Payroll Archives - First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray and Busy01 Consulting

Category Archives for "Payroll"

Payroll errors | First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray | Albury Wodonga

Why payroll errors cost more than you think and how to stop them

Why payroll errors cost more than you think – and how to stop them

Payroll errors aren’t just an admin hiccup. They can create serious financial problems, damage employee trust, and trigger compliance issues that take up hours of your time. For business owners, that means distraction from what you’re actually good at, running your business.

The good news? Preventing payroll mistakes is simpler, less stressful, and far more cost-effective than cleaning up the mess after something’s gone wrong.

Let’s look at what payroll errors can really cost and how to reduce the risk with the right processes, systems, and support.

When payroll goes wrong: the real costs

Getting payroll right every pay cycle is more important than most people realise. Here’s what can go wrong and what it can cost you.

Underpaying your team

Missed hours, incorrect award rates, or misclassified roles can lead to underpayments that quickly add up. You might not notice until it’s too late, but once flagged, you could be facing:

  • Back pay for every affected employee

  • Interest or penalties from the Fair Work Ombudsman

  • A loss of trust within your team

Overpaying without knowing

If you’ve overpaid someone and didn’t pick it up straight away, recovering those funds can be legally tricky and awkward. In many cases, businesses wear the loss.

Superannuation mistakes

Late or incorrect super payments don’t just lead to admin headaches. You could be charged the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), which adds interest and admin costs on top of what you already owe.

Payroll tax errors

Misreporting your payroll tax obligations can trigger penalties or audits from your state revenue office resulting in more cost, more time, more stress.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we help reduce the risk of all these errors with end-to-end payroll support. Our payroll specialists handle everything from setup and processing to compliance, so nothing gets missed.

It’s not just about money, it’s about people

People rely on their pay being accurate and on time. When it’s not, it affects more than just their bank balance.

Repeated payroll issues can cause:

  • Low staff morale

  • A drop in productivity

  • Increased staff turnover

  • A damaged employer reputation

In small business, trust matters. If your team can’t rely on their pay being right, it impacts your workplace culture and retention. Word gets out quickly, especially in tight-knit communities like Albury Wodonga.

When you outsource your payroll to a trusted bookkeeper like First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, you’re not just paying for a service, you’re investing in your team’s confidence and satisfaction.

Payroll compliance is no longer optional

Australian payroll legislation is detailed, technical, and constantly changing. Staying across award conditions, leave entitlements, super rules, and Fair Work requirements is a full-time job in itself.

If your business is found to be non-compliant, the consequences can be serious:

  • Audits or investigations by the Fair Work Ombudsman

  • Fines of up to $93,900 per breach for businesses

  • Legal action or enforceable undertakings

  • Risk of unfair dismissal claims from incorrect final payments

Payroll errors can also have flow-on effects like inaccurate leave accruals, incorrect termination payouts, or poor financial data for decision-making.

We work with business owners to keep everything above board and up to date. Whether you're employing staff for the first time or managing a growing team, First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can help ensure your payroll is accurate, compliant, and audit-ready.

Prevention is better (and cheaper) than the fix

Fixing payroll errors once they’ve happened is rarely quick and it’s never cheap. Prevention, on the other hand, sets you up for smoother operations and fewer surprises. Here’s how to reduce your risk.

1. Use a payroll expert, not just software

Software can automate payroll but it can’t interpret awards or advise on leave entitlements. Payroll specialists know the rules and ensure everything aligns with your obligations.

2. Keep your systems clean

Payroll relies on accurate timesheets, award rates, super details, and more. Our bookkeeping team can review your data regularly to keep it clean and consistent.

3. Document your payroll process

A clear process helps everyone know what needs to happen each pay cycle, especially useful when team members are away or your business grows.

4. Stay up to date with changes

We track updates to legislation, awards, and superannuation thresholds so you don’t have to. You’ll always be compliant. No surprises, no missed changes.

5. Automate what you can

We help implement connected apps and tools to reduce manual handling and human error. Think time tracking, leave approvals, award interpretation, and pay run automation, all working together.

A better way to manage payroll

When payroll is reliable, your team is happy, your compliance is covered, and you’ve got fewer interruptions to your day. That’s where we come in.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we take the stress out of payroll with a service that’s accurate, consistent, and done-for-you. Whether you’ve got one employee or a growing workforce, we’ll make sure your payroll runs like clockwork, so you can get back to business.

