haven't noticed, candidates are interviewing you more than you are interviewing them.  So, what makes your company a great place to …

Have you noticed that recruitment is getting harder?  Most businesses that have been through a successful recruitment process will tell you that it…

Let’s imagine I hold in my hand a magic wand. And because you’re one of my favourites, I’m going to wave my magic wand… And award your business an…

By the way – we now have a monthly Bespoker Toolkit Program where we drip feed one super useful tool a month with a live online coaching of the tool…

By the way – we now have a monthly Bespoker Toolkit Program where we drip feed one super useful tool a month with a live online coaching of the tool…

By the way – we now have a monthly Bespoker Toolkit Program where we drip feed one super useful tool a month with a live online coaching of the tool…

By the way – we now have a monthly Bespoker Toolkit Program where we drip feed one super useful tool a month with a live online coaching of the tool…

This month we are focusing on Leadership!   By the way – we now have a monthly Bespoker Toolkit Program where we drip feed one super useful …

What if I asked you to rate your workplace culture? Where would your company sit? Are your employees thriving in their roles, committed to a …

It’s easy to see why HR can seem kind of intimidating. And why many business owners put off digging into their HR processes and structures (often …

To attract the best talent, your company culture needs to stand out. Never has it ever been more difficult to find the right people for your …

This month we are talking about Workplace Culture and Employer Brand.  “Culture is to recruiting as product is to marketing.” – HubSpot’s …

For many people mid January is the return back to work after the Christmas break.  Following a long prior year of COVID related constraints …

Often as part of a new year start, we have employers come back and want to do some cool new things with their team which is awesome but what we …

After a year of planning or responding to what could go wrong (either intentionally or by necessity), I thought it would be great to start our first…

Wow – what a year!  As we come to the end of the year we just wanted to say thank you.  Thank you for supporting us.  Thank you …

While these trends were already starting to become big issues, this year has certainly magnified them.  Having a position or plan on where …

David Morrison’s “the Standard you walk past is the Standard you accept” is perhaps one of my favourite quotes of all time.  Why? Because it …

At the moment, we are seeing a real difference between Employers who have a strong values driven business and those who don’t.  Those who do, …

As most teams are now starting to head back to work, we thought this month we would focus on the broader topic of ‘Humanising the Workplace’.  …

With policies and procedures for everything and now 5 generations potentially in one workplace, humanising your workplace has never been more …

To be fair to both sides, we are covering this for both parties.  If you have held a number of interviews or been a candidate going for …

Now more than ever, candidates are interviewing employers in the same way, employers are interviewing candidates.  How employers respond, will…

What are your favourite questions to ask in an interview? Have you got your favourite ones documented? Finding the right person to join your …

If I were a potential candidate looking to work for your company, what does your Employer Brand – and particularly your digital presence say about …

Whether you are flat chat in business or not as busy and hustling at the moment…..one consistent theme that is coming through loud and clear right …

According to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it’s estimated that 45 percent of …

Now more than ever, the ability to connect with your team is absolutely essential. Getting to know your team well, what they like/don’t like, what …

Does your organisation have a Mental Health Plan? Not yet? Don’t worry – we have found an awesome tool that can fix that quick smart.  Ok, I get a …

Hey Bespokers, After some extremely positive feedback from our last 6 week Management Accelerator Program, we are running another one starting on …

Hi Bespokers, This month we are showcasing R U OK? Day and encouraging opening up conversations within our workplaces. Do you have the feeling …

Ok, so I’ll admit it. The world of HR isn’t always a walk in the park. With hairy topics like: Holding onto star employees (while dealing with …

If you’ve been following my Workplace Culture articles this month, by now I’m sure you’re getting how important team culture is. Not just to the …

So you want your team to work for more than a paycheck, enjoy coming to work and rave about how fantastic it is working for your company? These are …

What if I asked you to rate your workplace culture? Where would your company sit? Are your employees thriving in their roles, committed to a …

Ok so now you have your personal vision, do you have a clear company vision? A good company vision defines your company and, more importantly, its …

