business HUBS

Team Building & HR Hub

A specialist resource hub covering recruitment, Fair Work compliance, retention strategies, and team management for Australian SMEs. Find practical guidance on hiring, performance management, and workplace culture.

Explore comprehensive guides on Australian employment, cost-effective hiring strategies, people frameworks, and people management best practices. Developed for business owners managing teams without dedicated HR support.

Book Free HR Assessment
Calculate True Hiring Costs

Free Tools

Employee Onboarding Checklist

Comprehensive onboarding checklist for new employees starting

Staff Attrition Rate Calculator

Measure your staff churn to help identify retention issues.

Interview Questions Generator

Collate a list of free interview questions for your next potential hire

Staff Turnover Cost Calculator

Calculate the hidden cost of losing team members

Minimum wage

  • $24.95/hour ($948.10/week)

  • Increased 3.5% from July 2025

Leave Entitlements

  • Annual Leave: 4 weeks (full-time)

  • Personal/Carer's Leave: 10 days/year

  • Parental Leave: up to 12 months unpaid

  • Long Service Leave: Varies by state (NSW: ~8.67 weeks after 10 years)

Compliance Essentials

  • Ordinary Hours: 38/week maximum + reasonable additional

  • Probation Period: Up to 6 months (unfair dismissal threshold: 6 months, or 12 months for <15 employees)

  • Casual Conversion: Eligible after 12 months of regular work (some assessments start at 6 months)

  • Fair Work Minimum: All employees covered by NES

Popular Articles

Australian business owner calculating employee retention bonus costs on calculator with team meeting in background

Employee Retention Bonuses Australia Guide

Discover how Australian SMEs can use employee retention bonuses to reduce turnover costs. Includes tax implications, calculation examples, and proven strategies for 2026.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Professional reading employment contract showing decision between independent contractor and employee classification for Australian business

Employee vs Contractor: The $150K Mistake That Bankrupts Businesses

This classification error has cost Australian businesses $150K+ in penalties. Complete guide to employee vs contractor decisions and legal compliance.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Employee resignation paperwork and exit interview materials showing staff turnover analysis and retention strategies for Australian businesses

High Staff Turnover? The Real Reason Good Employees Quit (+ Solutions)

Discover why 68% of good employees quit Australian businesses and the proven strategies that reduce turnover by 50%+ within 6 months.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Tech startup hiring team with recruitment channel analysis showing cost-effective talent acquisition strategies for Australian businesses

Hiring Costs by Channel: LinkedIn vs Agencies vs Referrals (Australia)

Complete cost analysis of hiring channels in Australia. LinkedIn, agencies, referrals, and outbound sourcing compared with ROI calculations.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Infographic showing Australian workforce statistics with diverse group of employees, turnover percentage rates by industry, and cost calculation icons representing the financial impact of staff churn on businesses

Staff Turnover Rate and Workforce Churn in Australia: The $47 Billion Problem Every Business Owner Must Solve in 2026

Australian staff turnover costs SMEs $47 billion annually. Learn industry-specific turnover rates, calculate your real costs, and implement proven retention strategies to save thousands.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
For hire sign showing hidden employment costs and expense breakdown for Australian employers and first-time hiring calculations

True Cost of Hiring in Australia: Hidden Expenses Add 35% to Salary

Shocking hidden costs add 35% to employee salaries in Australia. Complete breakdown of superannuation, leave, insurance, and compliance expenses.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business

Interactive Tool: Annual Leave Liability Estimator

Annual Leave Liability Estimator - Free HR Tool for Australian SMEs | Scale Suite

Annual Leave Liability Estimator

Estimate the annual leave liability for multiple employees in your Australian business

Note: This calculator doesn't save your data. Please take a screenshot of the results.

Formula Used: Hourly Rate = Annual Salary / (52 weeks × 38 hours/week)
Liability = Accrued Leave Hours × Hourly Rate
Days = Accrued Leave Hours / 7.6
Note: This does not factor in leave loading.
Employee Name Annual Salary (AUD) Accrued Leave Hours Action
Employee Name Days Liability (AUD)
Total Estimated Liability 0 $0

This is an estimate for full-time employees (38 hours/week) and does not factor in leave loading or other variables; consult Fair Work or professionals for exact figures. Visit Fair Work Annual Leave for details.

