About 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.

Karen partners with you to assist in proactively managing your people, providing the tools you need to enhance productivity & maximise profit. With her friendly, approachable & professional manner, she ensures you feel comfortable & confident in her services. Just knowing you can speak with Karen & receive the right advice, eliminates the concern of HR issues – providing welcome reassurance for busy business owners.

About 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.

Karen partners with you to assist in
proactively managing your people, providing the tools you need to enhance productivity & maximise profit.
With her friendly, approachable & professional manner, she ensures you feel comfortable & confident in her services. Just knowing you can speak with Karen & receive the right advice, eliminates the concern of HR issues – providing welcome reassurance for busy business owners.

By working with Karen, you’ll have the right HR contracts and policies in place, your business is compliant with employment law and you’ll know you’re paying the correct rates of pay to your staff. She is skilled at analysing complex HR issues, able to quickly adapt to a variety of situations and offer a choice of viable, practical solutions.

Karen is a Certified HR Coach with a Diploma in Human Resource Management, Graduate Diploma in Public Administration, Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and Certificate IV in WHS. She also is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), the Industrial Relations Society of Queensland & the Industrial Relations Society of New South Wales.

Why not benefit from Karen’s vast level of HR expertise and experience? To discuss your HR requirements book in for a call.

By working with Karen, you’ll have the
right HR contracts and policies in place,
your business is compliant with
employment law and you’ll know you’re paying the correct rates of pay to your
staff.
She is skilled at analysing complex
HR issues, able to quickly adapt to a
variety of situations and offer a choice
of viable, practical solutions.

Karen is a Certified HR Coach with
a Diploma in Human Resource Management, Graduate Diploma in Public Administration, Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and Certificate IV in WHS. She also is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) & the Industrial Relations Society of New South Wales.

Why not benefit from Karen’s vast level
of HR expertise and experience? To discuss
your HR requirements book in for a call.

About My HR Partner

My HR Partner – Mission

At My HR Partner, our mission is to provide excellent, cost-effective HR services tailored to the unique needs of small to medium businesses. We deliver easy-to-understand solutions while ensuring structure and compliance, giving business owners peace of mind and confidence. Our expert advice and flexible options help solve HR problems effectively, ensuring businesses have the right documents and processes in place.

We aim to instil a sense of relief and confidence, knowing that all HR aspects are covered and that employees are treated well. Our unique online membership offers a starting point for comprehensive HR support without unrealistic contracts. With My HR Partner, navigating HR challenges becomes effortless.

As your on-demand HR Manager, we deliver competitively priced, reliable & practical HR solutions for professional
service business owners and teams across Australia. By tapping into our comprehensive industry experience, My
HR Partner actively supports you with expert HR advice & assistance, whenever you need it, while ensuring you are
compliant with current workplace legislation.

We have trusted Employment Law partners to assist with any employment law issues outside of our scope.

You speak directly with one of our HR experts, not a call centre or generic phone advisory service. We provide tailored,
personalised service & advice, and vitally, we deliver consistent information throughout our relationship with your
business. We’re proactive in offering a range of potential options and solutions, so you never have to worry about
an HR problem while you’re working with us.

Most business owners & managers don’t have the time, knowledge or skills to manage HR themselves. Our role is to
help you eliminate the worry of dealing with HR issues, wasting hours of valuable time waiting on the phone for Fair
Work or trying to determine whether you’re doing the right thing by your employees.

My HR Partner provides a higher level of support and advice than many similar services. While we happily answer
questions, providing advice and guidance quickly and efficiently, we also offer for your employees to speak with us
directly, once authorised by you. This can help resolve staff concerns before they even become an issue.

Engaging our service is like having an HR manager on staff, at around 10% of the cost of employing one. Consider
us to be an insurance policy for your HR requirements, with great return on investment.

