HR to Go

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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