INDUSTRY
Marketing Agency
WORKFORCE
Professional Services
Services
Key Outcomes
The Challenge: Managing a long-standing employee conduct issue
The client was managing an employee with ongoing conduct issues over an extended period.
The situation had reached a point where this created several operational and workplace risks:
- Concerns were impacting team standards and consistency
- Leadership confidence in managing the issue internally was low
- There was increasing risk of escalation if the matter was not handled correctly
- The business was carrying operational and emotional strain
The client needed a clear, compliant pathway forward without creating unnecessary conflict or exposure.
Our Approach: Practical HR support through a difficult employee matter
We assessed the employee’s history, performance concerns, conduct matters, and existing documentation against workplace risk, legal obligations, and practical resolution pathways.
We worked closely with the business owner to understand their desired outcome, operational pressures, risk, and the potential business impact if no action was taken.
- Assessed risk and resolution pathways: Reviewed the matter from both a compliance and employee relations perspective to identify the most appropriate and lowest-risk path forward.
- Recommended a managed mutual separation: Rather than pursuing a prolonged disciplinary process, we recommended a managed mutual separation to support a more controlled and respectful employee exit outcome
- Communication and negotiation support: Supported the client with communication planning, negotiation guidance, leadership coaching, and preparation of appropriate documentation.
- Simplified complex HR issues: Complex HR matters were translated into clear, practical solutions that leadership could implement
The outcome: A compliant and respectful employee exit
Through a structured support process, the business was able to resolve a complex employee relations matter with greater confidence, reduced risk, and minimal disruptions to the wider team.
Improved workforce planning
The business gained greater confidence recruiting, planning and maintaining staffing levels across multiple venues.
Increased compliance confidence
Employment contracts, Award compliance and HR processes were reviewed, reducing workplace risk and strengthening employer confidence.
Stronger leadership quality
Leaders were better equipped to manage employee matters, supported by Now Actually’s practical HR advice and ongoing coaching.
More consistent people practices
Onboarding, employee management and HR processes became more structured and consistent across all venues.
Reduced operational disruption
By strengthening workforce planning and HR capability, the business reduced the operational impact of labour shortages and maintained a stronger focus on delivering a positive customer experience.
It was very reassuring for us to have someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Now Actually to guide through a recent HR process.
It was reassuring for us to know that everything was being done correctly but also humanely.
Alan Saunders, Director Principal
Impact Australia
Who is this relevant for?
- are managing complex employee conduct or performance matters,
- need support navigating difficult employee conversations,
- are concerned about workplace risk or legal exposure,
- want practical guidance through employee exits,
- need help managing emotionally charged workplace situations,
- or want a structure and compliant approach to employee relations matters.
Frequently asked questions
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