The RBS Breakfast Club meeting was held earlier today at Dome Cafe Waikiki. Despite the small turnout, we had a great conversation about the benefits and perils of having staff. The low attendance was due to the Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce (RKCC) holding its quarterly breakfast at the same time. Many RBS members are also members of the RKCC and attended that event this morning.
The topic of the day was the benefits and perils of employing staff and many members shared their experiences and stories of the challenges they have faced in this area. Some shared horror stories of employees who brazenly stole from the business, while others shared difficulties in finding staff who were both committed and competent in their work; It’s clear that while many people are one or the other, it’s rare to find someone who excels in both areas.
One of the highlights of the meeting was hearing from Phil from Century 21 Real Estate, who shared his experiences and insights from his 30-odd years in the business. Having not only survived but thrived in a highly competitive industry, he has seen it all. Phil shared stories of people who quit and then complained of being unfairly fired, those who expected to take time off whenever they liked at a moment’s notice, and others who expected huge success and riches without putting in the hard work first. But he also shared stories of success, with people who have been with the company for a long time and who he can rely on.
We also heard from Wayne of Bizlink, a leading West Australian not-for-profit organization that helps people with disabilities find employment. They provide on-site training, support, and advice to both the clients and the employers, ensuring that they find the right person for the job. Wayne shared stories of some of the people they’ve assisted in the local area and the people they’re currently working with. He stressed that Bizlink provides a huge amount of support to both the client and the employer, which results in lower staff turnover, lower absenteeism, and employees who produce quality work that meets the employer’s needs. They create inclusive and diverse workplaces that result in customer loyalty, increased morale, and improved productivity.
Overall, it was a great morning session, and we’ve already picked the topic for the next one. Next time, we’re going to look inwards and discuss what it takes to be a great boss or employer. We’re going to look at what it takes to keep those rare great employees happy and motivated.
We encourage all our members to attend and share their own experiences and insights. If you’re not already a member of RBS, please feel free to enquire about attending our next session. We look forward to seeing you there!
