Welcome to My HR Partner


At My HR Partner, we understand that great employees are the cornerstone of a great business. That’s why we offer comprehensive HR services, tailored to empower your business with the tools and strategies needed for growth. We specialise in working with employee-focused professional service providers, managing those challenging HR issues that arise so you can focus on your core business activities with confidence.

We ensure that your HR policies, processes, & employment contracts are up-to-date and relevant to your business. By doing so, we help you maintain a workforce that is both competent and passionately engaged in your business vision.

At My HR Partner, we are committed to providing you with the HR support you need to thrive. Let us help you manage your most valuable asset – your people.

Karen Hillen is an experienced Human Resources specialist with over 30 years of expertise in the field. She curates the My HR Partner HR Hub which is a valuable resource for businesses covering various aspects of HR, including starting and ending employment, compliance, payroll, employee performance, WHS and more.

Her extensive experience in HR makes her a sought-after advisor and partner for businesses.

Welcome to My HR Partner


At My HR Partner, we understand that great employees are the cornerstone of a great business. That’s why we offer comprehensive HR services, tailored to empower your business with the tools and strategies needed for growth. We specialise in working with employee-focused professional service providers, managing those challenging HR issues that arise so you can focus on your core business activities with confidence.

We ensure that your HR policies, processes, & employment contracts are up-to-date and relevant to your business. By doing so, we help you maintain a workforce that is both competent and passionately engaged in your business vision.

At My HR Partner, we are committed to providing you with the HR support you need to thrive. Let us help you manage your most valuable asset – your people.

Karen Hillen is an experienced Human Resources specialist with over 30 years of expertise in the field. She curates the My HR Partner HR Hub which is a valuable resource for businesses covering various aspects of HR, including starting and ending employment, compliance, payroll, employee performance, WHS and more.

Her extensive experience in HR makes her a sought-after advisor and partner for businesses.

HR Advice

HR When you need it
Karen’s advice is always tailored to meet the unique needs and objectives of your business. Her ability to
blend empathy with professionalism makes her an invaluable asset in helping you with your HR questions.
You can book in for a call when you need it.

HR Hub

Unlock HR Resources

Join our exclusive community & gain access to resources, tools, & ongoing HR support.

You’ll have access to our invaluable resources 24/7 AND the opportunity to tap into support via our Q&A sessions, masterclasses & webinars.

Get up to date links to valuable HR information, Awards, Award
pay guides, compliance documents, templates, checklists, and info sheets.

HR Policies

Your Guide to HR Policies
Customised, up-to-date HR policies are crucial for your business.

We help you develop & implement clear, effective HR policies that align with your values.

Our approach is designed to create a positive work environment & minimise risks.

Employment Contracts

Get your contracts created for you

Secure your business and your people with professionally crafted HR contracts.

We provide thorough and compliant employment contract solutions tailored to your business needs.

On Demand HR

Your Virtual HR Manager
Customised, up-to-date HR policies are crucial for your business. We help you develop & implement clear, effective HR policies that align with your values.
Our approach is designed to create a positive work environment & minimise risks.

Free Resources & FAQs

Free Resources & What People Ask Us Most

We've got links to Modern Awards, Pay Guides and more.

We have also compiled answers to the most common queries to help you quickly find the information you need.

Our Latest Blog Post

My HR Partner - flexible work arrangements

Flexible Work - The Questions Every Small Business Owner are Asking

October 07, 20253 min read

Flexible Work - The Questions Every Small Business Owner are Asking

“How do I balance remote and hybrid work expectations with productivity and accountability?”
It’s the HR challenge of the moment.

Staff want flexibility.

Employers want results.

There is a possibility saying no to flexibility could mean saying goodbye to good people. Of course, there are some positions where flexible working and working from home is just not possible.

This guide is written for small business owners in Australia who are wrestling with this balance.

Why Hybrid Work Matters Now

  • Employee demand: Flexibility is now seen as a standard benefit, not a perk.

  • Retention and attraction: Workers are more likely to join or stay with businesses that offer hybrid options.

  • Productivity potential: When managed well, remote work can actually increase focus and reduce burnout.

But too much flexibility without structure might cause communication breakdowns, accountability issues, and can affect team culture. So having the right systems and structure in place is important.

Setting the Right Guardrails

Every business will find its own balance, and of course there are businesses where a hybrid model won’t work. Like everything in HR, the key is communication, clarity and consistency.

