Hello and welcome to Episode 298 of the People Powered Business Podcast!

Is your team member just going through a rough patch, or have they checked out entirely?

In this week’s episode of the People Powered Business Podcast, we’re diving into a topic that many business owners and leaders quietly wrestle with: how to tell the difference between burnout and disengagement in your team.

At first glance, burnout and disengagement can look almost identical. You might notice someone who’s normally reliable and upbeat suddenly becoming withdrawn, missing deadlines, or not showing the same drive they once did. But beneath the surface, these two experiences come from very different places. and require completely different responses from you as a leader.

In this episode, I walk you through clear, easy-to-understand definitions of both burnout and disengagement. We cover the key signs and symptoms to look out for, and why it’s essential to understand what’s really going on before you jump in with a solution. Because what helps someone who’s burnt out won’t help someone who’s disengaged, and vice versa.

I also share a simple, three-question diagnostic tool you can use to figure out what’s really happening. It will help you decide whether you’re looking at a team member who’s under stress and needs support, or someone who’s mentally checked out and needs a different kind of leadership response.

We also explore how burnout is often a result of prolonged stress, overwork or emotional exhaustion, while disengagement tends to stem from a lack of connection, meaning or motivation in the role. One is about depletion; the other is about disconnection.

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out how to handle a team member who just isn’t showing up the way they used to, this episode will give you clarity, confidence and a practical next step.

Plus, I share strategies you can implement right away to address both burnout and disengagement. whether it’s adjusting workloads, re-engaging a team member in their role, or simply starting a powerful conversation that gets to the root of the issue.

Tune in now for a grounded, honest conversation about one of the most common leadership challenges. and why getting this right is essential for a healthy, high-performing team.

Links & Resources:

💬 DM Kristy-Lee on Instagram @kristy.lee.billett and let me know if you have questions about work from home entitlements or email me at hello@peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au

An Invitation:

If you’d like to connect with other businesses who are also juggling the challenges of teams, I’d love you to join us inside our free Facebook Group, The People Powered Community, so I can learn more about what’s working for you and any challenges you might be having.

Join Here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia

Hello and welcome to Episode 297 of the People Powered Business Podcast!

In this episode, we explore a significant new ruling from the Fair Work Commission that could impact every Australian employer managing flexible work arrangements. The case involves a long-term Westpac employee and her right to continue working from home, and the decision has sent ripples through workplaces of all sizes.

We unpack what happened, what the Fair Work Commission decided, and what the case means for business owners navigating the tricky terrain of hybrid and remote work. You’ll also hear about other developments you should have on your radar.

What You’ll Learn

• The details of the Westpac flexible work case and why it matters
• What “reasonable business grounds” actually means under the Fair Work Act
• Why following process is just as important as your policy
• The risks of rejecting flexible work requests without proper documentation
• Upcoming changes and trends in remote work regulation

Key Takeaway:

This case is a wake-up call for every employer. Flexible work isn’t just a cultural conversation, it’s a compliance issue. If you're going to refuse a request, you need to back it up with detailed, evidence-based business reasons and follow the process to the letter.

Links & Resources:

💬 DM Kristy-Lee on Instagram @kristy.lee.billett and let me know if you have questions about work from home entitlements or email me at hello@peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au

An Invitation:

If you’d like to connect with other businesses who are also juggling the challenges of teams, I’d love you to join us inside our free Facebook Group, The People Powered Community, so I can learn more about what’s working for you and any challenges you might be having.

Join Here.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia

Hello and welcome to Episode 296 of the People Powered Business Podcast!

As the year winds down, things often ramp up for business owners, and it’s no wonder Q4 burnout is real.

In this episode, we’re talking about that end-of-year exhaustion, what causes it, how it shows up in you and your team, and what you can do to avoid limping toward the Christmas shutdown. Whether you're feeling flat yourself or seeing signs your team is running on fumes, this episode will help you reset and finish the year strong, without burning out.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

Why Q4 burnout happens, and why it’s so common in small businesses

The subtle signs that you or your team might be close to burnout

Simple, practical ways to re-energise your team and yourself

Why now is the time to reduce pressure, not pile more on

How to end the year on a high note (without needing to sprint)

Links & Resources:

💬 DM Kristy-Lee on Instagram @kristy.lee.billett and share how you’re managing Q4 fatigue

An Invitation:

If you’d like to connect with other businesses who are also juggling the challenges of teams, I’d love you to join us inside our free Facebook Group, The People Powered Community, so I can learn more about what’s working for you and any challenges you might be having.

Join Here.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia

Hello and welcome to Episode 295 of the People Powered Business Podcast!

In this weeks episode we’re talking about ‘resignation season’ which is of course January every year. 31st January is in fact the most popular day for resignations, but the resignations start flowing the very first day back from the Christmas break.

Resignations are rarely spontaneous, and the January resignations most businesses deal with are thought about months before. So right now is the time people are starting to consider a new year resignation.

In this episode we talk about why this happens, what to look for in your people to see if they are starting to check out, and I share some practical strategies for you to implement right now to avoid the January resignation rush.