If you’ve been burnt by payroll mistakes or want peace of mind that everything’s being done right, let’s talk.

Wages compliance for small business | First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray | Payroll Albury Wodonga

Underpaying your staff is now a criminal offence: what this means for your business

Underpaying your staff is now a criminal offence: what this means for your business

Paying your employees the correct amount is an important part of being an employer. To tighten up this process, the Australian Government has just introduced a new Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code, that makes underpaying your employees a criminal offence.

So, what counts as an underpayment? And are there any exemptions to the new Code?

What is the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code?

From 1 January 2025, intentionally underpaying an employee’s wages or entitlements can be a criminal offence. This doesn’t include honest mistakes – for example, if accidental payroll errors are made. But the new Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code (or the Code) does now make it an offence to intentionally underpay a team member.

The Fair Work Ombudsman can investigate suspected criminal underpayment offences and refer suitable matters for criminal prosecution. If, as an employer, you’re convicted of a criminal offence, a court can impose fines, prison time, or both.

To help reduce the risk of compliance issues, many small businesses are turning to professional payroll specialists. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray provides end-to-end payroll support to ensure your employees are paid correctly, award interpretations are up to date, and records are accurate and complete.

What constitutes ‘underpaying an employee’?

No employer wants to be faced with criminal proceedings for failing to pay an employee correctly. So, what does underpayment mean in this specific context?

Underpayment may include:

  • Not paying sufficient wages, including penalty rates, overtime rates and allowances (or not paying them at all).

  • Not paying amounts required by the applicable award or enterprise agreement.

  • Not paying other entitlements, for example superannuation for some employees.

Even unintentional underpayments can cause disruption. If you’re not sure whether your payroll system is keeping up, it’s worth speaking with a qualified bookkeeper. 

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can help review your payroll process and ensure your calculations align with current legislation, removing the stress of interpreting complex award requirements.

Are there any exemptions?

There are some exemptions to the new Code. In some limited circumstances, the criminal offence won’t apply to particular entitlements.

The exceptions broadly apply to:

  • Employees in New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria who are employed by sole traders, partnerships, other unincorporated entities, or non-trading corporations.

  • Most Victorian state government employees.

  • Tasmanian local government employees.

Get up to speed with the Code and wages compliance

You can get a full breakdown of the new Code, and your wages compliance responsibilities as an employer in the new Guide To Paying Employees Correctly.

If you’re concerned about meeting this new compliance checklist, or how it will affect your day-to-day payroll activities, please do get in touch with the team.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we work with business owners across Albury Wodonga to keep payroll accurate, on time and compliant. As expert bookkeepers and payroll specialists, we handle the behind-the-scenes tasks so you can focus on what you do best.

Staying compliant without the stress

Getting your payroll right isn’t just about compliance. It’s about supporting your team, protecting your business, and freeing up your time. 

If you want clarity, confidence, and a reliable partner to manage your payroll obligations, reach out to First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray today.

Benefits of outsourcing payroll during the holiday season

Benefits of outsourcing payroll during the holiday season

Benefits of outsourcing payroll during the holiday season

The holiday season is a time to celebrate, reflect on the year, and enjoy a well-earned break, and the benefits of outsourcing payroll during the holiday season can’t be overlooked when it comes to reducing stress and handling year-end tasks.

From organising staff leave to ensuring holiday pay is processed correctly, managing payroll during this period can feel overwhelming.

Outsourcing your payroll could be the solution you need to reduce stress, save time, and enjoy the festive season without the administrative burden. 

Here’s how it can make a difference for your business.

1. Stay on Top of Holiday Pay Obligations

The end of the year often brings questions about leave entitlements, public holiday pay rates, and other seasonal payroll requirements. 

Getting these details wrong can cause confusion, dissatisfaction, or even legal complications. 

A professional payroll service ensures all calculations are accurate and compliant with regulations, so your employees are paid correctly every time.

Outsourcing your payroll is especially helpful during the holiday season, when obligations like holiday pay and staff leave become more complex. 

The benefits of outsourcing payroll during the holiday season include reducing errors and ensuring employees receive what they’re entitled to without the stress of manual calculations.

2. Avoid Disruptions During Staff Leave

With staff often taking holidays over Christmas, your business might find itself short-handed just when payroll deadlines loom. 

