It doesn't matter how big or small your business is, when looking to hire new staff there are obligations you need to fulfill. People will walk with their feet if they feel they are being treated unfairly and will take legal action if you don't take proper care of your responsibilities. As human beings we all deserve to be treated with respect, and people won't take kindly on you throwing your weight around just because you are the boss.
If you are unsure of some of your duties as an employer, these are some of the aspects you need to take into account.
Why hire somebody?
You can't take on every role yourself, so define your responsibilities within the company before considering the reasons for hiring new staff. There may be areas you are weak at, such as I.T. or marketing, or you may not have time to cover every aspect of your business. Clearly define the roles your business has to offer new employees and hire accordingly.
How many hours can you offer?
Depending on the size of your business and your financial situation, consider how many hours you need somebody to work. The four employment types are full-time (38 hours a week); part-time (under 38 hours); fixed term (employ somebody for a set period) and casual (hire someone at variable times when you need them).
You might also choose to use somebody on a freelance basis. For example, helping you to set up a website on a one-off basis.
Who should I employ?
Always hire somebody according to the skill-set needed to make your company work. For example, it is no good hiring somebody to work on the business accounts when they have poor number skills. However, there may be areas you can offer training to the right candidate if you feel they have the right attitude and a passion for what your company values.
In all stages of the hiring process, you need to adhere to anti-discrimination laws. This means your job advertisement shouldn't discriminate against anybody, including differences in gender and age, unless there is a specific reason for doing so. When it comes to the interview process, you should always ask a standard set of questions to everybody. You may ask different questions to draw out information from their resume but otherwise, keep it fair.
What are my obligations?
A contract needs to be signed by both parties setting out the terms and conditions of the job. This should include the set hours to be worked and the wage being offered.
Your employee is entitled to superannuation, so seek help from a service such as Nationwide Super who can help with your calculations. Staff should also be given annual and parental leave when needed, as well as the opportunity to pay into a pension fund.
Seek help from your local government office for more details of your responsibilities. It may be a minefield of bureaucracy, but laws are set for your protection and that of your staff.
