James Thomson from Smart Company has written a great article about the findings of a survey conducted by compliance and governance firm CompliSpace. The survey shows that Australian SMEs have not done enough to understand the effects the final phase of the Fair Work Act will have on business. 

The survey claims that 47% of organisations with 50-200 employees believe that management does not have a good understanding of the key changes to be introduced in the final phase of the Fair Work Act, including the introduction of the National Employment Standard and the Modern Awards.

The survey raises questions about current HR practices in SMEs.

- 44% of respondents do not maintain copies of the relevant awards and/or agreements that apply to their organisation.

- 26% of respondents do not have an effective internal communication platform to provide all staff with easy access to current company policies and procedures.

- 33% of respondents do not adequately maintain an up-to-date suite of policies and procedures that deal with general conditions of employment.

The best way to protect yourself is by ensuring you have up-to-date, clear and concise paperwork including documented workplace policies and written records of staff dealings.  This can be a time consuming process, if you take the time now you will avoid difficulties in the future.