Outsourcing ensures payroll is processed on time, even when key team members are away. This continuity helps avoid late payments and ensures smooth operations.

3. Save Time When You Need It Most

The lead-up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for many businesses. By outsourcing payroll, you free up valuable time to focus on other priorities, whether that’s meeting customer demand, finalising year-end accounts, or simply enjoying some downtime with your family.

One of the key benefits of outsourcing payroll during the holiday season is the time it saves. With fewer administrative tasks on your plate, you can focus on growing your business or spending quality time with family.

4. Ensure Compliance with Confidence

The rules around holiday pay and end-of-year reporting can be complex. 

A dedicated payroll service understands these requirements and ensures your business stays compliant. This reduces the risk of errors or penalties, giving you peace of mind that everything is handled professionally.

5. Focus on Your Business, Not Admin

As a business owner, your time is best spent growing your business, not on repetitive tasks or areas that require specialist skills or knowledge. 

Outsourcing payroll allows you to focus on what you do best while leaving the technical details to the experts.

Why Choose First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray for Your Payroll?

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we understand the pressure that comes with running a business during the holiday season. 

Our payroll services are designed to ensure everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most.

  • Accuracy Guaranteed: Your staff are paid the right amount, on time, every time.
  • Stress-Free Compliance: We handle all the details, ensuring your business meets its obligations.
  • Efficient Processes: Our expertise saves you time and money, so you can invest your energy elsewhere.

Take the Pressure Off This Holiday Season

The benefits of outsourcing payroll during the holiday season go beyond just saving time. They ensure accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind for your business. Don’t let payroll stress weigh you down this Christmas. 

By outsourcing your payroll to First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, you can ensure your team is taken care of while freeing yourself to enjoy the festive season.

Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help your business.

What value can automation bring to your business

What value can automation bring to your business?

What value can automation bring to your business?

Automation has the capacity to revolutionise your efficiency and productivity. But how many of the automation features that are available to you are actually being used?

Could you be getting more value by building automated processes into your operational framework?

Removing the manual workload to streamline your processes

There’s a very simple mantra when it comes to making the most of automation

If there’s a manual task in your business that’s taking up time, automate it now!

The more time you and your team spend on low-level administration, data-entry and form-filling, the less time you have available for actually running your business.

With your software tools maximised, your automated processes can be chugging along in the background, doing the heavy lifting and freeing up your time to focus on client service, sales and strategy etc.

So, which elements of your everyday operations could you be automating? And which apps and software solutions can help you to achieve your automation goals?

Here are some areas where automation and smart systems can really help to add value

Automated bookkeeping and digitisation of paperwork

Apps like Dext (formerly Receipt Bank) and Lightyear offer you the opportunity to automate your bookkeeping and record-keeping. These solutions let you snap a photo of a receipt or invoice, digitise the contents and then automatically create an expense claim or bill in your accounting system. There’s no keying in and the whole process is synced with your choice of cloud accounting platform.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can assist in setting up and managing these tools, ensuring your automated bookkeeping runs seamlessly.

Automated employee expenses

Apps like Weel (formerly DiviPay) give you automated control over your employee expenses. Using either virtual or physical credit cards, your staff can pay for expenses and payments are then automatically synced with your main accounting platform.

That means no late expenses claims, no need for petty cash and no wasted time keying in the receipts. All employee expenses can be tracked, measured and paid, with the whole expenses process automated from start to finish.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can implement these tools for you and manage the processes to keep your records accurate and timely.

Automated payment collection from your customers

With payment gateways like Stripe and GoCardless you can automate your cash collection. By using a modern payment gateway, you make it easier for clients to pay their bills. 

But you also automate the actual cash collection and bank reconciliation process too. Money can be instantly paid to your main business account and all the transactional data pulled across to your accounting platform. That means less admin, and faster payments too.

Talk to us at First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray about implementing these gateways to smooth your cash collection process.


Automated marketing and social media posts

Digital marketing is key to finding customers and growing your business. You can automate a large chunk of your marketing work. These solutions let you create automated emails, target specific customer audiences and track your return on investment (ROI) in forensic detail.

Where to Begin with Automation?