You guessed it! It’s time to pull out your notebook again. For the next 12 months to be impactful and the year you’re hoping and dreaming for, we …

How’s your week going? Have you had a chance to complete last week’s exercises? In case you haven’t done the 10-minute exercises, you can find …

As we head into the beginning of the new financial year, what a great time to reflect and refocus. Reflect on what we loved, what worked and what …

Hey Bespokers,    Well, we can definitely say this year, has been one of the most interesting end of financial years that we have had for …

As we are heading to the ‘traditional’ performance review period – how will your organisation handle them this year? Will you still have them, …

Has our traditional workplace changed forever? Now that we have had a taste of working from home, zoom meetings (instead of face to face client …

Let’s imagine I hold in my hand a magic wand. And because you’re one of my favourites, I’m going to wave my magic wand… And award your business …

Here’s an old Zen story. A student said to Master Ichu, “Please write for me something of great wisdom.” Master Ichu picked up his brush and wrote …

We know innovation is critical to staying competitive, particularly at the moment. ‘Disrupt’, ‘pivot’, ‘innovation’, ‘think tank’ are all terms…

No doubt by now your inbox and social media is being filled email titles of ‘urgent’, ‘read this’, ‘COVID-19 important information’ and you are …

While there are certainly lots of positive things coming out of this challenging time such as businesses getting better at building flexible …

COVID-19 has definitely impacted our day to day lives and in particularly, the way we do business. Not too dissimilar to the GFC and other …

DISCLAIMER: Domestic, sexual and family violence can be a complex, and extremely serious situation for individuals. It is important you seek …

The biggest economic package in Australian history has been passed and the JobKeeper payment will flow. The Morrison government legislated its …

Hi Bespokers, During this time of uncertainty, many have been left without income, jobs, and high levels of stress due to circumstances beyond …

Disclaimer – The above information provided is general in nature and does not constitute specific or legal advice. Information on COVID-19 is …

Hi Bespokers, As always, Mental Health is a critical issue for everyone to be aware of. With a total disruption to many workplaces, livelihoods, …

After one of the hardest hit weeks we’ve seen for businesses in the last few decades, it has been a week challenging grit, resilience, determination…

During these unprecedented and everchanging times, more teams are working from home or remotely to comply with social distancing advice.  …

Hi Bespokers, With the impacts of the spread of COVID-19 now affecting all our workplaces more and more, we are providing some further useful …

With a total travel ban announced this morning with travellers advised to return immediately home, along with a mandatory 14 day quarantine period …

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has addressed the nation on current restrictions announced to prevent the spread of COVID-19   Here are the key …

In 2018, Australia’s population grew to 23.4 million with extensive immigration making up those numbers. With strong British colonisation and …

This month we’re covering a range of cyber issues, and how social media is being used - or abused in the workplace. From employees wasting away …

Hi Bespokers, Over the last few weeks, Bespoke HR has been inundated with requests for information on how to handle the current alert of …

won't you celebrate with me what I have shaped into a kind of life? I had no model. born in Babylon both nonwhite and woman what did I see to …

Although not as dramatic as cyber scams, identity theft and other cybersecurity topics we’ve covered the last month, the following issue can have …

It’s 11am on a Monday morning. The day has been going swimmingly, and you’re feeling like business is going well. You had your best week of sales …

This month we’re covering cyber safety and other issues that arise from doing business in a digitally dominant world. A costly mistake that …

  Happy February! We hope you have set your dream team and started to make big moves for this year. Your goals should be written down by now,…

As business owners, you may have your staff and team ready to go, but where do YOU go for coaching, support and ongoing training? Build your …

According to The Harvard Business Review, a gifted mathematician was hired by a large organisation to come up with a sophisticated formula for …

What stressed you out in 2019? Chances are, it stressed a lot of other business owners out as well, so you are definitely NOT alone. Here are the …

Happy 2020! From all of the team at Bespoke HR, we hope you had a relaxing and well deserved rest over the Christmas and New Year period.  …

