Managing an employee’s performance can be challenging, but if done correctly, can help create a more cooperative and productive workplace.

Online learning

We have a range of interactive online courses to help you get the best out of your employees, deal with problems at work and have difficult conversations with your staff about workplace issues. The courses are free and only take about 25 minutes each to complete.

Managing employees

Good employee management is linked to lower staff turnover, higher productivity and more successful businesses.

Effective managers know how to talk with their employees and get the best out of them. They also understand their legal obligations and deal with any workplace issues promptly.

Our Managing employees online course will help build your employee communication and management skills, so you can get the most from your team and get your business closer to its goals.

Managing performance and dealing with underperformance

If you have employees then you’ll know just how essential they are to the success of your business. As an employer, there are things you can do to help your employees work at their most productive.

Our Managing performance course will provide you with practical steps on getting the best from your employees, and addressing underperformance if it occurs.

Having difficult conversations in the workplace

Even in the best workplace, disagreements can happen from time to time. If an issue should occur, it’s best to address it early and talk about it with your staff.

Our Difficult conversations in the workplace – manager course will help to prepare you for any difficult conversations you need to have in the workplace to resolve issues, and provide advice on how to handle the conversation well.

Warnings

It’s best practice to give employees written warnings if they are underperforming, as this gives them a fair chance to improve.

If you end up firing an employee because of underperformance issues, whether or not you provided them with warnings first will be considered if they choose to lodge an unfair dismissal claim against you. The Small Business Fair Dismissal Code (DOCX 25.5KB) (PDF 220.4KB) states that for certain situations, warnings (verbal or preferably written) must be given before the dismissal will be deemed fair. See Ending employment for more information about unfair dismissal and the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code.

Remember, if there’s something wrong, most people would prefer to resolve it quickly so both of you can get on with the job. Read more on our Managing performance & warnings page.