The Ethos on Outsourcing and Offshoring: A Look at Labour Standards

Importance of the Fair Work Act

Adhering to Australia’s Fair Work Act is not only a legal obligation, but it also reflects ethical business practices. Beyond simple compliance, ethical business practices involve treating employees fairly, transparently, and with respect. Adhering to the Fair Work Act demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing, equity, and dignity. Ethically sound employers see their workforce not just a means to an end but a vital part of their success.

Companies that prioritise labour standards build a positive reputation, because customers, investors, and partners prefer to associate with organisations that treat their employees fairly. Ethical practices also bring brand loyalty, with consumers being more likely to support businesses that align with their personal values. Demonstrating commitment to labour standards also shows that the company cares about its impact on society, which resonates positively with stakeholders.

Company alignment with the Fair Work Act isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about fostering a positive work environment, valuing employees, and contributing to a healthier business ecosystem. At Intogreat Solutions Philippines, our commitment to employee development and company culture is reflected in our low attrition rate. We have an extensive portfolio of clients with an 88% satisfaction rating for our services. Our referral programmes are also hugely successful, which is a good indicator of employee happiness with our company culture, as are our market leading employee satisfaction metrics. 

Global Labour Standards

Outsourcing and offshoring with Intogreat Solutions is a secure and legally sound option for businesses who want to show compliance with the Modern Slavery Act , for instance, by prioritising transparency, competency, and robust control arrangements. By positioning with legal requirements and ethical practices, organisations can benefit from global talent while safeguarding their operations and client relationships.

Operational Benefits, Efficiency and Growth

Complying with labour standards ensures legal compliance but there are several other benefits too:

• Streamlined Processes: When businesses follow labour standards, they establish clear processes for recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and employee management. This consistency leads to greater operational efficiency.
• Productivity: Fair working conditions, hours, and work-life balance contribute to employee wellbeing. Happy and healthy employees are more productive, leading to overall business growth.
• Talent Retention: Compliant companies attract and retain skilled employees. Reduced staff turnover means spending less time and money on recruitment and training, allowing the organisation to focus on growth.

In terms of risk mitigation, there some important points to remember:

• Compliance with Australian employment law prevents damaging lawsuits and costly penalties. Non-compliance can lead to fines and protracted legal battles.
• Labour violations can damage a company’s reputation and these days negative publicity can spread  across the globe in seconds. This could result in lost customers, cancelled contracts, and terminated partnerships.

Protecting Data and Intellectual Property

Intogreat's premium security protocols offer unyielding data protection and align with regulations, making it a trustworthy partner in outsourcing.

By hiring direct, your exposure to breaches of anti-slavery and labour laws or being suspected of money laundering increases because companies are required to report workers working within company operations, enrol employees for superannuation and other government benefits, and hire contractors for a limited period.

Intogreat will hire your staff for you, and we operate robust recruitment processes and policies. Getting a trusted offshoring provider to employ your staff working abroad means your company is not breaking any laws. Your staff abroad are employed and contracted legally through us, thus removing this risk from your operations.

Intogreat is an ISO certified company under 27001:2013 and 9001:2015 which ensures that our systems, processes and policies are of the highest standard.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Fair Work Act 2009?

The Fair Work Act 2009 is the primary legislation governing employment and workplace relations in Australia. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. By following the Act, businesses ensure they meet minimum employment conditions set by the National Employment Standard, modern awards, and registered agreements. Compliance with these legal requirements is essential to avoid penalties, disputes, and legal repercussions.

What is Modern Slavery Act?

The Modern Slavery Act 2018 in Australia is a significant piece of legislation aimed at combating modern slavery and human trafficking. The Act seeks to address the risks of modern slavery within the operations and supply chains of businesses and other entities operating in Australia. It aims to promote transparency, ethical practices, and accountability. The Modern Slavery Act is a crucial step towards eradicating modern slavery, promoting ethical business practices, and safeguarding human rights.

What Constitutes Violations of the Modern Slavery Act?

The proposed Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Bill 2023 will see that Penalties under the Migration Act will be significantly increased to better deter unscrupulous employers.

The following are the offence codes under the Migration Act 1958

•            allowing an unlawful non-citizen to work (s245AB)

•            allowing a lawful non-citizen to work in breach of a work-related condition (s245AC)

•            referring an unlawful non-citizen for work (s245AE)

•            referring a lawful non-citizen for work in breach of a work-related condition (s245AEA).



Following an investigation by Australian Border Force Agents, a Melbourne-based company was found guilty of unlawful migrant worker practices and received significant penalties (two individuals convicted, the forfeiture of about $4.2 million in assets, and fines of more than $100,000). 

Why Go Outsourcing and Offshore with Intogreat Solutions?

Whether your priorities are business protection, addressing the labour shortage, or simply staying on the right side of Australian laws, talking to an expert outsourcing and offshoring provider such as Intogreat is sure to deliver some insights into the benefits of doing things the Intogreat way.

Find out more about why going down the direct hire route for virtual assistant services could put your organisation at risk of reputational and financial disaster, and how outsourcing virtual assistance services through Intogreat Solutions Philippines will not only safeguard your operations but bring a host of other advantages too.