About
My HR Partner

As your on-demand HR Manager, we deliver competitively priced, reliable & practical HR solutions for professional service business owners and teams across Australia. By tapping into our comprehensive industry experience, My HR Partner actively supports you with expert HR advice & assistance, whenever you need it, while ensuring you are compliant with current workplace legislation.

We have trusted Employment Law
partners to assist with any employment
law issues outside of our scope.

You speak directly with one of our
HR experts,
not a call centre or generic
phone advisory service.
We provide tailored, personalised service & advice, and vitally, we deliver consistent information throughout our relationship with your business. We’re proactive in offering a range of potential options and solutions, so you never have to worry about an HR problem while you’re working with us.

Most business owners & managers
don’t have the time, knowledge or skills to manage HR themselves. Our role is to help you eliminate the worry of dealing with HR issues, wasting hours of valuable time waiting on the phone for Fair Work or trying to determine whether you’re doing the right thing by your employees.

My HR Partner provides a higher level of support and advice than many similar services. While we happily answer questions, providing advice and guidance quickly and efficiently, we also offer for your employees to speak with us directly, once authorised by you. This can help resolve staff concerns before they even become an issue.

Engaging our service is like having an HR manager on staff, at around 10% of the cost
of employing one
. Consider us to be an insurance policy for your HR requirements, with great return on investment.

Our Latest Blog Post

Workplace Code of Conduct

Clear Communication: The Key to Setting Expectations at Work

April 23, 20253 min read

How clear expectations shape culture, reduce risk, and improve employee engagement


Why a Code of Conduct is Non-Negotiable

Every Australian business — no matter how big or small — needs a written code of conduct. It’s more than a legal safeguard. It’s a foundational tool that sets the tone for how your team works, communicates, and treats each other.

A well-crafted Code of Conduct does three essential things:

  • Outlines acceptable behaviour and communication standards

  • Protects your business from risks and employee disputes

  • Shapes and strengthens your workplace culture

Without one, your business may be vulnerable to misunderstandings, Fair Work claims, or reputational damage.


Complement Your Code of Conduct with Key HR Policies

Your Code of Conduct is the compass — but your HR policies are the map. They guide your team through everyday expectations, from using work devices appropriately to managing conflict with kindness and clarity.

Here are the essential HR policies that work hand-in-hand with your Code of Conduct:

  • Workplace Bullying & Harassment Policy

  • Social Media Policy

  • Performance Management & Misconduct Policy

  • Leave, Attendance & Absenteeism Guidelines

  • Internet & Email Usage Policy

Pro tip: These should be accessible, up to date, and written in plain English — so everyone understands them.


Strong Communication = Fewer HR Headaches

Even the best-written policies won't be effective if communication isn’t clear and consistent. Here are some great ways to improve communication in your business:

10 Easy Wins for Better Communication

  • Regular team meetings that encourage input (not just updates with no opportunity for feedback or employee input)

  • An HR system, shared drive or intranet where key info and policies live

  • A clear and simple employee handbook

  • Open-door leadership that listens first

  • Regular, meaningful engagement surveys

  • Policy refreshers and reminders

  • Feedback opportunities that go both ways

  • Grievance procedures that employees trust

  • HR policies that everyone can access

  • Recognition for employees doing the right thing

When expectations are communicated regularly, everything flows better — from productivity to morale.


Preventing Workplace Harassment & Discrimination

It’s not enough to tell staff to "just be respectful." Your business needs to back that up with policies and action. That includes:

  • A written statement in your policies making it crystal clear that bullying, discrimination, and harassment won’t be tolerated

  • Regular training for all staff on what these terms mean and how to report concerns

  • A step-by-step grievance process — so employees know who to talk to, and when if they need to raise an issue or make a complaint

Kindness is important. So is structure. The two work best together.


Want Help Putting This in Place?

