Probationary period v trial period – how not to botch it – 5 tips
Probationary periods sound simple, right? A great way to help you to part ways with someone who’s not working out – who wouldn’t want that, especially after a trial period
Leadership development v management training – what’s the difference?
If you lead people (or are about to), you’ve probably heard both terms: leadership development and management training. They’re often used interchangeably. But they’re not the same thing. Both matter.
New legal definition for independent contractors – how it works
Independent contractors: they’re everywhere. Many know what they’re getting themselves into, others not so much. The problem is that we’ve never had a robust definition of independent contractor (IC), and
The new law around dismissing staff on high salaries
It’s now going to be easier to sack high-earning staff that are not performing; or eliminate the need to consult with them when looking at redundancies. The original Employment Relations
Shake-up of remedies for employees that win personal grievances
Up to now, employees who did something dangerous, violent or stupid, that got sacked either on the spot or with a poor process, could challenge that dismissal. And when they
Skills-based hiring: a practical guide for New Zealand employers
Late January through February is one of the busiest times of the year for recruitment activity in New Zealand. Employers across the country are facing a familiar challenge: how to
KiwiSaver changes 2026: what you need to know about the increase and the temporary rate reduction
Are you ready for the 2026 KiwiSaver changes? Big changes are coming to KiwiSaver, and they’ll affect almost every working New Zealander. If you’re feeling the pinch from the cost
When growth outpaces structure: the hidden cost of too many direct reports
A team of 5 becomes 8. Then 12. Then 15. Same manager. Same structure. Different breaking point. I’ve watched this pattern unfold across countless New Zealand businesses. A successful company
What Are the Best Courses for Personal Development?
Let’s be honest: personal development can sound a bit fluffy if it’s not done well. At Epic People, we see it differently. Personal development is practical, powerful, and deeply human.
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Why high performing teams aren’t built the way you think
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me how to build a high performing team, I’d probably be writing this from a beach somewhere. It’s one of ...
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The seven biggest restructuring mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Restructuring a business can be one of the most effective ways to respond to changing commercial needs. It can also be one of the easiest employment processes to get wrong. ...
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Some things I recently learned about the Privacy Act
I’m always learning. Even after more than 30 years in HR, there are still parts of employment law that surprise me. Recently (following requests on from TikTok followers and clients) ...
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Combining employee wellbeing and professional development: two birds, one stone
Employee wellbeing has become one of the biggest priorities for organisations over the past few years. At the same time, businesses are under pressure to improve productivity, develop leaders and ...
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Burnout, Instagram posts and an unjustified dismissal: a cautionary tale for employers
This Employment Relations Authority unjustified dismissal case is a useful reminder for employers about three interconnected workplace risks: excessive working hours and fatigue, health and safety obligations relating to psychological ...