We’d like to take this chance to send all of our beloved clients, friends and colleagues a Happy Christmas and New Year.  In the spirit of staying …

As we’re beginning to wrap up the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how your business has performed, and where you want to head in the …

How did we get to this time of year again? If you’re feeling anything like me, it’s been a whirlwind of a year, and has flown by oh-so fast.  …

As we have mentioned in previous blogs about leadership, your staff can only perform as well as the best leader within your organisation (to learn …

We all have the best of intentions when trying to empower staff.  However, what if in trying to empower them is actually having a negative effect, …

There are many factors that can contribute to staff feeling a sense of empowerment in their work. However, following on from last week’s blog and …

“Empowerment is more than giving people additional responsibility - to be empowered, people need to feel empowered.”  -Matthew Nash, Leadership …

Differing from sceptics or cynics, being productively paranoid encourages you to look at your environment, rivals, industry, trends, new legislation…

What you measure is what you grow. If you can’t measure, you can’t manage. As business owners, we know how important performance metrics and …

In uncertain situations, companies that thrive as those companies who are seriously disciplined in business practice. But what does that actually …

Hi Bespokers, We have a brand spanking new blog series for you to follow on from our leadership series.  This month, we’re going to share with you…

With rapidly changing technology, leadership requirements and the need for upskilling in new industries over the next decade, what role with HR play…

The world is under a constant change that has always been hard to chase. As it evolves, everything else does. Meanwhile, the workplace has yet to …

As we experience changing times, both managers and leaders are required in organisations to ensure that both vision and execution across teams is …

Following on from last week’s blog regarding vast changes for leaders and organisations, what skills do leaders need to look for in staff in the …

A new month, a new blog series. The workforce in 2025 This month we're covering leadership and it's role in navigating the changes in the workforce …

DISCLAIMER: We are sharing common problems our clients experience. BespokeHR are not mental health or medical practitioners and any advice provided …

DISCLAIMER: We are sharing common problems our clients experience. BespokeHR are not mental health or medical practitioners and any advice provided …

DISCLAIMER & TRIGGER WARNING: We are sharing common problems our clients experience. BespokeHR are not mental health or medical practitioners …

DISCLAIMER: We are sharing common problems our clients experience. BespokeHR are not mental health or medical practitioners and any advice provided …

*Photo credit: The Black Dog Institute DISCLAIMER: We are sharing common problems our clients experience. BespokeHR are not mental health or …

This month we’ll be covering a critical issue that is all-consuming and a common challenge in workplaces which is becoming more, and more apparent -…

Ahhh... the stress complaint.  Sometimes it can cause you just as much stress as the employee that’s made the claim.  According to Fair Work, …

I’ve got to say… actually paying people correctly is incredibly complex particularly if covered under awards. Even with HR and with legal …

We hope you got some interesting insights out of last week’s blog. Did it make you reflect? Did you take out your contracts and have a look at …

This month we're going to be talking about common employee blowouts. DISCLAIMER: We are sharing common problems our clients experience. BespokeHR …

Last week in our blog, we looked at how to turn poor performance into powerful feedback.  We’ve also looked this month at leadership traits, …

This month we're talking all about toxic cultures, and this week’s topic is a doozy… It’s easy to spot poor performance… deadlines not being met, …

They say you can’t have a great business without great leaders. Those who are at the top can strengthen a team and lead them to the greatest of …

We all know that when you build a great culture, it can be powerful and productive for everyone who is involved with your business. We know all of…

For our last week discussing overwhelm and how it impacts work, we’ll cover my top 5 techniques you can use to step in and help ease that stress for…

If you're the boss (or manager) and you're running around feeling completely overwhelmed... It's more than likely that the feeling is trickling …

As we continue our month-long focus on stress and feeling overwhelmed at work, we will focus this week on tips for what you can do at home to help …

If feeling overwhelmed and stressed seems to be the new norm for you, you’re not alone. It’s part of the cultural phenomenon that places “being …

We’ll finish our month on recruitment with a topic that doesn’t often get covered: The dos and don’ts of interviews for employers. There are loads…

