Preparing Your Staff to Return to Work

Accepting payments, managing your finances, and paying recipients should be simple. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Our research shows the majority of Australian business owners are dissatisfied with their business banking. The truth is, most merchant services solutions aren’t built to help your business thrive. That’s where Zeller comes in. Today, we’re launching Zeller — giving Australian merchants affordable, accessible, and innovative tools that enable businesses to get paid, access their money, and manage cash flow — without ever having to set foot inside a bank. We’re reimagining business banking through powerful new technology, backed up by local support and personalised service. An innovative SME alternative to business banking “Innovative” isn’t a word usually heard in the context of merchant services. Finding integrated financial solutions to grow and support your business often requires you to weave together multiple products from different providers, which typically means longer processing times, more paperwork, and a more frustrating experience. Large enterprises benefit from financial solutions tailored to their specific needs; traditional banks have shown that they’re more than willing to pour resources into supporting big business. However, this comes at a cost to the everyday Aussies behind our small to medium sized businesses. SME owners are typically forced to fit the traditional banking mold, suffering through archaic onboarding processes only to be hit with high fees, lock-in contracts, and slow processing times when the paperwork is complete. For new business owners, this can present what seems like an insurmountable hurdle to starting and growing a venture. With 67% of businesses stating they would prefer a non-Big 4 bank, it’s clear that Australian business banking is fundamentally broken. A lack of innovation from the incumbents means merchants like you are overlooked and underserved, at a time when they should be thriving. Businesses need new tools, technology, and support to grow. And that’s why we built Zeller. What’s in the box Zeller is all-in-one payments and finance solution for Australian businesses. It helps to accelerate your business cash flow by giving you a next-generation EFTPOS terminal, a free business transaction account, and free business Mastercard, all in one box. 1. Zeller Terminal Our research revealed that 71% of business owners using clunky EFTPOS terminals regularly consider switching providers. High costs and expensive fees, slow deposits that impact cash flow, and a lack of local support are all common reasons for businesses looking to switch. The majority of Australian business owners are dissatisfied with outdated EFTPOS technology currently on the market. Zeller Terminal is an all-in-one card payment and EFTPOS solution. Our next-gen payment terminal allows you to accept every payment from every customer – Zeller Terminal accepts contactless devices, contactless cards, chip cards, magstripe cards, and will soon also accept alternative payment methods such as Alipay and ZipPay. As new payment methods continue to emerge and shape the way Australians pay for products and services, Zeller Terminal will adapt to support Australian businesses to grow. Read more about Zeller Terminal . 2. Zeller Transaction Account We understand that being able to effectively manage and access your cash flow is key to the long-term survival of your business.  That’s why we make sure your funds are available as quickly as possible after taking payment from a customer. Zeller Transaction Account is included free when you sign up for Zeller. Your account is instantly ready to use, giving you real-time visibility over your settlements and spending — no lengthy paperwork required. When you take payment through Zeller Terminal, funds are settled directly into your free Zeller Transaction Account within the day. You also have the option of sweeping your funds into any existing bank account, and they’ll be accessible as soon as your bank allows. Read more about Zeller Transaction Account . 3. Zeller Mastercard By giving you the tools to accept payments, store and settle funds, and spend your money, we're significantly reducing the time it takes for you to get access to your funds. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 60% of small businesses close within their first three years — and the most cited cause for business failure is poor cash flow. As a business owner, fast access to your funds to pay your staff, suppliers, or buy product, is imperative. Read more about Zeller Mastercard . By seamlessly combining these services into a fully integrated solution, Zeller significantly reduces the time businesses spend on finding a merchant services provider, completing lengthy applications, getting set up, and connecting disparate payments and financial services solutions — all while speeding up your business’s cash flow. Watch the video to see how Zeller works in more detail. Your business, your way Merchant services should work the way your business needs, allowing you to pick and choose the business banking products you need to sustain and grow a profitable business. With Zeller, you have the option to choose the parts you need – Zeller Terminal, Zeller Transaction Account, and Zeller Mastercard work just as powerfully together as an integrated solution as they do alongside your existing products. Learn more about our EFTPOS machines and how our newly launched products are changing business banking for the better.

