Hello and welcome to Episode 329 of The People Powered Business Podcast.

Have you ever felt like you're drowning in information but still not sure what action to take when it comes to managing your team? Maybe you've downloaded templates, Googled answers, asked AI for help and still found yourself second-guessing whether you're doing the right thing. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. The reality is that managing people in business has become more complex, not less, and many business owners are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available.

In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my own business and sharing a significant change that's happening inside People Powered HR. As I celebrate 20 years in business, I've been reflecting on one thing that has remained true throughout every stage of growth and change: when the game changes, we need to change with it. I've seen this happen before, from launching my recruitment business in 2006, to moving into HR consulting after the introduction of the Fair Work Act, and then creating People Powered HR in 2020. Now, I can see another shift happening in what small business owners need most.

The biggest insight? Information is no longer the problem. Business owners can access information from Google, Fair Work and AI in seconds. The challenge now is knowing what applies to your business, your team and your situation. I share why generic templates and DIY approaches are no longer enough, where AI can help and where it can create risk, and why personalised support is becoming more valuable than ever. I also reveal how People Powered HR is evolving from an information-based membership into a more tailored, implementation-focused support model that helps business owners take action on the right priorities for their business.

In this episode we cover:

• Why having more information doesn't automatically lead to better people management decisions

• The biggest changes impacting small business owners and HR compliance in 2026

• Where AI can support business owners and where it can create costly mistakes

• Why generic templates are no longer enough for effective people management

• How the new People Powered HR model will provide more tailored support and implementation guidance

Join People Powered HR: https://www.peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au/pphr

To connect with Kristy-Lee:

DM me on Instagram @kristy.lee.billett

Connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyleebillett/

Email me at hello@peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au

Book a 15-minute clarity call:

https://calendly.com/kristyleebillett/chat

What this episode covers

Small business owners have more access to information than ever before, but that doesn't necessarily make managing people easier. This episode explores why the real challenge in today's business environment is knowing what applies to a specific business situation and taking the right action with confidence.

As technology, AI and workplace compliance requirements continue to evolve, business owners need more than templates and information. They need practical guidance, prioritisation and support that helps them implement the right solutions for their team and business.

Key insight from this episode

The biggest challenge facing business owners today isn't a lack of information. It's the ability to interpret that information, apply it correctly to their business and confidently take action. As AI and online resources become more accessible, personalised support and expert guidance become even more valuable, not less.

What you'll take away

• Understand why access to information is no longer the biggest obstacle to managing people effectively

• Recognise the limitations of generic templates and one-size-fits-all HR solutions

• Learn where AI can be useful and where relying on it can create risk for your business

• Gain clarity on how to prioritise people management actions based on your business's specific needs

• Understand why tailored implementation support can help create better business outcomes than information alone

Hello and welcome to Episode 327 of The People Powered Business Podcast.

Have you opened the latest wage review announcement and immediately wondered what it means for your payroll, your cash flow and your compliance obligations? If you're already feeling the squeeze of rising business costs, the latest Fair Work Commission decision may have you doing some quick calculations and asking what happens next. Based on the Fair Work Commission's annual wage review decision, significant increases are coming into effect from 1 July 2026, and every employer needs to be prepared.

I wanted to jump on the podcast this week with a timely compliance update because this is one of those changes that impacts a huge number of Australian businesses. Every year, the Fair Work Commission reviews the National Minimum Wage and award minimum rates of pay, taking into account economic conditions, inflation and submissions from unions and employer groups. This year's decision reflects ongoing cost of living pressures and rising inflation, making it one of the more significant wage increases we've seen in recent years.

In this episode, I break down exactly what the 2026 wage review decision means, including the increase to the National Minimum Wage and the separate increase to award minimum rates. I also explain who is most affected, what employers need to do before 1 July, and the common areas where businesses can accidentally fall short of their obligations. We also look ahead at upcoming Fair Work changes, including gender undervaluation reviews and major award updates that could have a significant impact on sectors like allied health, disability services and community care. If you employ staff under modern awards, this is one update you don't want to miss.

In this episode we cover:

• What the Fair Work Commission's 2026 National Wage Review decision means for employers
• The new National Minimum Wage and award wage increases taking effect from 1 July 2026
• How inflation and economic conditions influenced this year's decision
• Why you should review annualised wage agreements, flexibility agreements and allowances now
• Upcoming Fair Work changes affecting healthcare, disability services and other female-dominated industries

Links & Resources:

Join People Powered HR:

https://www.peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au/pphr

DM me on Instagram @kristy.lee.billett

Connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyleebillett/

Email me at hello@peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au

Book a 15-minute clarity call:

https://calendly.com/kristyleebillett/chat

What this episode covers

The 2026 Fair Work Commission wage review decision brings significant increases to both the National Minimum Wage and award minimum rates of pay. For small business owners employing staff under modern awards, understanding these changes is essential to remain compliant and avoid costly underpayment issues. This episode explains what has changed, who is affected and what actions employers need to take before 1 July 2026.

Key insight from this episode

Wage increases are only part of the compliance picture. Businesses also need to review annualised wage arrangements, flexibility agreements and employee allowances to ensure employees remain better off overall and that payroll practices continue to meet Fair Work requirements after the new rates take effect.

What you'll take away

• Understand the new National Minimum Wage and award wage increases effective from 1 July 2026
• Identify whether your workforce is likely to be affected by the updated award rates
• Know which payroll, allowance and wage agreement reviews should be completed before implementation
• Recognise the compliance risks associated with failing to update employee pay correctly
• Gain awareness of upcoming Fair Work changes affecting healthcare, disability and community service sectors