Compliance Corner
Don’t get caught off guard with employment law changes. Find important information on New Zealand’s complex employment laws here.


Important employment law updates…
Resources
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Read more: 6 ways that Employment Hero helps manage health and safety in the workplace6 ways that Employment Hero helps manage health and safety in the workplace
Learn how our suite of workforce management tools can help you maintain a safe workplace.
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Read more: A guide to seasonal employee rights and agreementsA guide to seasonal employee rights and agreements
Our guide walks New Zealand employers through every aspect of seasonal employment, from drafting agreements to managing fixed-term contracts.
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Read more: Tradies’ guide to New Zealand PayrollTradies’ guide to New Zealand Payroll
A practical guide to payroll for tradies. Learn how to manage wages and compliance to keep your business running smoothly.
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Read more: Health and Safety at Work Act: Key changes explainedHealth and Safety at Work Act: Key changes explained
New Zealand’s biggest health and safety shake-up since 2015 is underway. Get ahead of the proposed HSWA amendments with our free employer guide.
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Read more: How to resolve employee grievance in the workplaceHow to resolve employee grievance in the workplace
Our practical resource for managers and business owners who want to understand what it really takes to resolve a grievance well.
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Read more: Employer’s guide to stress leave entitlements in New ZealandEmployer’s guide to stress leave entitlements in New Zealand
In our guide to stress leave and workplace stress, we’ll go over what stress leave can look like, what obligations you have as an employer
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Read more: 90-day trial period compliance checklist90-day trial period compliance checklist
Are you using 90-day trials correctly? Use our free employer compliance checklist to reduce risk and avoid personal grievances.
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Read more: AI policy template and guideAI policy template and guide
Discover the essential components of an AI policy template to ensure effective governance. Download the template.
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Read more: Building a corporate AI policy that actually worksBuilding a corporate AI policy that actually works
Most corporate AI policies fail in practice. Learn what actually makes an AI policy work in real organisations, and how to drive employee adoption.
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Read more: Employee Share Scheme rules and compliance guide in New ZealandEmployee Share Scheme rules and compliance guide in New Zealand
Understand employee share scheme rules and guidelines in New Zealand. Learn about tax obligations, eligibility and compliance requirements for employers.
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Read more: How to calculate final pay in New ZealandHow to calculate final pay in New Zealand
Learn how to calculate final pay in NZ. Covers holiday pay, unused leave, notice periods and employer obligations under the Holidays Act 2003.
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Read more: Managing alcohol and drugs in the workplaceManaging alcohol and drugs in the workplace
Learn how to create a safer workplace by effectively managing alcohol and drug use, covering policies, testing, support and legal responsibilities.
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Read more: Employee WHS self-assessment checklistEmployee WHS self-assessment checklist
Help employees identify hazards and take ownership of workplace safety. Download your copy today.
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Read more: HR documents checklistHR documents checklist
Use our HR documentation checklist to figure out what you’re missing. Make sure that every employee in your business is covered.
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Read more: Remote work compliance: Checklist & best practicesRemote work compliance: Checklist & best practices
Support your team with our NZ remote work compliance checklist. Understand legal obligations and create a safe, productive workplace.
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Read more: Your HR risk assessment checklistYour HR risk assessment checklist
Use our straightforward checklist to identify and manage potential issues, so you can focus on growing your business.
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Read more: ISO 9001 standards: HR audit checklistISO 9001 standards: HR audit checklist
Review your compliance with ISO 9001 using our essential HR audit checklist.
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Read more: Employment law updates 2026Employment law updates 2026
Keep your business up-to-date with the latest changes in NZ employment law. Here’s what you need to know about the updates in 2026.
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Read more: Information security policy templateInformation security policy template
Protect your business data with our free information security policy template. Tailored for NZ businesses to meet local compliance requirements.
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Read more: Letter template: Annual wage & tax changesLetter template: Annual wage & tax changes
Stay ahead of wage and tax updates. Use our letter template to clearly communicate annual changes and keep your team informed.
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Read more: Essential guide to contract managementEssential guide to contract management
Understand contract management from creation to renewal, and why the right software is essential for reducing risk and getting your time back.
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Read more: Guide to restraint of trade clauses in New ZealandGuide to restraint of trade clauses in New Zealand
A straightforward guide to restraint of trade clauses, enforceability and protecting your trade secrets.
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Read more: Employment Relations Act: Key changes explainedEmployment Relations Act: Key changes explained
Stay up to date with the latest changes to New Zealand’s Employment Relations Act. Understand what’s new and how it affects employers and employees.
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Read more: Creating a recruitment policy: template and guideCreating a recruitment policy: template and guide
Discover how to create a comprehensive recruitment policy, or download the template tailored for NZ businesses.
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Read more: Workplace health and safety guideWorkplace health and safety guide
Learn your health and safety responsibilities under NZ law. This guide explains employer duties, compliance steps, and risk management strategies.