Downloads

Contractor vs Employee

Compare contractor vs employee side by side

Onboarding Checklist

Comprehensive new employee checklist

Hire vs Outsource Wizard

Decide to hire in-house or externally

Useful External Links

Fair Work Ombudsman

National Employment Standards (NES)
Award Finder Tool
Pay Calculator
Minimum Wage Rates

Australian Taxation Office

Super Guarantee Rates & Deadlines
Payroll Tax Thresholds by State
PAYG Withholding Tables
Single Touch Payroll Guide

State Worksafe Authorities

SafeWork NSW
WorkSafe Victoria
WorkCover Queensland

All Resources Library

Hiring & Recruitment
Employee Management
HR Compliance
Payroll & Super
HR Strategy & Outsourcing
Table showing true cost of hiring $80k employee in Australia including superannuation, payroll tax, leave, recruitment and equipment totalling $121k annually

Actual Cost of Hiring in Australia: $80k Hire = $120k Reality

Discover the hidden costs of hiring in Australia. That $80k employee actually costs $120k+ with super, payroll tax, and overheads. Compare alternatives.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Sydney business team collaborating in modern office with diverse professionals working together on strategic planning

Build High-Performing Teams: Recruitment Strategies for Sydney Businesses

Master recruitment strategies that attract top talent in Sydney's competitive market. Learn proven hiring methods, interview techniques, and onboarding practices for building exceptional teams.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
A structured human resources process flow chart detailing the four phases of strategic employee onboarding over the first 90 days, starting from pre-start administration to integration and retention.

Employee Onboarding Toolkit: The Critical First 90 Days for Retention Success

Download the essential 90-day employee onboarding toolkit for Australian SMEs to embed culture and reduce early staff turnover.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Tech startup hiring team with recruitment channel analysis showing cost-effective talent acquisition strategies for Australian businesses

Hiring Costs by Channel: LinkedIn vs Agencies vs Referrals (Australia)

Complete cost analysis of hiring channels in Australia. LinkedIn, agencies, referrals, and outbound sourcing compared with ROI calculations.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Professional handshake in meeting room showing successful talent acquisition and top employee hiring strategies for Australian businesses

Hiring Secrets: Steal the Best Employees From Your Competitors

Discover the hiring secrets that help Australian businesses attract top talent away from competitors. Proven recruitment strategies that actually work.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Sydney small business team in a collaborative meeting room, reviewing resumes and discussing hiring strategies with city skyline visible through windows.

Hiring Through Recruitment Agencies in Sydney: Costs, Operations, Pitfalls & When to Use Them for Small Businesses

Understand the role of recruitment agencies in Sydney for small businesses. Learn about high costs, operational processes, common pitfalls, and when it's worth the investment to secure top talent efficiently.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Diverse team members in collaborative huddle showing high-performance teamwork and management success in Australian workplace

90-Day High-Performance Team Blueprint (Transform Any Team Fast)

Transform underperforming teams into high achievers in just 90 days. Proven framework used by top Australian companies to boost productivity 300%.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Australian small business owner using employee management software on laptop with team collaboration in modern office

Employee Management Services Australia: Complete Guide for Small Business Success 2026

Discover how employee management services can transform your Australian small business. Learn costs, benefits, compliance requirements and implementation strategies for 2026.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Australian business owner calculating employee retention bonus costs on calculator with team meeting in background

Employee Retention Bonuses Australia Guide

Discover how Australian SMEs can use employee retention bonuses to reduce turnover costs. Includes tax implications, calculation examples, and proven strategies for 2026.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Employee resignation paperwork and exit interview materials showing staff turnover analysis and retention strategies for Australian businesses

High Staff Turnover? The Real Reason Good Employees Quit (+ Solutions)

Discover why 68% of good employees quit Australian businesses and the proven strategies that reduce turnover by 50%+ within 6 months.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Cost breakdown infographic showing how toxic employees cost Australian SMEs $94,000 through productivity loss, recruitment, legal considerations, and team turnover

How One Bad Hire Costs Australian SMEs $94,000: True Cost of Toxic Employees

Detailed breakdown of toxic employee costs for Australian businesses including lost productivity, recruitment expenses, legal considerations, team turnover, and customer impact. Real calculations and case studies.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Illustration of a performance management meeting in a modern Australian office, with an HR professional and employee discussing goals and feedback.