Here’s some guidance on what can work:

1. Define Expectations Clearly

  • Create a hybrid work/flexibility policy. It doesn’t have to be long, one or two pages covering things like which roles are eligible, how many days employees can work remotely, and expectations around availability.

  • Be clear on when the team needs to be together in the office (e.g. Mondays for planning, Thursdays for client meetings).

2. Focus on Output, Not Hours

  • It may be an option to measure work by results achieved, not by how many hours someone’s online.

  • Agree on KPIs or milestones that matter to the role — projects delivered, clients served, sales achieved.

3. Keep Communication Human

  • Use simple tools but set communication expectations: response times, meeting etiquette, and which channels to use for what.

  • Encourage regular check-ins that feel like support, not surveillance.

4. Protect Team Culture

  • Bring the team together regularly even if it’s just one or two days a week. Each business will be different.

  • Invest in small rituals that make people feel part of something (check in meetings at the beginning of the week, shared lunches, team get togethers, end-of-week wins).

5. Support Wellbeing

  • Hybrid can blur boundaries. Encourage people to actually switch off. For example, don't set up an expectation that an employee is still logged on or available outside of their working hours.

  • Model healthy behaviour: if you respect the Right to Disconnect, your team will too.

Quick Wins for Small Business Owners

  • Start with a pilot: test a 2 to 3 month hybrid setup and review. Make it clear that it's a trial.

  • Ask your team for input. Often, they’ll suggest practical compromises.

  • Document your policy so everyone knows the rules.

  • “What is the best hybrid work model for small businesses?” → The best model is one that balances flexibility with clear expectations, focusing on outputs rather than hours. And the best model is going to be the one that works for your business.

  • “How do I manage remote work productivity?” → Set clear KPIs, use regular check-ins, and build trust instead of relying on micromanagement tools.

  • “Do I need a hybrid work policy in Australia?” → Yes. Even a simple one-page policy helps set expectations, reduce risk, and comply with Fair Work guidance.

Final Word

Hybrid or flexible work doesn’t have to be a headache. With a clear policy, a focus on results, and a human approach to culture, businesses in Australia can enjoy the best of both worlds - flexibility for staff, productivity for the business.

👉 Next step: Need a tailored hybrid work policy for your business? My HR Partner can help you draft one that fits your size, industry, and compliance needs.

 

hybrid work policy Australia, small business HR, remote work productivity, flexible work arrangements, managing hybrid teamshybrid work policy Australiasmall business HR
Tapping into more than 30 years’ experience in Human Resources, staffing & payroll, Karen loves helping you get the best out of your people while providing you, the business owner, with peace of mind.

Karen Hillen

Tapping into more than 30 years’ experience in Human Resources, staffing & payroll, Karen loves helping you get the best out of your people while providing you, the business owner, with peace of mind.

Back to Blog

We provide HR advice and support. We have trusted partners to assist with any employment law issues
outside of our scope.

More info

PO Box 1079

Coolangatta QLD 4225

ABN 30 644 527 015

Get HR Advice from our HR expert

HR Advice

HR When you need it
Karen’s advice is always tailored
to meet the unique needs and objectives of your business. Her ability to blend empathy with professionalism makes her an invaluable asset in helping you with your HR questions.
You can book in for a call when
you need it.

HR Hub

Unlock HR Resources

Join our exclusive community & gain access to resources, tools, & ongoing HR support.

You’ll have access to our invaluable resources 24/7 AND the opportunity to tap into support via our Q&A sessions, masterclasses & webinars.

Get up to date links to valuable HR information, Awards, Award
pay guides, compliance documents, templates, checklists, and info sheets.

HR Policies

Your Guide to HR Policies
Customised, up-to-date HR policies are crucial for your business. We help you develop & implement clear, effective HR policies that align with your values.
Our approach is designed to
a positive work environment &
minimise risks.

Employment Contracts

Get your contracts created for you

Secure your business and your people with professionally crafted HR contracts.

We provide thorough and compliant employment contract solutions tailored to your business needs.

On Demand HR

Your Virtual HR Manager
Customised, up-to-date HR policies are crucial for your business. We help you develop & implement clear, effective HR policies that align with your values.
Our approach is designed to
create a positive work environment
& minimise risks.

