On June 20th, 2023, Quartz Consulting hosted a highly successful Workplace Relations Conference at Wrest Point Casino, bringing together industry leaders and professionals at the forefront of the ever-evolving workplace landscape. With a lineup of respected guest speakers, the event proved to be an invaluable resource for attendees seeking to navigate the complex world of workplace relations and foster productive and inclusive environments.
The conference commenced with Tracey Doedens, Director at Quartz Consulting, and MC for the day, who delivered an engaging overview of the current state of workplace relations. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in this rapidly evolving space. Doedens' insightful presentation set the stage for an enriching day of knowledge-sharing and discussions.
Alicia Leis, Partner at WLF Accounting and Advisory, who is renowned for her expertise in managing risk and payroll compliance, took the stage next. Leis shed light on the importance of ensuring payroll compliance, emphasizing the critical role it plays in minimizing risks and maintaining a fair and ethical work environment. Her practical insights equipped attendees with valuable strategies to mitigate compliance-related challenges and promote overall organizational well-being.
Searson Buck’s CEO, Nick Prokopiec, presented a session on tackling challenges in the recruitment space captivated the audience. As the recruitment landscape continues to evolve, Prokopiec delved into the innovative approach of developing an EVP and the techniques to attract and retain top talent. Attendees gained invaluable insights into optimizing their recruitment processes, enhancing candidate experiences, and the importance of employer branding to attract and retain talent in a competitive job market.
Joseph Pritchard, Principal Consultant at Mapien Workplace Strategists, flew in from Melbourne to present on conducting procedurally fair workplace investigations and provided attendees with a deep understanding of best practices and legal considerations. As workplace investigations become increasingly critical for maintaining trust and resolving conflicts, Pritchard's expertise equipped attendees with the tools to ensure fairness, impartiality, and compliance during the investigative process.
LeaderLab’s, Linda Manaena, gave a passionate session on creating psychologically safe workplaces, which struck a chord with the audience. Recognizing the profound impact of psychological safety on employee well-being and organizational success, Manaena shared strategies to foster a culture of respect, trust, and open communication, and had the attendees participating in group chats around ‘respect’ and ‘permission’. Attendees left with insightful knowledge on the importance of cultivating environments where individuals feel safe to express themselves and contribute their best work.
Joe Brown, Director at Abetz Curtis, gave a presentation on the duty to eliminate workplace sex discrimination and harassment emphasized the need for proactive measures to create equitable workplaces. Brown highlighted the legal and moral obligations organizations have to tackle these issues head-on, promoting inclusivity and equality for all employees. Attendees gained valuable insights into prevention strategies and the importance of a robust reporting and response framework.
Wrapping up the conference, Ros Cardinal from Shaping Change took the stage to discuss leading remote teams for high performance. As remote and hybrid work models continue to gain prominence, Cardinal's session provided practical tips and strategies for leaders to effectively manage dispersed teams and drive exceptional performance. Attendees left with a newfound understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by remote work environments.
The 2023 Workplace Relations Conference, organized by Quartz Consulting, received positive feedback from attendees for its insightful presentations, and the calibre of its guest speakers. Quartz Consulting continues to demonstrate its dedication to providing industry-leading training sessions, that equip professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving workplace landscape. The success of this year's Workplace Relations Conference further solidifies the organisation's reputation as a trusted partner in driving positive change in workplaces across industries.
For those who missed this year's event, Quartz Consulting looks forward to future opportunities to bring together industry leaders and professionals to explore the latest developments and best practices in workplace relations.
