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The HR Link: People-First Conversations

The HR Link: People-First Conversations

By: Amy Christopherson - Grounded HR
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About this listen

 The HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want clarity, confidence, and compassion in managing their teams. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each short and practical episode transforms HR from overwhelming and compliance-heavy into a people-first advantage. Expect expert tips on compliance in Australia, real-world HR examples, and actionable tips designed for busy business owners. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating tricky team dynamics, or building a positive workplace culture, The HR Link is for you.Amy Christopherson - Grounded HR Economics
Episodes
  • Is Outsourced HR the Right Choice for Your Business?

    Is Outsourced HR the Right Choice for Your Business?
    Feb 16 2026
    Many owners managing HR in small business reach a point where DIY HR starts to feel risky, overwhelming, or unsustainable. In this episode, Amy breaks down whether outsourced HR is the right next step, and what options actually exist for small businesses. You’ll gain clarity on how to protect your business without overcommitting to the wrong solution.Amy explains the differences between in-house HR, outsourced HR, and flexible membership-style support, including where each option makes sense. She addresses common fears around cost, control, and suitability, and shares how The HR Link was designed specifically for small business realities. This episode offers practical guidance to help you choose support that fits your stage, team size, and capacity.In this episode, you’ll learn:What outsourced HR actually means and how it works in practiceThe risks of relying on DIY HR, accountants, or bookkeepers for HR decisionsWhen small businesses should stop doing HR aloneThe cost and suitability differences between in-house and outsourced HRHow flexible HR support can grow with your businessYou don’t need to choose between doing everything yourself or hiring a full HR team. Amy offers a calm, informed perspective on what good HR support looks like for small businesses at different stages. With the right guidance, HR can feel supportive, manageable, and aligned with how you actually run your business.Resources & Links– Explore The HR Link: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link– Get in touch for a Free Call with Amy to see how people-first HR can support your small business: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/contact – Get The People First Performance Pack: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-people-first-performance-pack – Free HR resources for small business owners: • Contracts Checklist https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-contracts-checklist • 7 HR Steps to Hiring a Superstar https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-7-key-hr 👉 Follow The HR Link on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube, so you never miss an episode.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Is Outsourced HR Right for Your Business?00:29 – What is Outsourced HR and How Does It Work?00:55 – Risks of Not Having Professional HR Support01:33 – Why Accountants and Bookkeepers Aren’t Enough for HR01:56 – Overcoming Fears and Misconceptions About Outsourcing HR02:25 – When Should You Stop DIY-ing HR?02:55 – In-House HR vs. Outsourced HR: Cost and Suitability04:32 – Flexible HR Solutions for Small Businesses05:11 – Choosing the Right HR Option for Your Business Stage09:52 – How to Get Personalised HR Support & Next StepsAbout The HR Link: People-First ConversationsThe HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want to manage their teams with clarity, care, and confidence. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each episode brings you short, practical conversations that simplify HR and centre the humans inside your business.Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating team challenges, or just want to make sure you’re “doing it right,” this podcast will give you the tools and reassurance you need.New episodes are released fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7am. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.Connect with Grounded HR– Website: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/ – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedhr.au/ – Grounded HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundedhr/ – Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christopherson-au/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundedHR.au/ – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedHR – Explore The HR Link, your HR Partner in Your Pocket: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-linkDisclaimerThe HR Link: People-First Conversations is here to share people-first insights and education, not legal advice. Every business is unique, so we encourage you to seek tailored guidance for your own circumstances.
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    11 mins
  • Why Small Business Owners Love The HR Link

