Let's Chat HR & Safety

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Lisa Finch, Client Relationship Manager at ProcessWorx, sits down with Danielle McNamee, CGO of ProcessWorx and ProcessWorxAg, to reflect on the journey of the business and what employers need to watch as we head into 2026.

Danielle shares how ProcessWorx began in 2012, why ProcessWorxAg was created, and how the business has evolved from reactive HR support into proactive, system-based HR and safety solutions. They also discuss the real challenges businesses faced in 2025 and the key risk areas employers should be focusing on next year.

This episode covers: Duration: 00:19:23

In this Q&A-style wrap episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle is joined by Danii Wannberg, Head of Industrial Relations at ProcessWorx, to unpack the major HR, IR, and safety shifts that shaped the year.

Together, they reflect on:

Why the pace and volume of HR change felt overwhelming in 2025.Wage increases, BOOTs, flat rates and payroll risk.Federal Court decisions and the new expectations around record keeping.Casual employment changes and flexible work processes.The rise of psychosocial safety as a core WHS priority.What actually helped businesses cope  and what didn’t.Key H...

Duration: 00:27:00

HR hasn’t just been busy this year, it’s complex, high-risk, and constantly changing.

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle McNamee, Founder of ProcessWorx and ProcessWorxAg, is joined by Marisa Ross, Senior HR Consultant, to reflect on the top 10 HR challenges they’ve helped clients navigate over the past 12 months.

Together, they unpack real, recurring issues faced by Australian businesses, including drug and alcohol testing, performance management, grievances, restructures, psychosocial complaints, Award compliance, and the Federal Court decision on flat rates and annualised salaries that has reshaped employer obligati...

Duration: 00:22:45

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Founder Danielle McNamee is joined by Jane Foster, Employability Learning Consultant and CICA Registered Career Practitioner from Murdoch University, to explore what small organisations really need to know about hiring graduates.

Together, they discuss:

Why graduate recruitment is no longer just for big corporates. How small businesses can attract, assess and retain graduates. Inclusive hiring practices and the impact of language and bias. What graduates actually prioritise. Developing capability, managing expectations, and supporting work readiness.

This episode is perfect for small business owners and leaders who want t...

Duration: 00:29:26

This week, Danielle sits down with ProcessWorx and ProcessWorxAg Head of Technology, Michael McNamee, to explore how technology is reshaping HR and Safety for farms and small businesses — and why not all tech is created equal.

They discuss the biggest benefits of going digital, the common traps owners fall into, and the importance of having the right support when implementing any new system.
Plus, they share insights on AI and the secret to choosing technology that’s simple, practical, and actually used by your team.

A down-to-earth, real-world conversation for any business look...

Duration: 00:22:04

In this solo episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle McNamee reflects on the real pressures of running a business and why leadership is the biggest driver of culture, retention, and psychosocial safety.

Danielle shares insights on:

Managing stress, decision fatigue, and the mental load of leadership.Building a “decision filter” to stay focused and make better choices.Having real conversations early  and repairing mistakes with honesty.Understanding cash flow and market pay to protect your team.Holding on to outstanding people (even if it means a smaller team).Setting healthy boundaries and looking after yoursel...

Duration: 00:23:23

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle McNamee, Founder of ProcessWorx and ProcessWorxAg, is joined by Matthew McGarry, Senior HR Advisor at ProcessWorx, to break down one of the most overlooked compliance obligations for employers - record-keeping.

Following the recent Coles and Woolworths Federal Court decisions, expectations around pay slips, salary offsetting, and time records have changed dramatically. Danielle and Matthew unpack what employers must now do to stay compliant, including:

 Key record-keeping and pay slip requirements under Fair Work and WA legislation Why “Better Off Overall” isn’t enough without accurate records Common mist...

Duration: 00:18:41

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle sits down with Max Clarke, CEO of Breast Cancer Care WA, to talk about what it really means to lead and manage people in the charity sector.