COVID-19 has transformed the way the Australian and global economies work. Some businesses were forced to shut down or substantially limit their operations, while those who could work from home did so as a safety precaution. Large and small companies have been affected, and it will likely take years for us to see a complete and total recovery. Here in Australia, we are in rather a privileged position compared to the rest of the world. With the number of new COVID-19 cases generally remaining low since late 2020, it appears we have a degree of control over the virus that would be hard to imagine in many other countries. As we begin our return to normalcy, many of those who shuttered their businesses are starting to reopen and office workers are once again commuting to work. Keep reading for advice on staying safe as you and your employees return to your business. Regulatory resources for small businesses Safe Work Australia has a dedicated site for COVID-19 information for small businesses . This makes it easier to understand: your responsibilities to your workers, and how to take simple actions that lower risk. Are you looking to learn about compliance, or how to fill out a COVID-19 risk assessment? This is a great place to start. Practical steps toward a safer workplace As a business owner, following relevant federal and state or territory laws should always be your priority. Your health, and that of your staff, is simply crucial. And closely following these rules and regulations means fewer troubles down the line. Some of the most effective ways to limit the spread of the virus are simple to implement and enforce, such as masks. However, there are plenty of additional steps you can take to keep yourself, your staff, and your customers safe. Engineering controls may sound like a complex term, but in the context of limiting disease spread, it simply means making changes that discourage the spread of the COVID-19 virus. You might like to consider: using plastic, perspex, or a similar barrier to separate staff from customers at checkout. offering social distancing markers on the floor in areas where people queue or congregate, such as outside fitting rooms. printing signage advising customers about applicable capacity limits in your state or territory. placing hand sanitiser at the entrance to your business, and next to your payment terminal. using contactless deliveries and payments. rearranging your office space and/or warehouse, so that all desks, workstations and other areas where your staff do their jobs are, at minimum, 1.5 metres apart. reducing the use of recycled air in HVAC systems, and increasing fresh air intake and natural air flow. talking to the owner or manager of your building, as well as any other businesses in the same building, to work together on risk mitigation. You might discuss staggering staff arrival times and rules for limiting exposure in common spaces, for example. Safer payment processing There are plenty of ways businesses can limit the conditions that lead to the spread of COVID-19, with many involving reduced contact between staff, customers, and others. You should look for payment processing options that support this same goal. There are a few options to consider when it comes to a safer strategy for processing payments. You can: encourage customers to use contactless payment options, such as using tap-and-go cards or mobile wallets. place your EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale) terminal behind a barrier with a small area for access, limiting interactions between staff and customers. regularly sanitise your terminal between uses. Zeller offers an integrated payment processing solution for businesses across Australia. By supporting contactless payments, including payments made via mobile wallets, Zeller Terminal helps you create a safer environment — for both your staff, and your customers.

