
Most small and medium businesses don’t need a full-time HR professional, but managing employee relations often falls to business owners or staff without HR expertise. When things go wrong, this can leave businesses exposed to compliance risks, legal challenges, reputational damage, and costly mistakes that can amount to thousands of dollars—or more. Many businesses feel their only option is to turn to expensive lawyers for advice, but not every issue requires legal intervention.
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At Karen’s HR, we provide an affordable, practical alternative. Think of HR as your people insurance policy—essential for protecting not only your workforce but also your business and its reputation.

Founded by Karen Debono, a seasoned HR professional with over 15 years of experience across diverse industries, we specialize in simplifying the complexities of HR, WHS, and RTW. From creating compliant policies to resolving workplace challenges, we provide tailored, hands-on support that empowers you to address issues early and effectively—before they escalate to costly legal disputes.
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We work with you to mitigate risks, ensure compliance with workplace laws, and avoid unnecessary reliance on legal intervention. For those times when legal expertise is required, we collaborate with trusted legal professionals to provide seamless, comprehensive support. As a small business owner herself, Karen understands the challenges SMEs face and offers practical, adaptable solutions designed to fit your needs and budget.
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With Karen’s HR, you gain a trusted partner committed to protecting your business, your people, and your reputation—helping you avoid the pitfalls of non-compliance and focus on growth with confidence.
Our Values

Engage
Engagement is at the core of what we do. We believe true engagement comes from open communication, meaningful connections, and proactive involvement—backed by reliability and responsiveness. Our tailored HR solutions enhance employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and foster a productive workplace culture. By helping businesses build trust and alignment with their teams, we empower them to protect their people, strengthen their reputation, and drive long-term success.

Comply
Compliance is more than just ticking boxes. We help businesses navigate employment law and WHS standards with customised, ethical solutions that go beyond legal obligations. From Fair Work compliance and award adherence to WHS policies and risk management, we ensure your business is protected, accountable, and built on trust. Compliance isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about safeguarding your people, your reputation, and your long-term success.

Thrive
Thriving businesses start with strategic HR. At Karen’s HR, we align engagement and compliance with your goals to build resilient, adaptable teams. Through leadership development, talent management, and workforce planning, we help businesses mitigate risks, tackle challenges proactively, and drive sustainable growth. Thriving means gaining a competitive edge and positioning your business for long-term success.

"Great HR isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about unlocking the true potential of every team."
A Little Bit About Karen
Karen Debono, founder of Karen’s HR, has over 15 years of experience across diverse industries. She provides practical tools and expert guidance to address HR challenges. With a head office in Melbourne, Karen works remotely across Victoria, South Australia, and Far North Queensland, blending real-world experience with a personal touch to help businesses thrive.