Because we know how important recruitment is in shaping your business, we’re sticking with this topic and covering various aspects of each it …

The last couple of weeks we’ve covered what costly mistakes to avoid during the recruitment process (because no one likes to lose money!) and how to…

Do you feel queasy at the thought of starting yet another recruitment process? Drafting ads Putting it on job boards Getting inundated with …

More than 90% of the time when we talk with clients about why they hate recruitment, they say: “I’ve been burnt in the past, and it cost me time …

As we continue our discussion about diversity, we need to look around us and figure out how diversity stacks up in our own country and how Australia…

Having just recently celebrated International Women’s Day, hopefully, diversity should be hot on your radar with recent tags such as #Balance for …

Diversity is more than just a buzzword. It’s more than just something you put on your website or in your brochures. You can’t just make sure there…

Workplace diversity is far from a new topic, but it is one that continues to evolve. So we will be devoting this month to it, including: What is …

After talking about all the great perks businesses like Google and Virgin Atlantic offer employees, your average business owner might be feeling a …

Every business owner wants to hear the words, “I love working here,” from employees. Happy employees make the best staff they work hard, usually …

Not unlike the heart in your body, the HR foundations set the pace and pump blood throughout the company. But instead of beating actual blood, it’s …

We’re going to take this month to begin introducing the topics that we cover much more in-depth in our 90-day program. We’ll first start by …

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SOME CONTROVERSIAL POINTS. The excited rush of nerves during the early days of a relationship is not all that …

Do you ever: Feel overwhelmed when comparing yourself to others? Look for fast-track schemes, products or tools? Get distracted….doing things…

According to The Harvard Business Review, a gifted mathematician was hired by a large organisation to come up with a sophisticated formula for …

Have you ever sat in your office thinking about how you get on so much better with certain staff members than others? Or that some of your …

Welcome back from your holidays! I hope you had an awesome break. While you’re trying not to type 2018 on meeting dates, how do you feel as you …

I wanted to cap off 2018 by taking a moment to say thank you. Thank you for reading our emails, blog or LinkedIn articles—however you get our …

It’s the holidays, and while most people want to spend time decking the halls, jingling all the way and fa-la-la-la-ing, for business owners and …

December has arrived, whether you like it or not. I swear...where did November go? Not only does it mean the holidays are upon us, but the calendar…

All month we’ve been talking about working and owning a business with your partner—from what issues to watch for to how to handle whoever takes the …

When partners own a business together and are working together to raise a family, based on their career backgrounds, the male may take on the top …

This month we are covering working with your partner - what happens when she is on top, what happens when he is on top (or one party on top of the …

It’s not unusual for people to meet, fall in love and tie the knot through working at the same place. It’s also not unusual for spouses to decide to…

  We are taking a break from our usual fodder to gauge how the readers of our blog feel about the topics we’ve been covering, and get a few …

Almost every person who works in an office environment anywhere in the world experiences backbiting. Backbite, verb. To say mean or spiteful …

If you are starting to see a trend of people leaving without a ‘real’ reason, it is definitely time to start to investigate why. A likely culprit …

The rumblings start innocently enough—a few people griping about a people problem within a project. But make no mistake, these vent sessions can …

No matter where you work—unless you happen to be a company of one—there’s going to be office politics. Big or small, every organisation deals with …

If you don’t think it’s important that your employees understand, and hopefully even stand behind, what your business does, then you miss out on …

As a HR/People and Productivity consultant, I quickly determine how high performing an organisation is by asking team members four simple questions.…

Good managers already know one-on-one meetings play an important role in employees’ performance and results. Great managers already hold these …

It’s Monday morning. You’re sipping your coffee, catching up on email and then it hits you: it’s time for the weekly meeting. Eye roll. Grab your …

2016 Australian of the Year and Chief of Army Lieutenant General David Morrison famously used the line, “The standard you walk past is the standard …

Of course, both parties in a hiring situation hope for the best: The new employee will love his or her job, fit in perfectly with the rest of the …