How to Conduct Effective Performance Management Meetings: Tips for Australian Businesses

Learn how to conduct effective performance management meetings for Australian small and medium businesses. Discover tips to foster a positive environment, ensure compliance, and boost employee performance in 2026.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Comparison chart showing the three main employment types in Australia with their key characteristics, entitlements and costs for employers

3 Types of Employment in Australia: Full-time, Part-time & Casual Guide for SME Employers

Understand the 3 primary employment types in Australia: full-time, part-time and casual employees. Complete guide covering entitlements, costs, and compliance for SME employers.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Australian business balance sheet highlighting large annual leave liability provision showing hidden debt from accumulated employee leave

Annual Leave Liability: The $200K Time Bomb Hiding in Your Business

Annual leave liability averages $120K-$180K for 20-person Australian businesses. Learn how accumulated leave destroys cash flow, reduces business value and how to manage it.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Professional handshake representing casual to permanent employment conversion process in Australian workplace under Fair Work legislation

Casual to Permanent Employee Conversion: Your Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Navigate casual conversion requests without legal risks. Complete Australian guide to Fair Work Act requirements and employer obligations in 2026.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
HR documentation and legal files showing proper employee misconduct investigation and response procedures in Australian workplace

Employee Misconduct Crisis: Legal Response Plan (Avoid $150K+ Lawsuits)

Handle serious misconduct without triggering unfair dismissal claims. Step-by-step legal response plan that protects Australian employers from costly lawsuits.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Professional reading employment contract showing decision between independent contractor and employee classification for Australian business

Employee vs Contractor: The $150K Mistake That Bankrupts Businesses

This classification error has cost Australian businesses $150K+ in penalties. Complete guide to employee vs contractor decisions and legal compliance.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Australian Fair Work system documentation and legal compliance materials for HR management and employment law adherence

Fair Work Act 2026: Avoid These 7 Mistakes That Cost $50K+ Each

These 7 Fair Work violations cost Australian employers $50,000+ each. Complete compliance guide to avoid penalties, lawsuits, and regulatory action.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Australian small business owner calculating cost of living adjustments for employees using calculator and financial documents

Cost of Living Adjustments Australia 2026: Small Business Guide & Calculator

Learn how to implement fair cost of living adjustments for your Australian employees. Includes calculation examples, legal requirements, and practical tips for SMEs in 2026.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Illustration of an Australian business owner in a Sydney office calculating final pay for an employee on a laptop with payroll documents.

How to Calculate Final Pay in Australia: Guide for Employers

Learn how to calculate final pay for employees in Australia, including annual leave, long service leave, and tax obligations, ensuring ATO and Fair Work compliance.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Illustration of an Australian small business owner in a modern Sydney office accessing superannuation details on a laptop with financial records nearby.

How to Locate Your Superannuation Member Number in Australia

Learn how to locate your superannuation member number in Australia with practical steps. Access your super fund details easily for small business owners and employees.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Australian currency banknotes showing payroll cost savings and outsourcing benefits for Australian small and medium enterprises

Payroll Outsourcing: Save $40K+ Annually (Australian SME Guide)

Australian SMEs save $40,000+ annually through payroll outsourcing. Complete cost-benefit analysis and vendor selection guide for smart business owners.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Australian payroll tax rates comparison table showing 2025 thresholds and rates by state for small business owners

Payroll Tax Australia 2026: Complete Guide for Small Business Owners | Rates & Thresholds

Master payroll tax in Australia with our comprehensive 2026 guide. Learn rates, thresholds, exemptions and calculations for all states. Save thousands on your business taxes.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Australian business owner using computer to process Single Touch Payroll reporting with payroll software interface visible on screen

Single Touch Payroll Australia: Complete STP Compliance Guide for Small Business Owners

Master Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance for your Australian business. Complete guide covering setup, reporting, penalties, and best practices for SMEs.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
ChatGPT prompt cheat sheet for human resources and people management showing prompts for Australian small business owners including recruitment, Fair Work compliance, and performance management