HR doesn’t have to be hard — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Book a free 10-minute introductory call to chat about how we can help you implement a Code of Conduct, update your HR policies, or improve team communication.
Book a Free Call with Karen

Looking for more in-depth support?
My HR Partner Memberships give you ongoing access to:

  • HR advice when you need it, on demand

Explore our Peace of Mind membership

  • Support with staff issues — before they become big ones

  • Templates and policies that keep you compliant

Explore the HR Hub


About Your HR Partner

Hi, I’m Karen Hillen — your trusted HR Partner. I help small and medium Australian businesses build kind, compliant workplaces. Whether you need contracts, policies, help managing your team or just someone in your corner, I’m here.


Let's Talk HR

Don’t wait for an issue to force your hand. Let’s set your workplace up for success — with clear conduct, compassionate communication, and proactive people management.

Book Your HR Advice Call

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

Our Latest Blog Post

Workplace Code of Conduct

Clear Communication: The Key to Setting Expectations at Work

April 23, 20253 min read

How clear expectations shape culture, reduce risk, and improve employee engagement


Why a Code of Conduct is Non-Negotiable

Every Australian business — no matter how big or small — needs a written code of conduct. It’s more than a legal safeguard. It’s a foundational tool that sets the tone for how your team works, communicates, and treats each other.

A well-crafted Code of Conduct does three essential things:

  • Outlines acceptable behaviour and communication standards

  • Protects your business from risks and employee disputes

  • Shapes and strengthens your workplace culture

Without one, your business may be vulnerable to misunderstandings, Fair Work claims, or reputational damage.


Complement Your Code of Conduct with Key HR Policies

Your Code of Conduct is the compass — but your HR policies are the map. They guide your team through everyday expectations, from using work devices appropriately to managing conflict with kindness and clarity.

Here are the essential HR policies that work hand-in-hand with your Code of Conduct:

  • Workplace Bullying & Harassment Policy

  • Social Media Policy

  • Performance Management & Misconduct Policy

  • Leave, Attendance & Absenteeism Guidelines

  • Internet & Email Usage Policy

Pro tip: These should be accessible, up to date, and written in plain English — so everyone understands them.


Strong Communication = Fewer HR Headaches

Even the best-written policies won't be effective if communication isn’t clear and consistent. Here are some great ways to improve communication in your business:

10 Easy Wins for Better Communication

  • Regular team meetings that encourage input (not just updates with no opportunity for feedback or employee input)

  • An HR system, shared drive or intranet where key info and policies live

  • A clear and simple employee handbook

  • Open-door leadership that listens first

  • Regular, meaningful engagement surveys

  • Policy refreshers and reminders

  • Feedback opportunities that go both ways

  • Grievance procedures that employees trust

  • HR policies that everyone can access

  • Recognition for employees doing the right thing

When expectations are communicated regularly, everything flows better — from productivity to morale.


Preventing Workplace Harassment & Discrimination

It’s not enough to tell staff to "just be respectful." Your business needs to back that up with policies and action. That includes:

  • A written statement in your policies making it crystal clear that bullying, discrimination, and harassment won’t be tolerated

  • Regular training for all staff on what these terms mean and how to report concerns

  • A step-by-step grievance process — so employees know who to talk to, and when if they need to raise an issue or make a complaint

Kindness is important. So is structure. The two work best together.


Want Help Putting This in Place?

HR doesn’t have to be hard — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Book a free 10-minute introductory call to chat about how we can help you implement a Code of Conduct, update your HR policies, or improve team communication.
Book a Free Call with Karen

Looking for more in-depth support?
My HR Partner Memberships give you ongoing access to:

  • HR advice when you need it, on demand

Explore our Peace of Mind membership

  • Support with staff issues — before they become big ones

  • Templates and policies that keep you compliant

Explore the HR Hub


About Your HR Partner

Hi, I’m Karen Hillen — your trusted HR Partner. I help small and medium Australian businesses build kind, compliant workplaces. Whether you need contracts, policies, help managing your team or just someone in your corner, I’m here.


Let's Talk HR

Don’t wait for an issue to force your hand. Let’s set your workplace up for success — with clear conduct, compassionate communication, and proactive people management.

Book Your HR Advice Call

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