Together, they explore:

 The unique people challenges faced by not-for-profits and community organisationsHow to keep teams motivated and connected to purpose — even under pressurePractical ways to support wellbeing, flexibility, and professional growth on a limited budget

It’s an inspiring conversation about empathy, leadership, and finding strength in purpose, perfect for anyone leading teams or working in people-focused organis...

Duration: 00:23:58

In this festive episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle sits down with Marisa, Senior HR Consultant at ProcessWorx & ProcessWorxAg, to unpack everything employers need to know before the office Christmas or end-of-year party.

They cover:

The do’s and don’ts of workplace celebrations, and why they’re still considered work events Managing alcohol, safety, and behaviour expectations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)New Fair Work rules around annual leave and Christmas shutdown periodsPractical tips to minimise risk, from setting clear boundaries to planning safe transport and inclusive activities

Perfect for busine...

Duration: 00:20:53

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Head of Client Services Sara Harris sits down with Danii Wannberg, Senior HR Advisor and IR Technical lead at ProcessWorx and ProcessWorxAg, to unpack one of the most significant recent Federal Court decisions affecting Australian employers.

They discuss:

Why annualised or flat-rate pay arrangements are no longer enough to meet Award obligationsHow the decision impacts record keeping, contracts, and IFAsWhat employers should be doing right now to stay compliant

Perfect for business owners and managers who need to understand how these changes af...

Duration: 00:18:39

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Founder of ProcessWorx and ProcessWorxAg Danielle McNamee is joined by Jimmy McKenzie, agricultural professional and recruitment specialist, to talk about how stress and fatigue can impact safety, productivity and decision-making during harvest.

Together they unpack:

Why fatigue is now recognised as a psychosocial hazard under WHS lawsHow to spot the signs of stress and burnout in yourself and your teamPractical strategies farmers are using to manage fatigue without slowing down operations

Perfect for farm owners, managers, and harvest crews gearing up for the busy season.

...

Duration: 00:20:23

In this episode, Head of Client Services Sara Harris chats with Marisa Ross, Senior HR Consultant at ProcessWorx and ProcessWorxAg, about what it really takes to build a good workplace culture and why it matters more than ever.

They cover:

What workplace culture actually means (beyond free coffee and values posters)The four phases of the Culture Alignment Maturity ModelHow communication and feedback shape trust and performanceThe role of psychological safety and resilienceWhy recognition and accountability go hand in handHow culture plays out across the whole employee life cycleThe connection between culture, HR systems, and safety...

Duration: 00:13:05

In this episode, Senior HR Consultant Marisa Ross chats with Sara Harris, Head of Client Services at ProcessWorx and Accredited DISC Provider, about how psychometric tools like DISC profiling can transform the way you hire and manage people.

They cover:

What the DISC model is and how it worksCommon myths about personality testing and the science behind itHow DISC helps employers make better hiring decisionsUsing DISC to improve communication, leadership, and team cultureReal-world examples of how profiling reduced workplace conflictWhy it’s especially useful for small teams and farming operationsThe li...

Duration: 00:17:00

BDM at ProcessWorx and ProcessWorxAg interviews Danielle McNamee on the critical importance of managing contractor safety. The discussion highlights:

The risks businesses face when engaging contractors, especially where roles and responsibilities are unclear.A recent case study which highlights the importance of treating contractors as workers.Practical steps for PCBUs (employers) to protect their people and their businesses.

The episode closes with a reminder that contractor safety is shared responsibility, you cannot outsource safety risks to contractors.

www.processworx.com.au

Duration: 00:21:33

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle sits down with WA broadacre farmer and ProcessWorxAg Client Relationship Manager Tracy McAlpine to talk all things harvest readiness and farm safety. They cover:

How to create a strong safety culture before the busy harvest seasonThe right way to induct family members and seasonal workers—no shortcuts just because they’re familyChecking licences and competencies early to avoid last-minute surprisesManaging contractor and visitor inductions with ProcessWorxShieldRunning effective pre-harvest safety meetings on fire preparedness, traffic plans and fatigue managementHow ProcessWorx Shield keeps inductions, training records and incident reporting in one pl...

