Tom McAtee is a veteran HR strategist with a remarkable 50 years of experience transforming workplaces and lives. His journey has taken him from the factory floor to the executive suite, giving him a unique perspective on what makes organisations and people thrive.
Specialising in unionised environments, particularly in heavy industry, Tom has a knack for turning even the most challenging industrial relations into high-performing partnerships. He’s the guy you call when you need to navigate the complex web of employee relations, remuneration, and organisational change – and come out the other side with a stronger, more resilient workforce.
Over five decades, Tom has honed his expertise across multiple industries and regions, from the red dirt of the Australian outback to the bustling cities of Asia. He’s seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright bureaucratic – and has emerged with a wealth of wisdom and a crisp sense of humour.
But what really sets Tom apart is his ability to connect with people at all levels of an organisation. He’s as comfortable chatting with a forklift driver as he is presenting to a board of directors. His secret? A genuine curiosity about what makes people tick, and a deep respect for the human stories behind every job title.
Whether he’s untangling a thorny industrial dispute or crafting a game-changing HR strategy, Tom brings a rare blend of technical mastery and human insight to every challenge. His writing reflects this approach, combining practical advice with compelling anecdotes and a generous dash of wit.
So if you’re looking for HR wisdom that’s as grounded as it is inspiring, pull up a chair and join Tom on his reflections from a life spent making workplaces more productive and more human. Trust us – after 50 years in the trenches, he’s got some stories to tell.
The new right to disconnect legislation in Australia empowers employees to refuse work-related contact outside of hours unless reasonable. For employers, it’s more than compliance—it’s about fostering a balanced work environment. Review your policies, communicate clearly, and set expectations to enhance employee wellbeing, engagement, and productivity. Prioritise work-life balance to drive success.
Recent changes to Australia’s Fair Work Act have reshaped casual employment rules. The 2024 updates introduce an “employee choice pathway” for casual conversion, allowing eligible employees to initiate the process after 6 months (12 for small businesses). Employers must respond within 21 days, and new dispute resolution mechanisms are in place. The definition of casual employment now emphasises practical reality over contract terms.
Discover the key changes introduced by the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 and what they mean for Australian employers. Learn how to ensure compliance with new rules on pay equity, job security, enterprise bargaining, and workplace policies to foster a fair and legally compliant work environment.
Organisational change is inevitable in today’s dynamic business landscape. Learn how Australian companies can effectively manage change by fostering a change-ready culture, engaging employees, and overcoming common barriers. Discover strategies for turning change into an opportunity for growth and how Peoplemix Consulting can help your business thrive.
Prepare for Success in Enterprise Bargaining
Before starting enterprise bargaining, evaluate its feasibility for your organisation. Engage key stakeholders early to align interests, define clear roles and responsibilities within your team, and conduct a thorough needs assessment. Anticipate potential conflicts by reviewing past data and preparing evidence to address objections confidently.
Entrepreneurship often feels like a race against the clock, with endless to-do lists and competing priorities. But productivity isn’t about working more hours—it’s about working smarter. In this blog post, we explore ten essential productivity hacks every entrepreneur should know, from time-blocking and the Pomodoro Technique to mindfulness meditation and the Eisenhower Matrix. These strategies will help you reduce stress, sharpen your focus, and reclaim your time, allowing you to achieve more with less effort. Ready to take your productivity to the next level? Start with one of these hacks today and watch your efficiency soar!
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, stress and burnout are common challenges. Mindfulness meditation offers a powerful solution, helping entrepreneurs improve focus, reduce stress, and make better decisions. In this comprehensive post, we explore the science behind mindfulness, its benefits for entrepreneurs, and practical ways to incorporate meditation into your daily routine. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, these actionable tips will help you lead your business with clarity and calm. Discover how a few minutes of mindfulness each day can transform both your work and well-being.
Learn how senior executives can effectively balance flexible work arrangements with maintaining productivity, collaboration, and organizational culture, ensuring business success in the evolving workplace.