Nyree Copping sees little value in ‘reinventing the wheel’. By signing up with Workplace Assured, it has introduced efficiencies into her employer’s business enabling her to focus on other aspects of her role.
“Workplace Assured have researched and written employment contracts, policies and procedures which you can stand by. Not having to create these myself means that I can get on with business and manage what’s important.”
Nyree Copping - Human Resources and Compliance Manager
“Workplace Assured have researched and written employment contracts, policies and procedures which you can stand by. Not having to create these myself means that I can get on with business and manage what’s important.”
Nyree is the Human Resources and Compliance Manager with Fuji Xerox Business Centre in Hobart, which specialises in digital printing and the sales and service of Fuij Xerox machines. The company has been operating for the past 30 years and has just under 50 employees.
Recently employed within the business, Nyree identified various HR policies and procedures that required updating.
Nyree discovered Workplace Assured after doing some online research. She particularly liked the product offering and services that were offered as part of a monthly subscription.
“It stood out as being very comprehensive and easy to use, particularly as it provides access to a 24/7 advice line. With the assistance of Workplace Assured, I have been able to roll out a complete new set of policies and procedures over a six month period.”
Comprehensive desktop audit
In the first instance, Workplace Assured conducted a desktop audit of Nyree’s HR function, reviewing all current policies, procedures, payslips, rates and awards.
“This highlighted a couple of areas that needed to change so that all our employees were under the appropriate award and receiving the correct pay and entitlements.”
Workplace Assured then assisted with updating over a dozen policies covering areas such as induction, motor vehicle, drug and alcohol, EOI, harassment and grievance.
“Completing this task would have easily doubled my workload – time which I just didn’t have available.”
Cost savings
Nyree said that Workplace Assured had already saved the business considerable costs.
“If we had developed these procedures internally, we would have had to engage/contract someone specifically for this task”.
“In addition to this cost, we would be paying fees for an external solicitor to advise on specific HR issues. This is no longer necessary as we have access to the highly qualified legal team at Workplace Assured.”
Peace of mind
“For the owner of the business, it has provided him with great peace of mind in the knowledge that everything is being properly handled. He is very appreciative of seeing everything standardised and correctly in place.”
Nyree said that their employees had also welcomed the new policies and procedures, as they provide a clear framework and structure.
“In instances where staff have questioned their rate or award, I can confidently say that we have looked into it and that we’ve done everything correctly based on advice and consultation with the legal experts at Workplace Assured.”
Prior to joining Fuji Xerox Business Centre, Nyree worked as a Chartered Accountant, with 20 years experience in public practice.
“From my past experience, I know that some businesses are complacent about managing their people. It’s not high on their priority list and they think that paying their staff is enough. But it’s a great risk on their business if they don’t take it seriously and it’s really important to ensure that awards, policies and entitlements like annual leave, breaks and superannuation are correct and up-to-date to protect both the business and individual employees”.
“Even a seasoned HR professional can’t be across everything. With employment laws changing, to have access to Workplace Assured’s legal team is brilliant, as it ensures that we are doing everything properly.”
Whereas Nyree’s initial requirement from Workplace Assured was to update policies and procedures, other issues have arisen that have required professional expertise and knowledge.
“We have had several contentious issues arise in the past six months and Workplace Assured has been great at providing support during this change management process”.
“Their knowledge is invaluable. We use them in more of a consultancy role and whenever I need professional advice, I know that they are available to advise on legal consequences and ramifications.”
Nyree says that the service provided by Workplace Assured is like an insurance policy.
“You insure your house or your car on the basis that one day you might need it. Workplace Assured is a bit the same - it’s peace of mind knowing that it’s there whenever we need it.”