Automation is about making your business work smarter, not harder. With tools like Dext, Lightyear, Weel, Stripe, and GoCardless, you’re equipped to streamline key areas, reduce admin time, and focus on what truly matters.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray is here to help you integrate these systems seamlessly into your operations. Reach out to learn more about optimising your automation journey for efficiency and cost savings.

Talk to us about understanding the different App options to help you automate your business.

Remote work in 2024

Remote work in 2024

Remote Work in 2024: Adapting to the New Normal


Remote work has significantly evolved over the past five years, becoming a mainstay for many businesses.

Back in 2019, we discussed the rising trend of remote work in our blog "Remote Work is on the Rise". As we move further into 2024, it’s clear that remote work is no longer a temporary solution but a permanent fixture in the way we operate.

The benefits of remote work in 2024

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Remote work opens the door to a global talent pool. You're no longer restricted to hiring within your local area or requiring employees to relocate. This flexibility is a major draw for top talent who value work-life balance.

Increased Productivity

Many studies have shown that remote workers often achieve higher productivity levels than their in-office counterparts.

For example, a study by Great Place to Work found that remote work increased productivity by 13% during the pandemic (Great Place To Work®). Additionally, research from McKinsey indicated that flexible working arrangements have significantly boosted employee satisfaction and productivity (McKinsey & Company).

Cost Savings: Both employers and employees can save money. Businesses can reduce overhead costs related to maintaining physical office spaces, while employees save on commuting expenses. According to Business News Daily, remote workers also experience less stress, contributing to increased productivity (Business News Daily).

The Benefits of Outsourcing Bookkeeping and Payroll to Remote-Capable Organisations


Outsourcing bookkeeping and payroll to firms that excel in remote work, like Busy01 Consulting and First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, offers several advantages:

Consistency

Services are unaffected by location or employee absences. With remote teams, firms like Busy01 and FCA ensure that your bookkeeping and payroll tasks are completed on time, every time.

Expertise

Access to a team of experts who are well-versed in the latest technologies and best practices, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Focus on Core Activities

As a business, you can focus on your core competencies while leaving the complex and time-consuming tasks of bookkeeping and payroll to professionals.

Scalability

Easily scale services up or down depending on your business needs without the hassle of hiring and training new staff.

Security and Data Protection

With the increase in remote work, data security has become a top priority. Businesses must ensure that their remote work policies include robust cybersecurity measures. This includes using VPNs, secure cloud services, and regular training on data protection practices.

At Busy01 and First Class Accounts (FCA), we emphasise the importance of maintaining high security standards to protect sensitive business data. For more detailed information on cyber security, you can refer to our blog, here.

Preparing Your Business for Remote Work in 2024

Establish Clear Communication Channels

Strong communication is vital for remote teams. Ensure you have multiple channels for different types of communication:

  • Instant Messaging: Tools like Slack for quick, informal communication.
  • Video Conferencing: Regular video calls via platforms like Zoom to maintain face-to-face interaction.
  • Project Management: Software like Trello or Asana to keep track of tasks and deadlines.

Invest in Technology

Provide your remote employees with the necessary technology:

  • Hardware: Laptops, monitors, and other required devices.
  • Software: Subscriptions to essential tools and applications.
  • Support: Technical support to assist with any issues that arise.

Foster a Positive Remote Work Culture

Building and maintaining a positive work culture is crucial. Encourage regular team-building activities, virtual social events, and ensure managers are trained to support remote employees effectively.

Address Tax and Legal Considerations

Remote work can have tax implications. Make sure you are aware of the regulations in your area and seek advice to ensure compliance. This includes understanding how remote work affects payroll, benefits, and other legal aspects.

Embrace the Future of Work

Remote work in 2024 is more refined and ingrained in our work culture than ever before. By focusing on robust communication, mental health, security, and the right technology, businesses can thrive in this remote-first world.

If you’re considering or expanding remote work for your team, contact us to ensure your systems are up to date and you’re compliant with all necessary regulations.

Finding and retaining key talent for your business

Finding and retaining key talent for your business

Finding and retaining key talent for your business

The job market has been through plenty of ups and downs in recent years. But in 2024, the real challenge is attracting and retaining the top talent you need to grow the business.

Finding the skilled employees you need, and keeping them in the business, is vital for driving innovation and growth over the coming years. So, how do you locate the best talent?

Nearly 4 in 5 employers, globally, report difficulty finding the skilled talent they need, according to statistics from Manpower Group. This scarcity of talent can be a real stumbling block when your growth strategy relies on expanding your workforce and bringing the brightest minds into the business.