Do you have a vacancy now or will shortly and feel a headache come on if you think about going through the recruitment process? Lots of business …

Knock, knock. One of your employees pops in and wants to have “a chat”... Immediately launching into a rehearsed speech about why he or she …

All month we’ve talked about setting yourself, the business and your team up for success—from defining what success means to you personally to …

We all know it’s hard to achieve business success alone. Whether you own your business, manage a team or even supervise a small department, you …

Welcome back! We hope you’re coming along with us to further understand how to plan and, ultimately, achieve your version of success. We’ve talked …

So, you know what you want. Now, you need to figure out what you need to achieve from a business perspective to reach these goals. It’s time to …

As you look forward to starting a new financial year, it’s the perfect time to take a look at goals for the next year. For most people, they’d …

In 2000 Helen Hunt starred against Mel Gibson in Nancy Meyer's hit movie What Women Want. The story sets up when Mel Gibson's character Nick falls …

At one point or another, all great performers struggle with motivation. Volleyball players, musicians, chefs, chemists, business owners, and …

Looking for an easy way to build relationships with your employees and increase retention? Consider conducting stay interviews. What’s a stay …

You’ve probably heard about the perks of working at Google: Free lunches, exceptional workout facilities, nap pods, and on-site massage therapists …

If you’ve ever owned a vehicle, you’re probably familiar with hidden costs. You make your car payment. Then you pay for car insurance. And yearly…

If you're anything like most successful leaders, you might often think to yourself: I know I’m a great leader and business owner, so why do some of…

Tell me if this sounds familiar... You’ve been trying to take your business to the next level. You're working harder than anyone you know. You’re…

An unhealthy workplace is problematic… for many reasons. It harms the wellbeing of your employees It reduces the quality and speed of work It…

“Culture is to recruiting as product is to marketing.” - HubSpot’s Culture code Let me ask you a question... ... And I want you to answer …

It's true. Offshore teams can buy you more time to focus on the important strategic work... They can inject your business with valuable skills …

A few weeks ago, a colleague asked me what roles are best to keep in-house. Which gave me the chance to think about which roles are ideal for …

Here's a stupidly simple reminder for you...  Successful team building 101: Define leadership strategy (long-term goals, culture, values, etc.) …

As our highly connected world and digital economy expands, teams across oceans are becoming more and more common. Today businesses are hiring …

On behalf of my team and I, we would like to say a big THANK YOU to our clients, friends, supporters and suppliers for all of your support over the …

Leading without knowing how your employees perceive you is kind of like walking around with spinach in wedged in your teeth — and no-one telling you…

Brace yourself for a harsh truth. If you don’t approach each day with great leadership habits, no one’s going to see you as a great leader. …

Have you ever thought about what your leadership style is? If you haven't—or just want to learn more—this week's article is for you. We'll review …

Understanding what you stand for as a leader can make a big difference. Both for you, and for your team. Without a clear leadership vision, many …

Have you ever met someone from a group or demographic that you didn’t know much about? Maybe it made you feel a little uneasy. Or maybe you were …

Last week we talked about Gen X, and before that, we talked about the Baby Boomers. This week, we’ll discuss Generation Y, also known as the …

You probably already know that different generations operate differently in the workplace. You might know this from personal experience or from …

Do you remember the very first day of your very first job? Chances are you do. And where you started in the work world probably played a role in …

Company A and Company B both have great leaders. But Company A is seeing increased results, while Company B is stagnating. What’s the difference? …

In Jeff Goins’ best-selling book The Art of Work he describes our lives as the “whole body of work you make — including your job, your …

Yes, its possible: You can fail a performance review, even if you're the one RUNNING it! While there's many positive approaches to performance …

The calibre of your employees’ performance impacts each part of your business. From day-to-day tasks to bigger decisions, your employees play a …

Meetings often become standard routine — without taking a closer look at what they achieve and how much they cost. Like any business expenditure, …

To keep your house clean, you need a mop and broom. To manage a successful business, you need efficient processes and people. To run an effective …

Have you ever felt discouraged or frustrated when a meeting doesn’t achieve the results you’re looking for? Or worse: it heads wildly off-track and…

