Hiring your team in time for high season?
Many of you are now (hopefully) slowing down after a very busy wedding season. You're exhausted, you're done, you're empty, you're spent. But you're also aware that you're going to sail on into another busy season shortly. We are, after all, still dealing with a massive amount of backlog from the postponements, cancellations and of course the renewed enthusiasm of new couples who feel it’s now safe to have their weddings booked again. In the lead up to the new season, you may be considering hiring new employees, engaging contractors, or referring work to others. We did learn, over the course of the last 18 months, that having an A-team around you (and even a B team) lessens the pressure.
It is important that you determine HOW you are going to engage these people. Australia's system is one of the most complicated industrial relations systems in the world - I know this because I am a rare employment law specialist who has worked within the industrial relations system for over 20 years.
My advice? Start having a think about how you will engage your A team.
Will they be employees?
Are they actually ‘independent contractors’ within the meaning of the law? (Psssst… the FWO and the ATO really want you to get it right and will penalise you if you make the wrong decision.)
Are they affiliates, in that they get a referral fee for work done? (Tricky, tricky!)
What documents will you need in place to make this all happen? (FYI, we can help you draft them.)
One of the best sources of information is the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) website, found here:
The FWO explains what type of employment arrangements exist, and how you know what type of employment arrangements would suit your business:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/starting-employment
The FWO helpfully explains what the differences between an employee and an independent contractor are:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/independent-contractors
Here is a little tidbit on paying commission (however we strongly recommend you speak to us if you are considering paying commission to employees):
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/minimum-wages/piece-rates-and-commission-payments
The good news is that soon, we will be holding seminars on this and other topics. If this is something you'd be interested in learning a little more about as a savvy business owner, keep an eye out for release dates or complete our Expression of Interest form to be the first to know!