ChatGPT Prompts for HR & People Management Australia | Free Small Business Cheat Sheet

Free ChatGPT prompt cheat sheet for Australian SME owners managing HR. Get ready-to-use prompts for recruitment, onboarding, Fair Work compliance, performance reviews, and employee communications.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Framework diagram showing four types of business pain: capacity overload, knowledge gap, coverage issues, and growth scaling with solutions for each

Don't Hire Yet: Solve Business Pain Without Adding Headcount

Before you hire that $100k employee, explore smarter alternatives. Learn how Australian businesses solve finance and HR pain with fractional teams not headcount.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Executive in professional building representing fractional CPO and CHRO services showing cost-effective HR leadership for Australian companies

Fractional HR Executive: Save $200K+ vs Full-Time CHRO Hire

Save $200,000+ annually with fractional HR executives vs full-time CHRO. Complete cost analysis and benefits guide for Australian business leadership.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Mobile phone displaying HR consulting services and solutions for Australian business workplace management and compliance issues

HR Consulting: Fix These 7 Problems Before They Kill Your Business

These 7 HR issues destroy 40% of Australian businesses within 5 years. Professional HR consulting solutions that prevent costly workplace disasters.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
Two professionals discussing HR outsourcing services and human resources management solutions for Australian business operational efficiency

HR Outsourcing: Cut Costs 40% While Improving Compliance (Australia)

Reduce HR costs by 40% while improving compliance and employee satisfaction. Complete outsourcing guide for Australian business operations.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
A strategic human resources flowchart showing the process from conducting an employee exit interview to analysing data and implementing workforce retention strategies.

The Exit Interview Toolkit: Scripts, Templates, and Analysis for Australian SMEs

Stop staff churn by understanding why employees leave. This guide provides exit interview templates, scripts, and a step-by-step analysis framework.

Finance
Human Resources
Technology
australian business
View all HR Articles

How We Help

Tired of HR Headaches? Our Embedded HR Team Handles It All.
Scale Suite provides fractional HR Directors and People Operations support, integrated into your business via daily contact and cloud-based systems. You get senior-level HR expertise without the full-time cost.

What We Handle

Strategic Workforce Planning

We help you plan hiring needs, budget for headcount, and decide when to hire vs outsource.

Recruitment Strategy & Coordination

We develop your employer brand, write job descriptions, coordinate agency/channel selection, and manage the hiring process (you make final decisions).

Performance Management Systems

We design and implement review frameworks, set up goal-tracking systems (OKRs), and train managers.

Employee Engagement & Retention

Happy employees boost productivity and attract top talent. We help identify key improvements.

Payroll System Setup & Review

We configure Employment Hero or Xero Payroll, and audit for errors.

Onboarding & Offboarding

We build structured processes for new hires and departing employees, ensuring legal compliance.

Scale Suite's Embedded HR Model

Daily access for urgent HR questions
Fixed monthly retainer (no surprise fees for ad-hoc questions)
Dedicated fractional resources assigned
System set-up help such as Xero
Scalable as your team grows

How Scale Suite Compares

Annual Cost
Availability
Expertise Level
Setup Time
Flexibility
Compliance Risk
Full-Time HR Manager
~$90K-$130K + super + leave
Office hours only
Generalist
3-6 months recruitment
Fixed cost, long notice
You train them
Scale Suite Embedded HR
From $24K/year
Daily
Specialists
Start within 2 weeks
Scale up/down monthly
We bring expertise
Full-Time HR Manager
Annual Cost
$90K-$130K + super + leave
Availability
Office hours only
Expertise Level
Generalist
Setup Time
3-6 months recruitment
Flexibility
Fixed cost, long notice
Compliance Risk
You train them
Scale Suite Embedded HR
Annual Cost
From $24K/year
Availability
Daily
Expertise Level
Senior specialists
Setup Time
Start within 1 week
Flexibility
Scale up/down monthly
Compliance Risk
We bring expertise
Contact us

Get your free cost saving analysis now

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Our experts will show you the complete picture - costs, capabilities, and flexibility - so you can make the right decision for your business.

No lock-in contracts and 30 day money back guarantee.

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