Meetings offer opportunity for collaboration, brainstorming, and communication. They can push your business forward and spark faster, more …

Sometimes a first impression is the only chance you get. To engage a new client, make a new friend — or attract a new candidate to work for you. …

A small finance team in Queensland interviewed three candidates for their open administrative position. They liked all three candidates and had a …

Have you ever wondered how you can attract more talent to your company without tons of extra work? Do you have the perfect opportunity, but can’t …

Hiring the perfect candidate for your team is critical. And having an idea of what high performance looks like can mean the difference between your…

“Despite common perceptions, money is only a component of the motivation to stay and enjoy a job,” shares JD Rucker in a recent Business Insider …

Just as a volleyball team has a certain place or ranking within a league, companies can benchmark themselves against other similar companies. It's …

Salary reviews may seem like a touchy subject, but they don’t have to be. You can handle salary review requests and salary review expectations …

Knowing how much to pay your staff and leaders can be tricky. You want to incentivise top performance in order to attract and retain top talent. …

Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. LinkedIn. We've all seen stories of businesses blowing up using social. When done right, social media can be a …

Imagine the perfect person for your team is looking for a new job... They’re after something different. They want to contribute and be a part of …

Halfway through the morning, you’ve already checked Facebook a few times, scrolled through Instagram, and Twitter, and read every email that’s …

According to McCrindle, a large Social Research organisation, the Australian national average in job tenure is: 3 years and 4 months, based on …

.postid-3382 .entry-title-primary{font-size: 38px !important;} Special New Year Gift - Over the Christmas and New Year period I've had many people …

I hope and trust that 2017 has started smashingly. For you, and for your business! As we enter into a new year, we have the chance to relook at …

Did you know that many of the HR issues you handle daily could be self-managed by your staff? That’s right. With optimised processes and systems, …

Do you want them to be excited to work hard for you? Well - with this week’s article revealing my #1 loyalty hack - you can win the dedication and …

Finding the right fit for your team can be a lengthy and time-consuming process - but it doesn’t have to be. Several options are available to make …

There are some things in life that shouldn’t be kept secret, and that’s how I feel about my time-saving tools. They are game-changers and …

Do you have any tricks you use to save time? Aren’t you happy to have discovered those secrets? That’s how I feel about the time-saving tools and …

New Year is a great time to re-evaluate and make resolutions... But we usually miss a key step in that process. We forget to truly reflect. Often …

How’s your week going? Have you had a chance to complete last week’s exercises? In case you haven’t done the 5-minute exercises, you can find them…

New Year is a great time to re-evaluate and make resolutions... But we usually miss a key step in that process. We forget to truly reflect. Often …

Do you have any tricks you use to save time? Aren’t you happy to have discovered those secrets? That’s how I feel about the time-saving tools …

There are some things in life that shouldn’t be kept secret, and that’s how I feel about my time-saving tools. They are game-changers and …

Finding the right fit for your team can be a lengthy and time-consuming process - but it doesn’t have to be. Several options are available to make…

Do you want employees to trust you and stay loyal to you? Do you want them to be excited to work hard for you? Well - with this week’s article …

Did you know that many of the HR issues you handle daily could be self-managed by your staff? That’s right. With optimised processes and …

Today life buzzes around us at the pace of a formula 1 race car. It can make our responsibilities and expectations feel so steep, that we can …

Halfway through the morning, you’ve already checked Facebook a few times, scrolled through Instagram, and Twitter, and read every email that’s …

I want to start this off with a story.=== Ronda manages a sales department at a mid-size products company. She's worked there for 15 years and …

If you're seeing what I'm seeing, you'll agree that these last few months have been among the craziest, busiest times on record. Confidence is in…

Today I'd like to share one of my favourite strategies for developing staff. It's called setting stretch goals to develop All Stars. We've …

Are annual performance reviews dead? Is there still a place in today's ever-connected world for the annual performance review? Many high profile …

On the surface, paying for performance and incentivising employees monetarily may seem like a smart business approach. But effectively linking pay …

