2026 is just around the corner, and New Zealand’s workforce is changing fast. From an ageing population and shifting migration patterns to the growing impact of AI, this blog explores six practical, people-first strategies to help NZ employers plan smarter, retain key talent, and futureproof their organisations with confidence.

The end of the year can be hectic for any SME: juggling leave requests, payroll deadlines, and team celebrations. With a few proactive steps, you can keep things compliant, organised, and positive for everyone. Here’s how to plan a smooth end-of-year close-down (or work-through) and set your business up for success in 2026.

Supporting mental health at work doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. But it is essential. Whether your business already offers an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or not, there are simple, practical ways to make sure your team feels supported.

From 27 August 2025, pay secrecy clauses are no longer enforceable in New Zealand. Employees are now free to discuss their pay without fear of repercussions, and employers must adapt. This blog explains what the new law means for employees, the risks for businesses, and the practical steps employers can take to stay compliant while building trust and fairness in the workplace.

R U OK? Day is all about checking in with those around us. This year’s theme reminds us that asking is only the beginning and that listening is what truly matters! In this blog, we share why intentional listening is a game-changer for SME leaders and five simple ways to put it into practice.

Onboarding sets the tone for everything that follows. In this blog, we break down 5 of the most common employee onboarding challenges small businesses face, and share practical ways to fix them. From clarity and connection to ownership and feedback, here’s how to build an onboarding experience that actually works.

Employee engagement isn’t about perks or ping-pong tables, it’s about creating a workplace where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to do their best. In this blog, we unpack what engagement really is, why it matters, and how to measure and improve it without needing a huge HR team or budget.

Small businesses thrive when people do. Explore how practical, cost-effective HR strategies (like clear hiring processes, smart systems, and well-timed outsourcing) can help New Zealand SMEs build strong teams, stay compliant, and grow with confidence, without the need to invest huge time or money.

Inclusion isn’t just a corporate buzzword but a real business imperative! In this blog, we unpack the real, measurable benefits of an inclusive workplace, from increased employee engagement and better decision-making to higher retention and productivity.

Even the most well-meaning managers can fall into common traps when it comes to performance management. Discover five critical mistakes—and the easy fixes—that can transform your team from reactive to high-performing.

Missed the chance to reset in January? The end of the financial year is your second opportunity to realign and set your business up for success. From updating employment agreements to reviewing HR compliance and workforce planning, now is the time to make sure your policies, processes, and people are in the best shape for the year ahead.

Effective performance management isn’t just about fixing issues—it’s about boosting engagement and aligning each team member’s goals with the company’s vision. By fostering a culture of regular feedback, setting clear expectations, and offering support where it’s needed, businesses can create a high-performing team where everyone thrives. Discover how to build this culture and drive growth with our latest insights!

Business restructuring is often a complex and daunting process. Let's dive deeper into the intricacies, examining key factors such as managing poor performance, making sound decisions during restructuring, introducing new roles, and navigating the challenges of mergers and acquisitions. Understanding these critical elements can significantly influence the success of the restructuring and its impact on employees.

Already a popular topic of discussion in 2023, restructuring and redundancy have certainly been front and centre of late. With many businesses grappling with the need to manage and adjust their resources, we thought we’d clear the air on what exactly these processes entail. What is a Restructure? How do you conduct it correctly? How do you navigate employee consultation and potential redundancy? Read more here

The ability to suspend an employee is an effective way to protect a business, and other employees whilst you navigate an HR process. Here is a quick crash course on suspensions. What they are, when they can be enacted and for what reason.

90-day trial changes come with more than just a contract review. Any change in employment law comes with new permissions, new restrictions and new things to keep in mind. Here’s how to best implement 90-day trial periods in your business.

The 2020s have been a wild ride so far! The last few years have conditioned us to always expect the unexpected, so can we really predict what the HR landscape in 2024 will look like? We tried. Here are four trends we think we’ll be talking about a lot in the year ahead.

The need for building high-performance teams has never been as critical in today’s ever-changing business environment. Here are eight crucial steps to successfully build and lead a high-performing team.

Health and Safety has historically concerned itself with the physical health of employees. Nowadays, however, the Health and Safety Act covers both physical and mental health. As a result, employers and practitioners are beginning to include mental health in Health and Safety conversations and policies. Here are 6 things to keep in mind when reviewing your Health and Safety policies.

Managing performance and conduct issues across your teams is both difficult and inevitable. In the third and final instalment in this series, we’ll take you through best practice guidelines and requirements from the Employment Relations Act for conducting formal meetings so you can avoid unpleasant outcomes (the employment tribunal).

Although managing employee performance and conduct is essential, it can be complicated and is thus often ignored. In this three-part blog series, we will take you through the most effective ways to manage performance and conduct issues with the aim of setting your team up for success.

Did you know that you can use your Microsoft 365 license to create an HR Portal or Workspace, which can essentially act as an HR system for you? Here’s how.

James has been with us for 3 years! Time really does fly. For his work anniversary, he thought he would share his 5 favourite things about his journey with us thus far.

Burnout among employees has reached an all-time high. In a recent survey by Future Forum, 42% of respondents say they are experiencing burnout. Unsurprisingly, this has had its impact on the workforce. What can we do moving forward to manage work stress effectively and prevent it from becoming burnout?

In 2022 it felt as if everywhere we turned we were bombarded with the “Great Resignation”. A terrifying concept for many an employer in a candidate-tight market! I’m unsure if we have weathered that store yet but it’s a new year and so a new slogan is upon us. So, is 2023 to be the year of the “Great Restructure”?