Hunter Business Awards 2011

Earlier this month, the performHR team had the honour of attending the Hunter Business Awards 2011, hosted by the Hunter Business Chamber, for  our nomination as a finalist in the Small Business Excellence category.

The Small Business Excellence Award recognises the contribution businesses with less than 20 employees make to our region, and we were humbled to be a part of this category with so many other dedicated and hard-working businesses.

Over 500 guests attended this year’s Awards held in the beautiful Starlight Room at Wests Leagues Club, New Lambton.

The exceptional number of entries in this year’s Awards is indicative of a region that is powering ahead in technology, education, science and  humanities, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

While we did not walk away with the win, we came to realise that the old cliché that we feel like winners anyway applies to us. performHR began in joint CEO, Jenny Robert’s lounge room over 18 months ago, and has since grown to an office in Hudson Street, Hamilton, where a dedicated staff of ten work with over 70 clients throughout Australia.

It has been a long, challenging, daunting, but most importantly, rewarding and exciting road to get to where we are today, and our nomination really cements to us that what we are doing is important and matters.

However, we certainly did not get here alone. The team at performHR would like to thank our family and friends for their continual love, support and faith, as well as our clients who make our time at work enjoyable, and who challenge us to continually improve our services.

We’d also like to congratulate C-E Solution on their deserving win in our category, as well as all of the winners and nominees.

On the whiteboard above our desks at the performHR office, this quote continues to motivate and inspire us:

“To love what you do and feel that it matters- how could anything be more fun?” – Katharine Graham

We hope that whatever you do in life, it brings a smile to your face and makes you feel like what you do matters.

Why Are Employees Leaving Their Jobs?

While most would think money is the greatest influence on an employee’s decision to leave their job, research has shown that employees are leaving their jobs actually because of their bosses.

While earlier decades of businesses, particularly in the 1950’s and 1960’s,had the reputation of being primarily autocratic employers, with a “my way or the highway” philosophy, employee turnover was minimal. Now, in 2011, while most companies espouse employee empowerment, work and life balance, and team building, people seem to be changing employers as often as they change their underwear.

So what has changed employee mentality from that of security to insecurity? What are some common issues that employers can address to lower their employee turnover?

The most commonly cited reasons for employees to leave their jobs include:

• Lack of communication.
• Neglect of HR issues.
• Lack of vision or shared purpose.
• Failure to create culture of mutual respect.
• Unwillingness to change and innovate.
• No hope for career advancement or career growth.
• Lack of coaching or mentoring by employers.

Bosses have the ability to change, enhance or ruin a work environment. They should be great motivators, innovators, and leaders, who inspire the team members they supervise to achieve great things. These managers understand how to treat employees fairly and with respect, and more importantly understand why they should do so. It is crucial for employers to understand and address these concerns if present in the workplace, as not only will they enjoy less turnover and a more productive staff, but will breed new leaders for the organisation who will follow the example set forth by their predecessors.

Fair Go For Kids

performHR is proud to announce that we have joined Hunter’s Kindest Companies, an initiative of LeapFrog ability and their charity, Fair Go for Kids.

Fair Go for Kids, through the generosity of businesses and the community, provides money for the treatment, equipment and support needed for children of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley who are disadvantaged or living with a disability.

Everyday, Fair Go for Kids hears about the unnecessary hardship these children and their families must endure because of lengthy waiting times for assistance. We at performHR, as well as all supporters of Fair Go for Kids, believe that it is the right of any child who is disadvantaged or living with a disability to be presented with the best opportunities to enhance their quality of life, meaning drastically shortening waitlists.

It is through Fair Go for Kids that children like fifteen-year-old Alex, who has Autism, Hypotonia (low muscle tone), Anxiety Disorder and Speech Delay, are able to experience life in the same way and receive the same opportunities as any child in the community. Fair Go for Kids has provided Alex with a laptop, weighted blanket, Swiss ball and Swiss ball chair which helps him to manage his symptoms, relax, maintain muscle tone and provide relief to his supportive family. Similarly, Fair Go for Kids has provided eight-year-old Jessica, who suffers from MPS1, with two computer learning programs which have been invaluable for Jessica’s development while she recovers from major spinal surgery, helping her connect and keep up with her school friends.

Alex and Jessica are just two examples of the many kids Fair Go for Kids helps every year. While both Alex and Jessica’s situations are one that most of us will never have to face, Fair Go for Kids’ waiting lists are full of children with stories just as touching.

That’s where you come in. As a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, your support is needed now more than ever to reduce Fair Go for Kids’ waiting list. Your support, whether monetary or through volunteer week, provides the most powerful and positive impact on the lives of the children and families FairGo for Kids helps.

There are four ways you can become involved with LeapFrog and its charity, Fair Go for Kids:

1. Donate online- all contributions over $2 are tax deductible and every cent you donate goes directly to helping a child in need. Unlike many charities, LeapFrog ability does not charge administration fees to Fair Go for Kids for running the charity. Please visit their website, leapfrog.org.au, to donate.
2. The Hunter’s Kindest Companies- LeapFrog believes that companies with a philanthropic drive should be recognized and supported by the community they support. LeapFrog is trying to bring together those who are in need with those who are willing to help, and doing its best to publicise those companies who deserve the communities’ thanks. With a donation of $1000 or more, your business can become a member of the Hunter’s Kindest Companies.
3. Community Building Partners- companies can often provide the needy with products and services that can help just as much as cash donations. Community Building Partners are those companies and organisations who are willing to provide their time, products or services to help Fair Go for Kid’s build a better, more equitable community for those suffering from disadvantage or disability.
4. Volunteer- you could run a charity event for Fair Go for Kids or get involved in one of many worthwhile causes by contacting the LeapFrog ability office.

performHR are honoured to be able to provide donations and support to such a worthwhile charity with a local focus. We’re passionate about the work Fair Go for Kids does in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, and we think you should be too!

For more details about any of these opportunities to support Fair Go for Kids, or general enquiries, please contact LeapFrog ability at 49797777 or admin@leapfrog.org.au.