HR For Small Business For Dummies, Australian Edition

Introduction

I n Australia, in excess of two million small businesses employ around 4.8 million people and contribute 20 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Small-business owners take pride in the fact that their businesses contribute to the livelihood of Australian people and their families.

Unique to small business is the personal relationships that can develop between owner and the people they work alongside with to build the business. With that relationship comes great responsibility. My aim in writing this book is to share my knowledge and experience with small-business owners coming to grips with the difficult tasks of managing people — that is, human resource management, otherwise known as HR.

HR has often been seen as a ‘tick the boxes’ kind of activity. My view is that it’s really about building a healthy and productive working environment in which everyone prospers. The strategies that I cover in the book can enable you to encourage your staff to create that prosperous future with you and for your small business. Along that path, as with any relationship, challenges and personal difficulties will need to be overcome. I provide you with the knowledge and the tools to apply effective solutions.

About This Book

This book doesn’t offer a psychological analysis of the characteristics of a successful employment relationship. Instead, HR for Small Business For Dummies offers you, the small-business owner and employer, a simple and honest explanation of the rules ...