Hi Rebecca, welcome to the June edition of Bloom News.
This month, one story that really stood out to me comes from the US, where a CEO has achieved 97% employee retention and zero client turnover by making employee wellbeing a non-negotiable, most notably through mandatory leave. It’s a powerful reminder that when organisations genuinely prioritise rest, balance, and psychological safety, the results speak for themselves. Full details in HR news below.
This aligns closely with what we continue to see across our own sector. At the Thrive at Work Summit last month, I spoke about the Value Impact Chain - the idea that when we remove administrative burden and create safe, supportive environments, our people are better able to support the communities they serve. The connection between wellbeing and performance is no longer theoretical; it’s measurable, and it’s critical.
We’re also seeing strong momentum across the sector more broadly, our job board has never been busier, with over 15 roles currently live spanning the country, from Perth to Brisbane, Sydney and down to Melbourne. It’s a clear sign of both growth and ongoing demand for great people in community services.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue supporting the sector through our upcoming events. We’re proud to be exhibiting at the 2026 AbSec NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference in August - an important gathering that brings together practitioners, leaders, and community voices committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, and families through connection, shared learning, and community-led solutions. Further details in Sector Events below.
As always, our goal is to help you build strong, sustainable workplaces where your people feel supported and empowered to do their best work.
We hope you enjoy this edition of Bloom News, and wish you a wonderful month ahead.
Warm regards, Natalie and the Bloom HR team
Sector News
Reflecting on the Thrive at Work Summit 2026
by Natalie Carrington, Bloom HR Founder and CEO
It was a privilege for Bloom HR to be the Platinum Partner of Q Shelter's Thrive at Work Summit last month. Supporting an event dedicated to the wellbeing of this workforce is exactly where we belong, because we believe the people doing the most important work in our community deserve the highest calibre of support.
I would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the team at Q Shelter for inviting us to be part of such a wonderful day for the sector. Huge thanks also to Courtney Pomerenke from our digital partner, Employment Hero, who joined me on the day to demonstrate the HRIS modules we can deliver to our clients.
The Value Impact Chain: Psychosocial Safety as a Foundation
In my closing address at the summit, I spoke about the Value Impact Chain. It is a mission-driven spin on the traditional Value Profit Chain: the simple truth that when you look after your staff, they are empowered to look after your clients.
But looking after staff isn't just about encouraging resilience; it is about ensuring psychosocial safety.
In many organisations, the chain is weighed down by mechanical friction and systemic stressors: manual salary reviews, tracking expired police checks, and clunky or non-existent performance frameworks. When these structures are manual or missing, it contributes to a workplace environment fraught with administrative burden and burnout.
The shift is simple but powerful: By removing the compliance weight and silencing the administrative noise, you move towards your positive duty to provide a safer workplace. It frees your people to focus on what truly matters; coaching, professional development, and the customer. When your team is protected by a mature foundation, they have the emotional and professional capacity to truly inspire the communities they serve.
To find out how we can help bring this to your organisation, I'd love to hear from you. I can be contacted on 02 8114 4449 or you can get in touch via the links below:
Congratulations to Braidan Carr from WorkVentures on being named Winner in the Central and Northern Sydney region for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the year.
Braidan has undertaken a 2 year traineeship with longstanding Bloom HR client, WorkVentures, in combination with a Cert 3 in Accounts Administration.
Braidan now goes onto represent the region in the state finals, with the next rounds comprising interviews and presentations before the state finals towards the end of the year.
Good luck, Braidan!
2026 Australian Human Rights Awards
Nominations are now open until 3 August for this year's Australian Human Rights Awards, in this year's categories which are:
Human Rights Medal
Young People (under 25 years)
Law
Community
Media and Creative Industries
Recipients are selected based on their achievements in the year prior to the award, alongside their ongoing contribution to advancing human rights.
To be eligible, individuals, organisations, or community groups must have made an outstanding contribution to human rights in Australia. This may include tackling discrimination, promoting inclusion and harmony across diverse communities, advancing Indigenous rights, supporting equal opportunities for people with disabilities, or raising awareness of inequality and injustice.
Eligible activities must have taken place between 2 August 2025 and 3 August 2026.
For full details and how to submit your nomination below.
A US-based media agency, Arm Candy, is demonstrating how prioritising employee wellbeing can directly impact business performance.
CEO John Lods has introduced benefits including fully funded health insurance, paid parental leave, and mandatory annual leave, requiring staff to take at least 15 days off each year.
The approach has seen employees take significantly more leave than average, improving engagement and productivity. Additional incentives such as travel stipends and paid sabbaticals further support a culture of balance.
The results are striking within the organisation:
- 97% employee retention
- zero client turnover
- strong revenue growth
The case highlights a key takeaway for HR leaders - investing in employee wellbeing isn’t just a perk; it can be a powerful driver of organisational success.
The Fair Work Commission has confirmed increases to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
The National Minimum Wage will increase to $1,004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour for employees not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement.
Minimum award wages will increase by 4.75%, with:
- minimum ongoing rates set at $1,004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour
- entry-level rates (first 6 months or less) set at $978.10 per week or $25.74 per hour
Enterprise agreements may also be affected, as agreement rates cannot fall below award minimums. It's important to check the agreement to see what it says about the Annual Wage Review increases.
Payday Super: 2 weeks to go
From 1 July 2026, Payday Super will change how often super is paid.
With only 2 weeks to go until the mandatory changes, all employers must check that they're ready. Resources available on the ATO website and video from Employment Hero on the right.
25-27 August 2026, Port Macquarie (Birpai Country)
We’re proud to be part of the 2026 AbSec NSW Aboriginal Child & Family Conference as an exhibitor later this year.
This conference brings together practitioners, leaders, and community voices committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, and families. Across three days, the sector will come together for meaningful connection, shared learning, and cultural celebration - grounded in Aboriginal community-led solutions and lived experience.
Bloom HR has partnered with Employment Hero to provide Bloom clients with an affordable, streamlined HRIS solution designed to reduce administrative burden and strengthen workplace wellbeing.
The platform supports core HR, engagement, and payroll functions, all helping organisations automate compliance tasks, simplify processes, and create a safer, more efficient work environment.
Exclusive discounted pricing is available, with options suited to both small and growing organisations, plus 2 months free on a 12-month plan. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for clients to access the tools they need to support their people and focus on delivering impact.
If you're interested in building capability across your team, please contact our CEO, Natalie Carrington on 02 8114 4449 or via the linksbelow.
Bloom HR acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise it always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