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Read more: What to include in casual employment agreementsWhat to include in casual employment agreements
Use our NZ casual contract checklist to vet your current employment agreements. Free, practical and designed for HR teams and business owners.
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Read more: What you need to know about the 2026 minimum wage increaseWhat you need to know about the 2026 minimum wage increase
The minimum wage rate increase on 1 April 2026 applies to many Kiwi employers. We’ve compiled all the information you need to know in our guide.
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Read more: Employee handbook template and guideEmployee handbook template and guide
Create a compliant employee handbook with our practical guide and downloadable template for HR professionals in NZ.
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Read more: Wage Theft in New Zealand – FactsheetWage Theft in New Zealand – Factsheet
Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay employees their full legal entitlements. This can include unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, failure to provide holiday pay, and underpayment of minimum wage requirements.
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Read more: Overtime policy template [free download]Overtime policy template [free download]
Download our NZ overtime policy template to manage overtime hours and pay with ease.
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Read more: Guide to ACC and ESCT ratesGuide to ACC and ESCT rates
Understand ESCT rates in NZ, including KiwiSaver ESCT changes from 1 April 2025, calculation steps, and compliance tips for employers.
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Read more: Payroll reporting guide for NZ employersPayroll reporting guide for NZ employers
Learn everything employers need to know about payroll reporting. Understand IRD requirements, mandatory reports, deadlines and compliance practices.
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Read more: Incident report template NZ: free download for businessesIncident report template NZ: free download for businesses
Download our free NZ incident report template. Record and report workplace incidents correctly under HSWA and ACC requirements.
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Read more: Serious misconduct in New Zealand: What employers must knowSerious misconduct in New Zealand: What employers must know
Learn what serious misconduct means under NZ law, common examples, and how to manage the process legally and fairly. Protect your business and stay compliant.
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Read more: How to hire temporary workers in New Zealand: Employer’s guideHow to hire temporary workers in New Zealand: Employer’s guide
Learn how to hire temporary workers in NZ. Understand fixed-term agreements, pay, compliance, onboarding and where to find temporary staff.
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Read more: Factsheet: Contractor vs. employeeFactsheet: Contractor vs. employee
Learn the key differences between employees and contractors in New Zealand. Understand legal definitions, rights, tax obligations, and risks of misclassification to make the right hiring decision.
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Read more: Psychological safety in the workplace: An employer’s guidePsychological safety in the workplace: An employer’s guide
Learn why psychological safety in the workplace matters in NZ. Discover legal duties, practical strategies, and tools to create a safer, more engaged workforce.
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Read more: Public holiday entitlements in New Zealand: Employer factsheetPublic holiday entitlements in New Zealand: Employer factsheet
Learn about public holiday entitlements in NZ and understand working rules, Mondayisation, alternative holidays, and anniversary days.
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Read more: Expense reimbursement policy template for NZ businessesExpense reimbursement policy template for NZ businesses
Download our expense reimbursement policy template. Learn what expenses are legitimate, how to set limits and how to create a clear claims process.
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Read more: Bullying and harassment policy: template and guideBullying and harassment policy: template and guide
Download our workplace bullying and harassment policy template for NZ employers. Learn how to prevent, identify, and handle bullying and harassment at work.
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Read more: Workplace emergency procedures: A guide for employersWorkplace emergency procedures: A guide for employers
Learn how to create and maintain workplace emergency procedures. Discover legal requirements, potential scenarios, staff engagement and testing plans.
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Read more: Staff rostering: A complete guide for NZ employersStaff rostering: A complete guide for NZ employers
Discover how to manage staff rostering. Learn about common challenges, legal requirements and strategies for fair and efficient scheduling.
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Read more: Employer’s guide to the redundancy processEmployer’s guide to the redundancy process
Learn how to manage the redundancy process in NZ. Understand your legal obligations, consultation requirements and how to support employees through change.
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Read more: How to become an Accredited EmployerHow to become an Accredited Employer
Discover how your business can achieve accreditation, the benefits it brings, key compliance insights and more, all from our experts.
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Read more: Recognised Seasonal Employer Visa FactsheetRecognised Seasonal Employer Visa Factsheet
Everything you need to know about the RSE visa scheme. Essential information on eligibility, application and work rights for seasonal workers.
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Read more: Bereavement leave entitlements in New Zealand: Rules and payBereavement leave entitlements in New Zealand: Rules and pay
Understand bereavement leave entitlements in NZ. Learn how to calculate pay, handle multiple bereavements and leave record-keeping.
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Read more: Employer’s guide to parental leave in New ZealandEmployer’s guide to parental leave in New Zealand
Learn everything NZ employers need to know about parental leave. Understand entitlements, paid parental leave, KIT days, return to work and compliance.
