Georgie Chapman (HR Law Expert): The Fix for Employee Underperformance & Avoiding Unfair Dismissals

Click here for further information and the downloadable resources:https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Georgie-Chapman-Staff-Performance-ManagementWhat if the biggest threat to your company’s culture isn’t employees who underperform—but the way you manage and let them go? In this episode, we unveil the surprising legal and strategic fixes you can implement right now.On today’s #CriticalFewActions™ #Podcast, I talk with Georgie Chapman, an HR Law Expert who’s seen it all when it comes to managing underperformers. If you’re a mid-sized business leader (under $100M turnover) eager to sidestep unfair dismissal claims and cultivate a culture of high performance, this conversation is for you. Georgie’s insights range from the importance of detailed probation processes to the power of intentional communication and documentation—vital elements for any company hoping to avoid legal pitfalls and nurture a thriving team.What you’ll learn➡️ Probation Done Right: How proactive check-ins and clear feedback can prevent bigger issues down the road.➡️ Intentional Performance Management: The crucial steps to set expectations, document progress, and support employees.➡️ Navigating Terminations Safely: Why providing fair notice, ample communication, and a respectful process can shield you from legal trouble.➡️ Balancing Compassion & Compliance: Strategies for handling personal issues that impact performance without risking claims of unfair treatment.Highlights00:00 Handling Underperforming Employees01:03 Legal Considerations for Employee Termination03:37 Probationary Period Best Practices06:50 Intentional Performance Management13:45 Documenting Performance Management18:52 Conducting Termination Meetings26:43 Addressing Employee Personal Issues27:27 Balancing Personal Issues and Performance28:47 Handling Claims and Legal Risks30:40 Understanding Reasonable Management Action33:50 Adapting Job Roles and Responsibilities38:07 Distinguishing Performance and Conduct Issues42:02 Navigating Termination and Dismissal45:22 Constructive Dismissal Explained47:34 Best Practices Post-Termination53:14 Upskilling Managers for HR Challenges56:07 The #CriticalFewActions™ to improve your businessIf you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and its value, and it keeps the conversation going.Stay in the loop with show updates and exclusive content: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Georgie-Chapman-Staff-Performance-ManagementDownload the Episode Summary & Georgie’s Contact Details: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Georgie-Chapman-Staff-Performance-ManagementSponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation.Are you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve.Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past—a major challenge with no clear solution; and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it.I get it. Running a business at the top level can feel like you’re isolated. You’re expected to have all the answers—but what if you don’t? The truth is, at our level, our role isn’t to have all the answers ourselves—it’s to find the right people who do. People who have faced these obstacles before and have the real-world experience to guide you and your team forward.That’s why I created the CEO Masterclass—a 12-month, Deakin University MBA-accredited program designed exclusively for business owners and CEOs who are serious about transforming their businesses.With 30+ years in business, working with hundreds of companies from $1 million to $100+ million turnover across three continents, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges leaders face—and I’ve helped them break through and achieve real results.This isn’t another generic leadership course. It’s a highly focused, small-group program where you’ll work alongside your peers, on your business, break through barriers, and implement real-world strategies—not just to solve the problems holding your business back, but to accelerate your growth faster than you thought possible.Find out more here: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/ceo-masterclass-book-a-call-with-john/Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=jdownesGet access to exclusive #CriticalFewActions™ content here: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Oh, and every time Georgie speaks, I’m struck by how performance management isn’t just a legal tightrope—it’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships and demonstrate genuine care. Take note of how you approach underperformance. Often, the best fix involves clarity, empathy, and swift, fair action.Thanks for watching/listening, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below.