Duration: 00:22:43

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle is joined by Senior HR Consultant Marisa Ross to explore how training drives performance, conduct and the future of learning. They cover:

How training lifts productivity and reduces conduct issuesCommon myths about the cost and value of trainingA real client success story improving safety and efficiencyKey training methods and when to use eachWhy competency checks are vital for WHS and Fair Work complianceHow ProcessWorxShield streamlines training records and remindersThe rise of AI in learning

Whether you run a small business, manage a...

Duration: 00:23:05

Danielle McNamee chats with Sally Parker, Director of Enable Consultancy, about how well-organised operations are the secret to unlocking your team’s best performance. They cover:

Why strong operational foundations drive productivity and cultureCommon gaps like poor onboarding and ad hoc communicationHow operational clarity reduces HR & Safety compliance risksPractical first steps to streamline processes and boost morale

If you want a smoother, safer, and more engaged workplace, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Remember protecting your people protects your business!

www.processworx.com.au

Duration: 00:22:59

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle McNamee explores one of the most powerful yet practical tools in workplace safety – the Risk Register.

From identifying hazards and assessing risks, to linking them directly with Safe Work Procedures and training programs, Danielle explains how a Risk Register becomes the roadmap for your safety system. She also dives into the growing importance of managing psychosocial hazards – like stress, fatigue, and bullying – alongside physical risks.

With real-world examples and case studies, this episode shows business owners how to turn their Risk Register into a living document...

Duration: 00:13:22

Workplace health isn’t just about avoiding injuries, it’s about culture.

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle speaks with Laurie Maximilian, Owner of the Body Transformation Studio, about:

How food culture at work impacts employee wellbeing The link between long hours, lack of exercise & absenteeism Why stress & sleep health matter for resilience Simple steps employers can take to boost health and productivity

Listen now and discover how healthier choices lead to stronger businesses.

Connect with Laurie:
www.bodytransformationstudio.com.au

www.processwo...

Duration: 00:21:56

Coaching can transform workplace performance for both employees managers. In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle McNamee sits down with leadership coach Zoe McAlpine to explore the real benefits of coaching at every level. 

From lifting confidence and accountability, to helping managers lead with clarity, coaching creates lasting change. Danielle and Zoe also discuss how to avoid common pitfalls, measure results, and adapt coaching styles for different age groups. A practical conversation for any business wanting to build a stronger, more engaged team.

www.processworx.com.au

Duration: 00:23:22

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle is joined by Head of HR at ProcessWorx, Sara, to unpack the critical process of conducting workplace investigations in Western Australia. They cover:

Why investigations protect both employees and the business.The legal requirement for a licensed investigator under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 (WA).How bias, relationships, and confidentiality risks can derail the process.The difference between good and bad investigations.Real-world case studies showing the consequences of getting it wrong.Practical steps to ensure investigations are lawful, fair, and credible.

Whether you run a...

Duration: 00:22:10

In this this milestone 10th episode, Danielle McNamee (Founder of ProcessWorx & ProcessWorxAg) is joined by her husband and business partner, Michael McNamee, for a candid conversation about what they’ve learned, and wish they’d known sooner, when it comes to HR and building a team.

From hiring friends to hanging onto toxic employees for too long, Danielle and Michael unpack the real challenges business owners face. Michael shares personal lessons learned “the hard way,” and together they reflect on the importance of structure, feedback, culture, and celebration in creating a thriving workplace.

They also explore...

Duration: 00:21:46

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle is joined by HR expert Danii Wannberg to unpack the often-complex process of making an employee redundant. They walk through:

What legally constitutes a redundancy (and what doesn’t).The importance of a clear business case.How to conduct a fair and consultative process.The role of skills matrices and redeployment.What to include in a redundancy outcome letter.Redundancy entitlements and external notifications.How to manage the process with empathy and compliance.