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Read more: Changes to the Holidays Act: Employer FactsheetChanges to the Holidays Act: Employer Factsheet
The Holidays Act will soon become the Employment Leave Act in New Zealand. Learn what the changes mean for annual leave, sick leave, payroll and compliance.
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Read more: Employment Agreement ChecklistEmployment Agreement Checklist
Creating your next employment contract? Download our free checklist to make sure you’re covering everything you need before onboarding.
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Read more: An Employer’s Guide to Terminations: Medical Incapacity FactsheetAn Employer’s Guide to Terminations: Medical Incapacity Factsheet
Learn how to manage medical incapacity termination fairly and lawfully. Understand legal obligations, the termination process and best practice for supporting employees.
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Read more: Payroll audit checklist for New Zealand businessesPayroll audit checklist for New Zealand businesses
Published Published There are so many different elements that go into payroll, whether it’s deductions, payday filing or leave calculations. That leaves a lot of room for error, which can be disastrous for a business. Get payroll right and your business will continue functioning. Get it wrong and you’re looking at fines of up to […]
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Read more: Pay secrecy law explainedPay secrecy law explained
Discover what NZ’s pay secrecy law means for your business, and what steps you need to take to be ready for this amendment.
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Read more: The HR Audit Checklist for ConsultantsThe HR Audit Checklist for Consultants
Are you a consultant, accountant or bookkeeper? Our HR audit checklist helps you assess compliance, review HR processes and deliver more value to your clients.
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Read more: Employee leave policy templateEmployee leave policy template
Published Published Putting together a leave policy for your company? Managing employee leave policy can be complex, whether your New Zealand-based business is growing or well-established. From annual holidays to the different types of leave, there’s a lot to navigate and track. To help you get on top of things, we’ve put together a leave […]
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Read more: Independent Contractor Agreement NZ: What to IncludeIndependent Contractor Agreement NZ: What to Include
Learn what to include in an independent contractor agreement NZ. Cover key clauses, tax, IP, and legal tips to protect your business.
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Read more: Recruitment compliance do’s and don’ts: Hiring compliance for hiring managersRecruitment compliance do’s and don’ts: Hiring compliance for hiring managers
Learn how to stay compliant when finding talent, interviewing candidates, and onboarding new employees into your business.
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Read more: Avoid a $40K Payroll Mistake: The NZ Small Biz Payroll ChecklistAvoid a $40K Payroll Mistake: The NZ Small Biz Payroll Checklist
Think payroll mistakes don’t matter? For businesses with under 10 staff, even small slip-ups can lead to fines of up to $40K. Find out how to avoid costly payroll mistakes with our payroll checklist for small Kiwi businesses.
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Read more: Managing terminations in NZ: A comprehensive guide for business leadersManaging terminations in NZ: A comprehensive guide for business leaders
Learn best practices and key considerations for dismissing an employee in New Zealand.
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Read more: HR Compliance Checklist for Kiwi BusinessesHR Compliance Checklist for Kiwi Businesses
This handy checklist covers key HR tasks for employers throughout the entire employee lifecycle.
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Read more: Minimum wage: Guide for New Zealand employers and payroll teamsMinimum wage: Guide for New Zealand employers and payroll teams
Understand NZ’s minimum wage rates, training wage rules, and 2025 updates. Learn how Employment Hero NZ automates wage compliance.
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Read more: New Zealand Jury Service Leave FactsheetNew Zealand Jury Service Leave Factsheet
Get across your employer obligations for jury service leave with this handy factsheet.
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Read more: End of Financial Year HR and Payroll Checklist NZ [2026]End of Financial Year HR and Payroll Checklist NZ [2026]
Don’t let the end of financial year get the best of you! Download our free HR and Payroll checklist to make sure your business is prepared for EOFY.
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Read more: NZ Workplace Health and Safety FactsheetNZ Workplace Health and Safety Factsheet
We’ve developed this factsheet to help you understand your PCBU duties in the workplace.
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Read more: An employer’s guide to personal grievance and unjustified dismissal claimsAn employer’s guide to personal grievance and unjustified dismissal claims
At the centre of a personal grievance claim is the assertion that the terms of an employment relationship has been broken in some way.
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Read more: Employer’s guide to garden leave in New ZealandEmployer’s guide to garden leave in New Zealand
Curious about how garden leave works? Our factsheet explains the ins and outs.
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Read more: Workplace health and safety induction checklistWorkplace health and safety induction checklist
This checklist goes through a standard workplace health and safety induction for a new employee.
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Read more: New Zealand Public Holidays 2024 CheatsheetNew Zealand Public Holidays 2024 Cheatsheet
Plan ahead with our complete list of public holidays in New Zealand for 2024.
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Read more: What the 2023 NZ election outcome means for small and medium businessesWhat the 2023 NZ election outcome means for small and medium businesses
New Zealand’s general election saw a significant transition of power. Find out what to expect.