    Why Small Business Owners Love The HR Link
    Feb 2 2026
    If you’re doing HR in small business on top of everything else, it can be hard to know what support is actually worth it. In this episode, Amy shares why business owners join The HR Link and what changes when you stop trying to manage HR alone. You’ll hear real, people-first outcomes that help you decide whether ongoing HR support is the right fit.Amy celebrates 12 months of The HR Link and unpacks what it is, how it works, and why it’s been so impactful for Australian small businesses. She shares real examples of businesses using the membership for compliance confidence, hiring support, and calmer decision-making. This is a practical, reassuring listen for any owner who wants HR to feel simpler, steadier, and more human.In this episode, you’ll learn:What The HR Link includes and how small businesses use it day to dayWhy HR support matters most when you’re feeling stressed, reactive, or unsure about complianceHow 1:1 consults, chat support, and templates reduce decision fatigue and save timeReal examples of businesses improving confidence, communication, and HR processesHow to choose support that fits your business, your budget, and your stage of growthYou don’t need to be an HR expert to run a fair, compliant, people-first workplace. Amy brings calm clarity to the areas that often feel heavy for small business owners and shows what’s possible with the right support in place. If you’re ready to move from stress to structure, this episode will help you take the next step with confidence.Resources & Links– Explore The HR Link: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link– Get in touch for a Free Call with Amy to see how people-first HR can support your small business: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/contact – Free HR resources for small business owners: • Employee Engagement Checklist: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-engagement-checklist 👉 Follow The HR Link on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube, so you never miss an episode.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Celebrating 12 months of The HR Link and its impact on small businesses00:26 – What is The HR Link? Tailored HR support for small business owners01:21 – Key features: 1:1 consults, chat support, and the learning library03:25 – Masterclasses and expert resources for members03:51 – Why businesses join: Stress, compliance, and hiring support04:39 – Bookkeeping company: Using The HR Link for compliance and client support06:07 – Engineering & trades: Monthly consults and HR confidence08:27 – NDIS support service: Navigating complex legislation with expert helpAbout The HR Link: People-First ConversationsThe HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want to manage their teams with clarity, care, and confidence. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each episode brings you short, practical conversations that simplify HR and centre the humans inside your business.Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating team challenges, or just want to make sure you’re “doing it right,” this podcast will give you the tools and reassurance you need.New episodes are released fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7am. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.Connect with Grounded HR– Website: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/ – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedhr.au/ – Grounded HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundedhr/ – Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christopherson-au/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundedHR.au/ – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedHR – Explore The HR Link, your HR Partner in Your Pocket: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-linkDisclaimerThe HR Link: People-First Conversations is here to share people-first insights and education, not legal advice. Every business is unique, so we encourage you to seek tailored guidance for your own circumstances.
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    13 mins
  • How to Stay Legally Compliant with HR (Without a Full HR Department)

    How to Stay Legally Compliant with HR (Without a Full HR Department)
    Jan 19 2026

    Many small business owners feel overwhelmed by HR in small business, especially when it comes to staying legally compliant. Fear of fines, Fair Work claims, or simply “doing it wrong” can create unnecessary stress when you’re just trying to run your business well. In this episode, Amy breaks down HR compliance into clear, manageable steps so you can feel confident and protected.

    Amy shares the four key pillars that every small business needs to understand to stay compliant, protect their business, and treat employees fairly. She explains contracts, pay, policies, record keeping, performance, and termination in a way that feels practical and achievable, even without an in-house HR team. These foundations help you lead with clarity while reducing your legal and operational risk.


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • The four pillars of HR compliance every small business must have in place

    • How to create legally sound employment contracts and determine correct pay

    • Why policies and procedures reduce decision fatigue and protect your business

    • Simple, effective record keeping methods that support fair processes

    • How to handle performance and termination in a compliant and transparent way


    Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right structures in place, you can protect your business, create fairness for your employees, and lead with confidence. Amy’s guidance helps you build a workplace where compliance supports your people, rather than overwhelming you as a business owner.


    Resources & Links

    – Explore The HR Link: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link

    – Get in touch for a Free Call with Amy to see how people-first HR can support your small business: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/contact

    – Get The People First Performance Pack: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-people-first-performance-pack


    Free HR resources for small business owners:

    • Contracts Checklist https://www.groundedhr.com.au/grab-the-contracts-checklist



    👉 Follow The HR Link on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube, so you never miss an episode.


    Timestamps

    00:00 – Introduction: Why HR Compliance Matters

    01:48 – The Four Pillars of HR Compliance for Small Business

    02:13 – Contracts and Pay: Protecting Your Business and Using the Right Tools

    05:08 – Policies and Procedures: Reducing Risk and Decision Fatigue

    06:06 – Record Keeping: Essential Practices for Legal Protection

    08:48 – Performance and Termination: Fair Processes and Documentation

    12:07 – Free Resources and Templates for Small Business HR

    14:48 – Final Thoughts: Building a Compliant and Fair Workplace


    About The HR Link: People-First Conversations

    The HR Link: People-First Conversations is the podcast for Australian business owners who want to manage their teams with clarity, care, and confidence. Hosted by Amy Christopherson, founder of Grounded HR, each episode brings you short, practical conversations that simplify HR and centre the humans inside your business.

    Whether you’re hiring your first employee, navigating team challenges, or just want to make sure you’re “doing it right,” this podcast will give you the tools and reassurance you need.


    New episodes are released fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7am. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.


    Connect with Grounded HR

    – Website: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/

    – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedhr.au/

    – Grounded HR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundedhr/

    – Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-christopherson-au/

    – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundedHR.au/

    – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedHR

    – Explore The HR Link, your HR Partner in Your Pocket: https://www.groundedhr.com.au/the-hr-link


    Disclaimer

    The HR Link: People-First Conversations is here to share people-first insights and education, not legal advice. Every business is unique, so we encourage you to seek tailored guidance for your own circumstances.
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    16 mins
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