We enter performance review season with the best of intentions. And despite the typical resistance from employees (ranging from mild anxiety to …

Still reeling from the strong dose of Necker Island inspiration? If you're anything like me, learning about exciting entrepreneurs taking on the …

Today I'm peeling-back-the-covers and giving you an insider's look at the inner-workings of one of the hottest, most disruptive companies in the …

Dancing the Zorba. On tabletop. At Necker Island. With Richard Branson on the table next to me!? * Not an experience I ever envisioned having! Let…

Still pinching myself! I recently had the privilege of attending Igniting Possibilities: Building Purpose Led Businesses. A 5-day Leadership …

Celebrating my 7th year in business and being my 40th birthday in November... I set out to make 2016 a year to live new experiences, see …

This month we've covered a lot of ground exploring innovation in business: Week 1: The principles - Google's 9 Principles of Innovation Week 2:…

It's common knowledge that if you put 10 staff members through the same experience, you'll get 10 different interpretations. That's why the …

In PWC’s 14th Annual Survey of over 1,200 CEOs, business leaders around the world were asked to name their #1 factor to sustainable business growth.…

From: Sunny Necker Island! Yes... *that* Necker Island!  Don't hate me! 😉 I've escaped the frosty Adelaide winter... To retreat to the warm …

What exactly is synergy? I simply define it as: Two singles that when combined, produce three (or more). A worthwhile goal, especially in the …

In 2012, Google set out on what would become a 3-year project, code-named Project Aristotle, to discover what makes up the perfect team.  The …

It's an all-too-common scenario: You've pulled out all the stops... Brought together some of the top individuals you could find... The team can …

Teams work better when they know, like and trust each other. This week to kick-off our Team Building topic, I'd like to present 15 of my favourite …

This month we've explored why you need a robust onboarding process. We've discussed the quantifiable benefits of an onboarding process, including: …

Nothing. And I mean nothing... Frustrates like: Investing weeks and weeks searching for the right candidate Spending thousands in advertising,…

It's a simple formula. ... backed by countless studies... Organisational research has clearly shown THIS as a predictor of: Increased job …

Today we'll explore how you can make new hires feel really special. You know... Connected. Valued. Excited to be part of the team. Because …

You don't get a second chance to make a _____ __________. Picture this... It's 9:00am Monday morning. Your new hire, all bright-eyed and …

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” - Sydney J. Harris  So many people commented in last week's survey that they're over-worked…

Now that we've talked ALL about attracting talent... Hopefully you feel a little more comfortable looking at recruiting your next staff superstar! …

You're looking to recruit quality staff, yet the odds are stacked against you... Neither blessed with a big-budget, nor a sexy, in-demand role or …

You're reviewing candidates for a new role in the company... There's the candidate with the right technical ability and track record, but their …

Back in September we ran the BespokeHR Community survey, and I asked your number #1 HR challenge... Many of you responded with: "I need help …

Are you in the same boat as most of my clients and colleagues? Fighting the February frenzy and just hoping March will settle down to give you some…

Ok, so I'll admit it. The world of HR isn't always a walk in the park. With hairy topics like: Holding onto star employees (while dealing with…

If you've been following my Workplace Culture articles this month, you've learnt... The secret sauce to culture... (all that makes up the 'vibe' …

Elon Musk ruffled feathers last year when he called Apple "Tesla's graveyard". Only half jokingly, he was referring to Apple hiring the engineers …

What if I asked you to rate your workplace culture? Where would your company sit... Are your employees thriving in their roles, committed to a …

This month we've focused on supporting business growth. If you've taken part by completing the growth planning exercises, you've now mapped out …

You guessed it! It’s time to pull out your notebook again. With the end of the year approaching, I want to make this article especially impactful.…

The Hidden Factor Behind YouTube's Success Right time, right place.  Great leadership.  Exciting vision.  Phrases like these are tossed around …

Preparing for growth (a people perspective)  So you're ready to become the next Steve Jobs? If you've been running a small business and you're …

