You could consider alternatives to recruiting a new employee that may be more cost effective. These can include:
- reallocating existing employees;
- redesigning the job;
- changing work hours or working arrangements;
- outsourcing the work; or
- using contractors or labour hire workers.
Look at the longer term needs of the business, however these options should not be just a “quick fix”. If you wish to implement any of these alternative strategies, they should be aware of any legal risks that may be involved. For example, if you unilaterally redesign an existing employee’s job or changes their working hours, you could be subject to a breach of contract claim.