When Jackie and David invited me to guest on their podcast, Folding Towels, I was thrilled. It’s not every day you get to chat with such vibrant and insightful hosts about a topic you’re passionate about—HR for Health Leaders. Episode 065 was all about getting staffing right, and I couldn’t wait to share my experiences and advice with their audience of dedicated massage therapists.
The Common Pitfalls and Practical Solutions
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the common HR challenges faced by allied health clinics. Many business owners struggle with staffing issues, particularly around contracting and financial awareness. I drew from my 13 years of HR experience and shared some practical advice. For instance, many clinicians don’t fully understand their financials and often rely on account balances without considering profitability. I emphasized the importance of converting casual staff to permanent roles, a point David strongly supported. The ‘right to casual conversion’ is a game-changer, allowing employees to request permanent status after a year of consistent work.
The legislative landscape is also shifting, making it crucial to get proper legal advice when dealing with contractors. Recent changes have tightened the definitions of employees and employers, which means businesses can no longer sidestep obligations like superannuation for sole traders who meet specific criteria. This is non-negotiable, despite what some misinformed accountants might say. It’s essential to seek specialized guidance to avoid financial pitfalls.
Financial Awareness: The Backbone of Business Success
Another major theme we explored was financial awareness. Understanding the true cost of staff is critical. Employers need to account for superannuation, taxes, insurances, and workers’ compensation fees, which can significantly increase the apparent wage cost. Implementing a system like ‘Profit First’ can be incredibly beneficial. By creating separate accounts for operating expenses, wages, and taxes, business owners can ensure they have funds available when needed.
Resources to Simplify HR
I also provided some handy resources during our talk. From worksheets for wage calculations to comprehensive onboarding documents, these tools are designed to simplify the hiring process for small businesses. Tailored recruitment tools like position descriptions, interview guides, and reference checks can make a world of difference, especially for therapists and allied health professionals.
The podcast wrapped up with heartfelt gratitude from Jackie and David, and I left feeling incredibly fulfilled. Sharing my expertise on HR challenges and providing actionable advice to small business owners is what I love to do. If you’re navigating the often confusing landscape of HR in the allied health industry, remember, you’re not alone. There are resources and expert advice available to help you every step of the way.
Your outsouced HR Manager who feels like part of your team - I offer straight forward advice, with a strategic focus based on a specific understanding of the types of challenges you face in private allied health practices.
Since starting HR for Health Leaders in 2019 I’ve spoken to hundreds of business owners, appeared on podcasts & presented to groups of business owners through partnerships with Health Leader Co, The Clinic Project, Supercharge My Practice and the Massage & Myotherapy Association. I’ve honed in on the common themes & designed a specific set of services to perfectly fit my clients!
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