COVID19 is running the typical HR practitioner ragged, so much change in a short amount of time is putting most HR practitioners under immense pressure. With all the day to day transactional issues in check, it is mental health issues which are often the greatest stressors.Â
The government has indicated a continuation of JobKeeper subsidies to support businesses through the continuing COVID19 pandemic.  There have been some changes to the payment rates with some tiering for part-time employees and a step down in payment for the September – December quarter, and January – March quarter.
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to offer a mixed bag for retailers. For some retailers, store closures and a decrease in foot traffic meant no business, others have had bumper business result driven by impulse / revenge buying, online purchases or even long delayed maintenance and renovation projects.
Restrictions in most cities are being reduced, and businesses are considering how best to operate, it is now time to take into account some longer term plans. This must be done in not only the context of the next few months (which will be tough), but also plan for later in the year.
The last few months have been hectic and stressful for everyone.  Senior management and company owners have had to make quick business decisions to preserve cash and maintain their business, as a result staffing levels has been considered, and some tough decisions had to be made. As a result unfair dismissal claims made to Fair Work are on the rise.
As the spread of the coronavirus appears to be under control in Australia, the government, businesses and employees are all keen to get things going again.  With this in mind the state governments are starting to consider how to relax some of the restrictions put in place to curb the spread.