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Read more: Family violence leave in New Zealand explainedFamily violence leave in New Zealand explained
Get the facts on family violence leave and learn what employees are entitled to.
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Read more: Understanding the disciplinary process in New ZealandUnderstanding the disciplinary process in New Zealand
Are you a manager dealing with misconduct? Here’s what you need to know about disciplinary actions.
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Read more: Factsheet: How does Employment Hero Payroll comply with the Holidays Act (2003)?Factsheet: How does Employment Hero Payroll comply with the Holidays Act (2003)?
Having payroll software that aligns with New Zealand regulations can greatly support businesses.
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Read more: 90-day trial periods in New Zealand: What SMEs need to know90-day trial periods in New Zealand: What SMEs need to know
Learn how the 90-day trial period can help you make better hiring decisions.
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Read more: Printable Hand Hygiene PosterPrintable Hand Hygiene Poster
Keep your workspace safe and healthy – print out our free, high-resolution poster.
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Read more: Return To Work Meeting Interview Guide (+Free Template)Return To Work Meeting Interview Guide (+Free Template)
How can you manage the return to work process for your employees? Get the template now.
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Read more: Navigating the Holidays Act (2003) and Ensuring Payroll ComplianceNavigating the Holidays Act (2003) and Ensuring Payroll Compliance
Learn how you can spend more time on strategic work without being stressed over compliance.
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Read more: 8 Office Closed For Holiday Message Examples8 Office Closed For Holiday Message Examples
Use these free templates to inform your customers and employees about holiday office closures.
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Read more: Flexible Working Policy Template [Free Download]Flexible Working Policy Template [Free Download]
Flexible work is becoming incredibly popular, and businesses are looking to keep up with the trend
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Read more: Remote working policy for NZ businessesRemote working policy for NZ businesses
Published Download our fully customisable, printable version for now. Entirely free. Looking to introduce flexible work practices into your organisation? Remote working/working from home is an initiative that allows greater flexibility and balance between work and personal needs (such as family or caring responsibilities). This policy template can ensure you and your team get the […]
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Read more: Independent contractor rights in New Zealand [Factsheet]Independent contractor rights in New Zealand [Factsheet]
Distinguish between employees and contractors to ensure compliance with this factsheet.
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Read more: NZ Workplace Policies FactsheetNZ Workplace Policies Factsheet
This factsheet will help you develop workplace policies and save your and your employees’ time.
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Read more: Employment Agreements NZ FactsheetEmployment Agreements NZ Factsheet
This factsheet will help you understand the ins and outs of employee agreements in New Zealand.
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Read more: NZ Minimum Rights of Employees FactsheetNZ Minimum Rights of Employees Factsheet
This factsheet will help you understand the minimum rights of New Zealand employees.
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Read more: Mobile phone policy for employees NZ templateMobile phone policy for employees NZ template
Download our free telephone, mobile and internet policy template to protect your employees.
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Read more: Discipline and termination policyDiscipline and termination policy
Download our free Employee Termination Policy to keep yourself covered.
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Read more: Hybrid working policy template [Free download]Hybrid working policy template [Free download]
This policy template can ensure you and your team get the most out of this approach to work.
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Read more: Working From Home Health and Safety ChecklistWorking From Home Health and Safety Checklist
A comprehensive list of what you should consider when your employees are working from home.
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Read more: Conflict of Interest Policy TemplateConflict of Interest Policy Template
Create a template that your employees can use to declare potential conflicts of interests.
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Read more: Covid-19 workplace hygiene policy templateCovid-19 workplace hygiene policy template
Create a safe work environment with the help of this free, standardised workplace hygiene template.
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Read more: Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) policy template and guideWorkplace Health and Safety (WHS) policy template and guide
Ensure your organisation is covered by implementing a workplace health and safety (WHS) policy. Download now. Fully customisable and printable.
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Read more: Workplace Bullying and Harassment Policy TemplateWorkplace Bullying and Harassment Policy Template
Protect your employees from harassment and bullying in the workplace.
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Read more: Equal employment and anti-discrimination policy templateEqual employment and anti-discrimination policy template
This equal employment opportunity policy template is a great starting point for your business.
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Disclaimer: Information on the website has been prepared by Employment Hero Pty Ltd (ABN 11 160 047 709) and its related bodies corporate (Employment Hero). Employment Hero is not affiliated, endorsed, or associated with any government body. The views, resources or content provided on the Employment Hero Compliance Corner webpage are general information only, are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees, and should not be relied on as professional employment or legal advice. Any reference to government policies, regulations, or guidance is for informational purposes only and should not be considered official government advice. Accessing, downloading, relying, or using the content on the website is at your own risk. The information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. Employment Hero does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising either directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided on the website. You should undertake your own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions or relying on the information on this website.








