What is Workforce Planning and why is it important? Let's imagine I hold in my hand a magic wand. Because you're one of my favourites, I'm going to…

Thank You! Firstly, I would like to say a very big thank you!! This year has been BespokeHR’s busiest year and we couldn’t have done it without our…

One of your team have decided to move on... And now they're asking for a reference. It's not like they were the worst employee in the world... …

... this just isn't working.  If you've been following December's focus on poor fit employees, you may have come to a difficult decision …

Tell me if this sounds like you? ...You've stopped asking your team to do things (as you believe the only way to do things right is to do them …

Wow, we blinked and December arrived! With end of year looming and the holiday season ahead, we're about to enjoy some much-needed space to take a …

Based on DISC personality principles, this fun quiz assesses your leadership style and tells you which celebrity leader you are! Join over 700 …

With this month's focus on leadership, I thought I'd have a little fun with you all and create the Celebrity Leader Quiz. In the last 20 days we've…

The right board can be a powerful asset to your business... Keeping strategy on point. Overseeing managerial performance. Ensuring controls, …

For the first time in history, workplaces may soon have five different generations working together. Whether this is cohesive, happy and …

Over 200,000 squashed into the area, watching on eagerly, nodding in agreement, shouting in support... Millions more following live from around the…

Pull a lever and motivate employees. Seems like a fantasy, right? Like the idea of self-driving cars sounded just a few decades ago. Yet, earlier…

The Chinese Water Torture Cell. September 21st, 1912. Berlin, Germany - Harry Houdini introduces the world to what would become his most …

"My top performer is already on the highest salary bracket and still wants more. How do I keep them?" So you have a high performer with more than 5 …

How’s your week going? Have you had a chance to complete last week’s exercises? In case you haven’t done the 5-minute exercises, you can find them…

With the end of the year approaching, I want to make this article especially impactful. I want your 2017 to be the year you’re hoping and dreaming …

Finding the right person to join your Company and team can be confronting and time consuming. Most interviewers will make 50% of the call within the…

Being busy is a good and fortunate thing for businesses and professionals but this question has been raised pretty frequently around my circles this…

Authentic leadership relies on persuasion and persuasion relies on trust. Trust is the most important asset that any organisation, brand, product, …

As I walked out of the gym today, I saw the sign “Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going. Creating great habits are …

While these short weeks with public holidays are great breaks, from a business perspective, they provide less days to do the work that still needs …

Quite regularly, I am asked by Clients to help them with their performance review systems. Here are a few questions to consider that I generally …

At the end of the day, our employees are telling us they want more than just a competitive salary to feel motivated in the workplace. They want to …

Below are 20 trends/issues that I am seeing in the workplace either starting to creep in or will increasingly become bigger issues for Employers.  …

In a world where we are becoming more global, more digitally able, transparent, emotionally charged and have faster speeds of innovation, here are …

After a year that has already started with some early tragedies around the world and closer to home and with one of my young coaching clients asking…

Do you feel like you are spending all of your time managing people issues rather than running your business? Are you sick of losing the people you …

Effective Recruitment starts way before you think about promoting a vacancy! If you are possibly thinking of recruiting this year, here are 11 …

Upon popular request for this particular topic…..here it is. If you would like any other tips on topics, please do not hesitate to let me know and I…

Professional Services who charge by the 6-minute block (or less) are normally very good at being effective time managers (as they are very aware of…

As we start a new year, normally there a number of new priorities and projects about to start. It is normally the perfect time to plan out your …

I wanted to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to my clients, friends and supporters for all of your support over 2014. I really …

As we lead into Christmas I thought this e-newsletter may be appropriate! WHAT!!!!! Less than 1 month until Christmas. If you are anything like me,…

So, you have now made a decision to hire someone (after reading the article “How to hire the right person”). The first 6 months of employment is …

How important are Reference Checks? Do we actually need to do them? Let me answer this straight away. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! And yet in my experience,…

Welcome to my series of weekly blogs to help answer some queries you may have in relation to hiring, managing and developing your team. The first 3…