The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt right across the small business community. Owning and running a small business is a fulfilling role, yet it comes with its stresses. Paying the bills, planning projects, and managing staff — then having to quickly pivot when a lockdown is announced — can lead to you burning out. In 2020, four out of five Australians faced burnout . Although the numbers for 2021 are yet to be determined, it’s reasonable to assume the trend will continue. According to the Treasury , 34% of small business owners (one in three respondents) recently reported a medical diagnosis of either stress, anxiety or depression over a 12 month period. To help you manage your stress, here are some tips that will assist you through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 1. Focus on the positive As humans we are predisposed to looking at the negative; it’s easy for the focus to become what isn’t going as planned rather than what is. Unexpected costs, running behind schedule or money woes can all cause severe stress. However, changing your mindset — whilst challenging — can lead to a reduction in your stress levels. You’ve probably achieved more than you realise. Listing out your achievements and any milestones you’ve reached can help put things into perspective; even the smallest of accomplishments is a win. To help motivation, place your list somewhere visible and when those doubts start creeping back, look at the list and refocus on what has gone right. 2. Cut unnecessary tasks Taking on too much can add an enormous weight on one’s shoulders.  However, as a business owner, the need to oversee every part of your business’s operations can stretch you thin. Cutting out tasks that don’t need your constant supervision or aren’t necessary for driving profit will free up time and let you focus on other areas that require your attention. The best way to stay on course is to write up a business plan . Business plans are a great way to make sure you are accountable, on track, and ensure that your business’s funding is being spent where it should. Revisiting your business plan when you feel you may be going off course will help identify priorities, redefine your tasks and cut out any that don’t sit within the business’s blueprint. 3. Delegate where possible As an entrepreneur, your passion for your business can mean you end up doing it all. Yet, having too much to do can lead to getting nothing done. This is a huge stress trap for many small business owners who need to use their time wisely. Planning out your day or week in advance is crucial to healthy time management .  Prioritise the tasks that need to be done, and delegate the others that you can’t fit into your schedule. Delegating tasks to employees, outsourcing to freelancers or other professionals, can relieve the pressure and free up time for other tasks and future planning. If you can’t delegate to someone, see if there are tech solutions that can assist you with streamlining tasks such as invoicing and payroll , or even staff rosters and marketing There is an abundance of apps designed to free up your time — but choose wisely, because if you find them too difficult to use, you may add to your stress. 4. Have a lockdown plan in place It’s a strange world we currently live in, with governments plunging states into lockdowns with a moment’s notice. Having a lockdown plan is extremely important for small business owners to manage how they respond to such situations and reduce the stress incurred. They are your backup plan when regular business is disrupted. The purpose of the plan is to: come back to business safely once lockdowns are lifted have proper COVID-19 safe cleaning procedures determine how business will operate in lockdown. For example, if you are a restaurant, will you switch to takeaway or delivery services? What staffing will you need? 5. Manage your cash flow and get financial assistance COVID-19 has thrown a real spanner in the works when it comes to running a business. With banks tightening their lending services and fewer resources to draw on, small business owners have cited financial distress as being the biggest stress factor for them. According to a study by Bankwest Curtain Economics Centre, delayed payments have caused additional stress on small business owners. Businesses that had experienced late payments of more than 30 days had increased stress levels 11% higher compared to those who received on-time payments. Speaking to professionals such as The National Debt Helpline and Financial Counselling Australia can help you navigate through your financial woes. These services provide free and confidential support and information, as well as strategies and guidance to assist you with any financial difficulties you are experiencing. Additionally, you may also want to speak to your business advisor or accountant and explore other avenues of support. 6. Managing your mental health Whilst there is still a perceived stigma associated with mental health, it is more common than you may think amongst business owners. According to the Treasury , 48% of small business owners — that’s almost one in two – believed they would be treated poorly if they mentioned that they suffered from a form of mental illness such as anxiety, stress or depression. Mental illness is more common than you may think, so remember, you’re not alone.  There are several ways to look after your mental health and get the right help to manage your worries. Talking to a friend, family member, your GP or health professional is a good starting point in helping you navigate how you are feeling and what’s causing your stress. Tools such as a mental health plan can also alleviate some of your worries by identifying the causes of your stress and potential future stressors by putting strategies into place to help manage them. There are also several services and resources that are available to assist you including: Beyond Blue HeadsUp Mental Health Commission These are difficult times for many, but with a little planning there is light at the end of the tunnel. Managing how you deal with the stress that comes with running your small business — whether pandemic-related or just the day-to-day ins and outs — all comes down to planning, prioritising, and making sure you don’t overload yourself with unnecessary tasks. For more on how to manage stress and information on scaling up your business, visit our blog .