So, how do you overcome the current talent problem?

Here are six ways to find the talent you need:

1. Work on your branding as an employer

Employees are attracted to a company that looks like a great place to work. So, there’s value in developing a compelling employer brand that highlights your company culture, values and employee ratings.

2. Offer competitive salaries, rewards and benefits

A job is about more than just the salary, but offering a competitive salary and reward package goes a long way to attracting the skilled workers and professionals you need in your team.

3. Make professional development a core value

Offering the best opportunities for growth and advancement is a great way to retain your existing staff. By working staff development into your company’s DNA, your team can grow along with the business.

4. Get on board with remote and hybrid working

Many employees have enjoyed the benefits of remote and hybrid working. Embracing flexible working arrangements is one way to appeal to new and existing talent, helping you build an agile, hybrid team.

5. Recognise the star talent in the business

Acknowledging and rewarding your employees' contributions is an excellent way to boost morale and job satisfaction. Happy employees are far more likely to remain in the business, keeping your team more stable.

6. Utilise Up-to-Date Technology

The transition to remote work has necessitated the adoption of technology that not only supports but enhances the remote working experience. For businesses looking to attract top talent, offering a tech-savvy, flexible work environment can be a major draw.

By integrating these technologies into your business operations, you can create an environment that not only supports remote work but also enhances productivity and collaboration. This approach not only positions your company as a forward-thinking and flexible employer but also attracts professionals who value innovation and autonomy in their work environment.

Having the best people, talent and skills gives your business the foundations it needs to evolve, grow and diversify. So, overcoming the talent shortage isn’t just a ‘nice to have’. It’s actually fundamental to resourcing your plans and hitting your goals for the year ahead.

If you need support implementing appropriate apps to improve your business operations, let's talk.

rules and entitlements during the end-of-year holiday season

Do you know the rules and entitlements during the end-of-year holiday season?

Do you know the rules and entitlements during the end-of-year holiday season?

As we head into the summer holiday period, is your business up to speed with your rights and obligations?

If you don't outsource your payroll, it can be confusing to employers and employees alike – public holidays worked or taken as annual leave, business shutdowns, annual leave provisions… there are many rules employers need to understand.

Employees are entitled to annual leave and public holidays under the National Employment Standards minimum entitlements.

Employers can ask employees to work on public holidays within reason. For example, if the business is open every day of the year, and the employment agreement states that public holidays may be required, the employer can reasonably ask an employee to work a public holiday.

An employee can refuse to work on a public holiday if the request is unreasonable or there are reasonable personal grounds for refusing.

Christmas and New Year Public Holidays 2023-24

The following link has the Christmas and New Year Public Holidays that apply to employers in all states for the Christmas period and beyond - 2023 Public Holidays

Public holidays are paid at ordinary rates for employees who take the day off. Employees who work on a public holiday must either be paid penalty rates according to the relevant award or be given an extra day off in lieu of the public holiday. Some awards have specific provisions or additional benefits for public holidays, so it's important to check.

If an employee has booked annual leave for the Christmas and New Year periods, the public holidays are not counted as annual leave.

Some other key points to remember

  • Public holidays are counted as service, so annual and personal leave continues to accrue as usual.
  • Overtime worked on a public holiday may be paid at a different rate than regular overtime – check the relevant award or agreement.
  • Check the award or agreement for shutdown provisions. Most awards have guidance for directing employees to take leave during annual shutdowns.
  • If employees don’t have enough annual leave, employers can agree to pay them in advance for leave not yet accrued, or the employee can take unpaid leave.

The FWO has further advice on rules and entitlements during the end-of-year holiday season.

You might also need to think about cash flow planning for the holiday period, particularly if the business shuts down but still has obligations for payroll and other expenses.

We can advise you about your employer responsibilities and help plan holiday period payments so you can make the most of your summer holiday! Better still, talk to us about outsourcing your payroll.

Streamline Your Business with Online Timesheets 1

Streamline Your Business with Online Timesheets

Streamline Your Business with Online Timesheets

Messy, inflexible schedules, inaccurate timesheets, time-consuming data entry – paper-based time management is slowing your business down. We can help speed things up.