Podcast

Simplifying HR Management - One
episode at a time

Talking all things HR to help you make sure you are dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s ensuring you have everything in place to ensure a thriving business with happy employees.

Our Latest Blog Post

My HR Partner - flexible work arrangements

Flexible Work - The Questions Every Small Business Owner are Asking

October 07, 20253 min read

Flexible Work - The Questions Every Small Business Owner are Asking

“How do I balance remote and hybrid work expectations with productivity and accountability?”
It’s the HR challenge of the moment.

Staff want flexibility.

Employers want results.

There is a possibility saying no to flexibility could mean saying goodbye to good people. Of course, there are some positions where flexible working and working from home is just not possible.

This guide is written for small business owners in Australia who are wrestling with this balance.

Why Hybrid Work Matters Now

  • Employee demand: Flexibility is now seen as a standard benefit, not a perk.

  • Retention and attraction: Workers are more likely to join or stay with businesses that offer hybrid options.

  • Productivity potential: When managed well, remote work can actually increase focus and reduce burnout.

But too much flexibility without structure might cause communication breakdowns, accountability issues, and can affect team culture. So having the right systems and structure in place is important.

Setting the Right Guardrails

Every business will find its own balance, and of course there are businesses where a hybrid model won’t work. Like everything in HR, the key is communication, clarity and consistency.

Here’s some guidance on what can work:

1. Define Expectations Clearly

  • Create a hybrid work/flexibility policy. It doesn’t have to be long, one or two pages covering things like which roles are eligible, how many days employees can work remotely, and expectations around availability.

  • Be clear on when the team needs to be together in the office (e.g. Mondays for planning, Thursdays for client meetings).

2. Focus on Output, Not Hours

  • It may be an option to measure work by results achieved, not by how many hours someone’s online.

  • Agree on KPIs or milestones that matter to the role — projects delivered, clients served, sales achieved.

3. Keep Communication Human

  • Use simple tools but set communication expectations: response times, meeting etiquette, and which channels to use for what.

  • Encourage regular check-ins that feel like support, not surveillance.

4. Protect Team Culture

  • Bring the team together regularly even if it’s just one or two days a week. Each business will be different.

  • Invest in small rituals that make people feel part of something (check in meetings at the beginning of the week, shared lunches, team get togethers, end-of-week wins).

5. Support Wellbeing

  • Hybrid can blur boundaries. Encourage people to actually switch off. For example, don't set up an expectation that an employee is still logged on or available outside of their working hours.

  • Model healthy behaviour: if you respect the Right to Disconnect, your team will too.

Quick Wins for Small Business Owners

  • Start with a pilot: test a 2 to 3 month hybrid setup and review. Make it clear that it's a trial.

  • Ask your team for input. Often, they’ll suggest practical compromises.

  • Document your policy so everyone knows the rules.

  • “What is the best hybrid work model for small businesses?” → The best model is one that balances flexibility with clear expectations, focusing on outputs rather than hours. And the best model is going to be the one that works for your business.

  • “How do I manage remote work productivity?” → Set clear KPIs, use regular check-ins, and build trust instead of relying on micromanagement tools.

  • “Do I need a hybrid work policy in Australia?” → Yes. Even a simple one-page policy helps set expectations, reduce risk, and comply with Fair Work guidance.

Final Word

Hybrid or flexible work doesn’t have to be a headache. With a clear policy, a focus on results, and a human approach to culture, businesses in Australia can enjoy the best of both worlds - flexibility for staff, productivity for the business.

👉 Next step: Need a tailored hybrid work policy for your business? My HR Partner can help you draft one that fits your size, industry, and compliance needs.

 

hybrid work policy Australia, small business HR, remote work productivity, flexible work arrangements, managing hybrid teamshybrid work policy Australiasmall business HR
Tapping into more than 30 years’ experience in Human Resources, staffing & payroll, Karen loves helping you get the best out of your people while providing you, the business owner, with peace of mind.

Karen Hillen

Tapping into more than 30 years’ experience in Human Resources, staffing & payroll, Karen loves helping you get the best out of your people while providing you, the business owner, with peace of mind.

Back to Blog

We provide HR advice and support.
We have trusted partners to assist with
any employment law issues outside
of our scope.

More info

PO Box 1079

Coolangatta QLD 4225

ABN 30 644 527 015

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Get HR Advice from our HR expert