Whether you’re a small business, farm or a manager facing restructuring, this episode gives...

Duration: 00:24:20

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle is joined by special guest Sam Messina, a successful farm owner and leader, to explore how small business owners can effectively manage relationships with their team. 

From setting the tone for a healthy workplace culture to handling difficult conversations and supporting employees with mental health challenges, this honest and practical discussion offers tools that can easily be applied.

We cover:

The fine line between being friendly and being the bossHow Sam builds a strong, values-based culture on the farmDanielle’s HR checklist for creating an en...

Duration: 00:22:18

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle McNamee is joined by Senior Advisor Matthew McGarry to unpack what it really means for employees to be “better off overall.” We explore the BOOT (Better Off Overall Test), set-off clauses, and Individual Flexibility Agreements (IFAs), and why just paying a flat rate isn’t enough. Learn how to ensure your pay structures are compliant, competitive, and fair.

✅ Understand the BOOT
✅ Avoid common set-off clause mistakes
✅ Use IFAs legally and effectively
✅ Protect your people and your business

📞 Need help? Contact ProcessWorx at 08 9316 9896 or visit www.proces...

Duration: 00:16:53

Discipline doesn’t have to be daunting. In this solo episode, Danielle McNamee breaks down how small businesses can confidently manage employee misconduct and performance issues, fairly and legally. 

Learn the difference between poor performance and misconduct, how to run a compliant disciplinary process, and what to avoid if you want to stay out of trouble. 

Whether you’re facing a tricky situation or just want to be prepared, this episode is a must-listen for business owners and managers alike. 

www.processworx.com.au

Duration: 00:21:17

In this episode of Let’s Chat HR & Safety, Danielle dives into the growing workplace risk of fatigue- what it is, why it matters, and how employers and employees can work together to manage it. 

From unplanned overtime after breakdowns to long harvest shifts, fatigue can sneak up fast and have serious consequences. Danielle chats with Julii Gaunt Head of Safety at ProcessWorx about the legal responsibilities, practical prevention strategies, and what every business owner needs to know to keep their team safe and productive.

www.processworx.com.au

www.processworx.com.au

Duration: 00:17:20

Danielle McNamee chats with Julii Gaunt, Head of Safety at ProcessWorx and ex WorkSafe Inspector about understanding Psychosocial Hazards in the workplace:

What is a psychosocial hazardWhat are our responsibilities as business owners and managersWhat documentation do we needHow to start a conversation about mental health with an employeeHow to put a management plan in place

Whether you're new to managing psychosocial hazards or looking to strengthen your current approach, this episode gives you practical insights and tools to build a safer, healthier workplace. 

www.processworx.com.au

Duration: 00:21:35

In this episode Danielle chats with Senior HR Consultant, Marisa Ross, to break down how to manage employee performance with confidence.

From setting expectations during probation, to conducting meaningful performance reviews, and knowing when and how to implement a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), this episode gives you practical tools and real-world examples to help you lead better conversations—and better outcomes.

Perfect for small business owners, team leaders, and anyone who manages people.

www.processworx.com.au

Duration: 00:22:27

In this episode Danielle chats with Sara Harris ProcessWorx's Head of Client Services, about how to recruit as a smaller organisation.  Sara is responsible for all ProcessWorx recruitment, following Danielle's many recruitment failures.  Sara and her team also help ProcessWorx clients with a very personalised recruitment service.

www.processworx.com.au

Duration: 00:22:05

Enjoy Danielle McNamee's first Pod Cast where she discusses all things HR and Safety.

This episode discusses the Fair Work Australia increase in minimum and award wages, as well as Superannuation.  Find out what you need to do for your business to stay compliant and do the right thing by your team.

We also have a look at what happens when you ignore safety warnings - a desperately injured worker and a $595,000 fine.

Danielle also introduces her overall them of the Pod Cast - People First!

www.processworx.com.au

Duration: 00:19:05