Thanks to the availability of affordable and accessible cloud-based options, like Xero Timesheets or Deputy, businesses can now bid farewell to archaic paper-based systems and unlock a world of efficiency and accuracy.

The Pitfalls of Paper

Paper-based time tracking and scheduling systems, while once the norm, have significant limitations that hinder business productivity. These limitations include inflexibility, time wastage, and vulnerability to time theft.

Inflexibility

Traditional paper schedules are rigid and static. They don't easily accommodate changes in work shifts or time-off requests, leading to frustration among employees and administrative headaches for businesses.

Time Wastage

Creating and managing paper schedules consumes valuable employee time that could be better spent on more productive tasks. Additionally, the manual nature of paper-based systems increases the likelihood of errors, leading to even more wasted time in rectifying mistakes.

Vulnerability to Time Theft

Perhaps one of the most significant drawbacks of paper-based systems is their susceptibility to time theft. Misreporting working hours, whether intentional or accidental, can result in inaccurate payroll calculations and disputes, creating a strain on both finances and employee trust.

Embracing the Benefits of Online Tools

Online timesheets and rostering tools offer a modern and efficient solution to the shortcomings of paper-based systems. Let's delve into the numerous advantages they bring to the table.

Practical, Flexible Scheduling

Online scheduling empowers employees to take control of their work schedules. Through user-friendly mobile applications, they can access their upcoming shifts, request time off, and even pick up additional shifts on the go. This flexibility not only enhances employee satisfaction but also streamlines the scheduling process for managers.

Up-to-the-Minute Time Tracking

With online timesheets, time tracking becomes precise and effortless. Employees can clock in and out with their mobile devices, eliminating the need for time-consuming paperwork. This real-time tracking ensures that working hours are recorded down to the minute, preventing any rounding-up discrepancies.

Seamless Communication

Effective communication is at the heart of any successful business operation. Online systems come equipped with features that simplify communication. Managers can send out notifications about schedule changes, set up instant overtime alerts, and notify staff about open shifts with ease.

Enhanced Visibility

Time equals money. Efficient time tracking provides businesses with invaluable insights into how their resources are being allocated. Employees can track their time against specific jobs or projects, enabling businesses to itemise bills, quote accurately, and justify invoices with precision.

Integration for Efficiency

Integration capabilities are a game-changer when it comes to online timesheets. By seamlessly connecting time tracking and scheduling software with other management systems, businesses can streamline their operations further. For example, linking tracking software with your payroll system eliminates the need for manual data entry and simplifies tax calculations for each team member.

Making life easier

When in comes to implementing the 

The shift from traditional paper-based time tracking and scheduling to online systems is a step towards enhanced accessibility, accuracy, and efficiency. It's about making life easier for both businesses and their employees.

Are you ready to embrace the advantages of online timesheets? Reach out to us for support in implementing the appropriate apps for your business.

Cost of a new employee

The cost of a new employee

The cost of a new employee

When you’re calculating pay rises, it’s important to think about more than just how much you can afford. You also need to consider the true cost of replacing that employee.

Low pay rises can be unexpectedly expensive

It’s surprisingly common for businesses to offer low pay rises, only for workers to feel undervalued and resign. The employer is left with all the upfront costs of replacing them, plus paying the salary, plus training the new employee and lost productivity as they learn the ropes.

Some estimates put the cost of a new employee at around 40% of their salary and a 2021 Australasian survey put the price at an average of $23,860 per worker.

Overall, that low pay rise could cost your business a lot more than you bargained for.

Not paying enough might just cost you an employee

If you run the numbers you’ll see the impact that an insufficient pay rise can have.

Let’s say you employ Ashley, an office manager who is paid $60,000. You offer Ashley a 4% pay rise, which will cost you around $2,400 more each year. With inflation running at over 7%, Ashley feels this isn’t enough and finds a job paying $68,000 almost immediately.

If you had provided Ashley with a 10% pay rise, it would have cost you around $6,000 more each year and you would still have your employee. Finding a new employee could cost you $20,000 or more.

Running the numbers

Make sure you understand salaries in your industry, and think about inflation, when you calculate pay rises.

Also consider how easy it would be to replace the person and how much value they bring to your business.

And think about extra benefits you could offer a valuable team member: do they want more flexibility or a four-day week?

We can run the numbers for you before your remuneration reviews or if you are looking to hire. 

If you have any questions about pay rises or hiring this year, get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

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