Anna Pannuzzo is the Founder of WorkPlacePLUS, a national human resource consultancy that provides independent workplace investigations and outsourced HR support to employers in Australia’s healthcare, social services, public, not-for-profit, and education sectors.
Since 2013, the experienced team at WorkPlacePLUS has developed a sound reputation for providing practical solutions and exceptional customer service to their clients. Congratulations to Anna and the WorkPlacePLUS team for reaching the milestone of 10 years in business!
For more information about WorkPlacePLUS, visit www.WorkPlacePLUS.com.au.
Today, we sit down with Anna to learn a bit more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started?
Anna: Before starting my own business, I had several long-term HR management positions in various sectors, namely large healthcare, aged care and tertiary organisations. I also have a nursing background which gave me a unique understanding of the HR challenges faced by many employers. My in-depth knowledge of these sectors inspired me to branch out and start my own HR consultancy.
WorkPlacePLUS started very small, it was just me and one other consultant. We were committed to being dependable, collaborative, respectful, and adaptable; to be clear communicators and always open to continuous improvement. Most of all, we focused on fostering long-term, trusting relationships through being responsive to the specific needs of our clients.
Over time, the WorkPlacePLUS team grew. We moved into a larger office and we’re now the preferred HR/IR provider to several national peak-body member organisations in allied health and disability services.
Q. In the early days of WorkPlacePLUS, what was your biggest startup challenge? How did you overcome it?
Anna: At first, I was afraid of failing and wondered if I would get any clients. One of the most important steps in the beginning was developing a strategic plan. The process of mapping out my target market and unique value proposition was crucial – we identified a niche in the market for our services! The other challenge was balancing the needs of our clients with the need to market and develop the business. It was important to find the right business model. For me, that has meant growing my team of consultants.
Q. What is the most memorable thing you’ve done since you started your business?
Anna: In the ten years that we’ve been in business, there have been several highlights worth mentioning, like visiting the ABC studios in Melbourne to be interviewed for Radio National’s Best Practice and This Working Life programs, and making a presentation at the Not-For-Profit People Conference on the topic of “Raising the Bar in HR”.
We’ve also had some very fun and memorable team building activities, such as an exhilarating (terrifying) tree ropes and zip-lining experience, a superb food and wine tour of the Yarra Valley, and most recently a spectacular 10th business birthday celebration at Melbourne Zoo. Of course, there have also been memorable business wins over the years, securing major clients, but due to the nature of our work, those details are confidential.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Anna: I hope people will remember that you can be honest and direct and still be kind, and that through good communication, anything is possible.
Q. Lastly, what key pieces of advice would you give to someone who wants to become a business owner?
Anna: Surround yourself with good advisors and mentors, namely:
1) HR support – Get your HR protocols in order and review them regularly! That means pay rates and awards, work arrangements, employment contracts, and HR policies, and undertaking business continuity planning and succession planning, so you’re prepared for the unexpected. Business owners are responsible for meeting their employment obligations under various legislation and the non-compliance penalties have never been higher. Getting your HR protocols in place and keeping them up to date will help entrepreneurs mitigate the potential risks and succeed in their businesses.
2) Accountant – Seek good financial advice regularly.
3) Strategic planning and marketing support – Take a proactive approach to the growth of your business.
To keep up to date with Anna and her journey, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit the WorkPlacePLUS website.