An Invitation: If you’d like to connect with other businesses who are also juggling the challenges of teams, I’d love you to join us inside our free Facebook Group, The People Powered Community, so I can learn more about what’s working for you and any challenges you might be having.

Join Here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia

Hello and welcome to Episode 294 of the People Powered Business Podcast!

In today’s episode, we’re exploring why good people leave organisations, and what it really costs you when you lose someone from your business.

Most business owners assume staff leave for better pay or new opportunities, but more often it comes down to three things: lack of clarity, lack of direction, and inconsistent leadership. When your team isn’t clear on what’s expected of them, can’t see where they’re heading, or don’t feel supported by steady, consistent leadership, even the best employees start to disengage.

We’ll also unpack the hidden costs of turnover that most business owners underestimate. It’s not just the cost of recruitment or training. It’s the time you lose filling gaps, the emotional energy it takes to start over, the trust that’s eroded, and the morale that dips each time someone walks out the door. The ripple effect of turnover can quietly damage your business far more than you realise.

You’ll also hear how business owners can unknowingly create the very conditions that push good people away — even when they genuinely care about their team. The good news is that all of this is fixable. Once you understand what’s really driving turnover, you can take simple, practical steps to keep your best people engaged, loyal, and performing. Because keeping great people isn’t luck — it’s structure, leadership, and clarity.

An Invitation:

If you’d like to connect with other businesses who are also juggling the challenges of teams, I’d love you to join us inside our free Facebook Group, The People Powered Community, so I can learn more about what’s working for you and any challenges you might be having.

Join Here.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia

Hello and welcome to Episode 293 of the People Powered Business Podcast!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a challenge that so many business owners face (even if they don’t talk about it): what happens when your team starts calling the shots… and you’re no longer in control of your business?

It happens more often than you’d think.

You start out delegating a few tasks to make life easier… then one day you realise you're asking your team for permission to make decisions. You're walking on eggshells. You’re avoiding the hard conversations. And your business? It no longer feels like yours.

If any of that sounds familiar — this episode is for you.

Here’s what we cover:

✅ How it happens – The subtle shift from leading to reacting

✅ Why it happens – The mindset traps and leadership habits that leave us overrun

✅ Red flags to watch for – Signs your team might be running the show

✅ How to take back control – Practical, non-confrontational ways to reset and reclaim your role as the leader

Whether you have 2 team members or 20, this is about setting a strong foundation to lead with confidence, clarity, and authority.

This episode is especially relevant if you're the kind of business owner who wants to create a high-performing team — without being the one everyone walks all over.

An Invitation:

If you’d like to connect with other businesses who are also juggling the challenges of teams, I’d love you to join us inside our free Facebook Group, The People Powered Community, so I can learn more about what’s working for you and any challenges you might be having.

Join Here.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia

Hello and welcome to Episode 292 of the People Powered Business Podcast!

In today’s episode we’re dipping our toes into a very hot topic at the moment – set off clauses in employment contracts and why they are proving to be such a problem.

We start by unpacking what are set off clauses actually are – a clause in a contract that allows the employer to pay a salary which incorporates base rates + allowances etc and other award conditions that would otherwise be an entitlement the employee should receive.

We then look at when can they be used and how, when written correctly they can protect you as the employer and cover a lot of things.

Finally we take a look at a case involving Coles and Woolworths that really has the experts talking, and highlights how these clauses can and can’t be used, and why so many businesses are currently at risk of huge back payment claims as a result.

An Invitation: If you’d like to connect with other businesses who are also juggling the challenges of teams, I’d love you to join us inside our free Facebook Group, The People Powered Community, so I can learn more about what’s working for you and any challenges you might be having.

Join Here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia

Hello and welcome to Episode 291 of the People Powered Business Podcast!

In today's episode we are talking about using AI in your workplace, and how it can be valuable for you and your team, but where you may need to be cautious.

The reality is your team is likely already using it, even if you haven’t officially introduced it. And while it can be an amazing productivity tool (I love it myself for getting past blank pages, speeding up thinking, and yes - it’s replaced Google for me!), it also raises real questions for business owners:

How do we manage AI use at work?

What are the risks and rewards?

And what do we do when our team isn’t on board?

In this episode, I’m diving into what I’m seeing with clients around AI in the workplace, how to use it well, and what to do when team members resist or misuse it.

What I’m seeing right now is team members using AI for internal comms (and business owners being surprised—or concerned), AI-written job applications, ads, and emails: how to spot them and decide what’s acceptable and a growing concern from business owners around privacy and misuse.

So how can you use AI well in your business and your team? Consider embedding AI into the tools you’re already using (like Canva’s Magic tools or Microsoft CoPilot). I love the use of custom GPTs or Chrome extensions to fast-track SOPs and admin.

But what about when team members are resistant or reluctant to use AI? You really need to get down to what’s causing the fear to implement and addressing it head on.

What about you? How are you and your team using AI?

An Invitation:

If you’d like to connect with other businesses who are also juggling the challenges of teams, I’d love you to join us inside our free Facebook Group, The People Powered Community, so I can learn more about what’s working for you and any challenges you might be having.

Join Here.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrsupportaustralia