A local who knows how to make managing people easy. And he wants to share that with you to help your business go from surviving to thriving, with a few simple steps.
If you’re a local business owner who has a few challenges managing your employees(s) and want everyone in your team to be aligned and performing their best, the answer might be easier than you think.
Meet Charlie Carroll, the friendly face behind Enda Consulting, who’s dedicated to helping businesses understand what really matters to their employees and turning workplace challenges into opportunities.
We caught up with Charlie to hear about how he ended up in the Highlands, where the idea for Enda Consulting came from, and how he is giving local workplaces the TLC they need.
Catch our chat below:
1 // Hiya Charlie! Tell us how you came to be in the Southern Highlands?
I grew up in a regional town just west of Dubbo. I met my husband in Sydney; he lived in the Highlands. We did the long-distance thing for a while, but I really liked the Highlands, so it made sense to move here to be with him.
2 // And what were you doing before you started Enda Consulting?
I studied marketing and communications at university, which gave me great skills in writing and effective communication, which are essential for people and culture roles, especially during a time of change such as introducing new initiatives.
After six or seven years in marketing, I was ready to pursue my passion on a deeper level. I have always loved working with people, but I wanted to make a real impact, particularly by helping shape activities that improve people’s work lives. I considered studying psychology but eventually leaned towards HR, starting my master’s in it. That’s when I found myself especially drawn to employee experience and workplace culture, key areas within people and culture.
3 // And how is Enda Consulting different from a HR service?
While I work closely with HR, my focus is more on the top-level, strategic side of things. I regularly meet with HR to understand what is happening on the ground and identify the main challenges and opportunities with the particular workforce. This helps us collaborate with key stakeholders to determine priorities, understand employee sentiment, and assess the overall workplace vibe.
For example, if employees are struggling with a particular project or if a newly promoted leader needs support, I look at ways we can help. This could mean coaching, offering an accelerated leadership program, or other initiatives to support them in their role. My goal is to add value by improving the employee experience based on what’s happening day-to-day and finding ways to address those needs.
4 // Everyone wants to be happier in their workplace, right?!
Exactly! When work life is positive, it uplifts life overall. Since we spend so much time at work, a good experience there often translates into a better personal life. If you feel motivated, respected, and inspired by your organisation, you bring that energy home. A fulfilling job not only boosts engagement and performance but also creates a happier, more balanced life. This is why creating great workplaces is so important, as it benefits employees and their lives outside of work.
5 // How is Enda Consulting creating these amazing employee experiences?
We start with a deep dive to understand what employees really think about their workplace, using a three-step process grounded in real insights rather than assumptions.
Instead of guessing what might improve culture or programs, we create a strategy based on actual employee feedback. By using surveys or focus groups, we get a clear view of how people feel about the workplace. Sometimes, employers are surprised to find they’re doing really well in areas they weren’t aware of.
They may also find that things they assumed were working aren’t actually making a difference.
Listening to employee voices helps them understand where they stand and decide on our next steps. Focusing on one or two areas at a time keeps things simple, avoiding an overwhelming approach. People appreciate the chance to share their thoughts, and transparency builds trust. By openly sharing survey results and setting action steps with clear timelines, we address what matters most and create an authentic, evolving workplace experience.
6 // It sounds like a dream for employees! Is this also beneficial for employers too?
Absolutely! The world is changing rapidly, especially since COVID-19, and people now have very different workplace expectations than they did even five years ago, particularly younger generations.
We know this from data, and it’s clear that people expect more from their employers today. If companies aren’t considering how to mee these evolving needs, they risk falling behind. Competitors are already adapting, and staying competitive depends on attracting top people with skills, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to excellence.
If your workplace isn’t considered a great place to work or a positive employer, you’re going to fall behind others who know this is something they need to take seriously.
Some employers worry that this is a complex task, but implementing simple changes can be done quickly.
Creating an environment where people want to come every day isn’t just a unicorn thing; it’s entirely achievable. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. You can truly transform your workplace and enhance employee satisfaction with just a few straightforward steps.
7 // When might a company want to team up with Enda Consulting for extra support?
A company may face specific challenges, like a small business with a great culture wanting to grow while maintaining that culture. Others might struggle with staff retention and need to explore solutions to improve it. Some businesses could be having difficulty attracting the right talent, but with a few changes, they could become so desirable that they wouldn’t even need to advertise.
8 // That could also save businesses quite a lot of money and time too, right?
When someone resigns or leaves a business, there is so much cost to the employer. Not only do you have to advertise for and find a replacement, but the person who is leaving is taking all their knowledge about your business with them. There could also be disruption in any projects that might be going on.
9 // Do unhappy or demotivated employees also come with a cost for a business?
Yep! For example, if you have employees who appear unhappy or unmotivated while interacting with customers, it can have a massive impact on customer retention. When employees aren’t enjoying their workplace, they’re much less likely to go the extra mile for your customer.
10 // It sounds like such a vital investment for a business.
The insights and data you get from teaming up with Enda Consulting are impressive.
There are key moments in an employee’s journey that can make a difference for your business if you handle them right. From onboarding to career development and leadership, we help companies focus on those important moments so you can see real results.
I totally get that managing and leading people can be a challenge. Even the most experienced leaders face their own hurdles.
I love working with all kinds of organisations, big and small. Helping people is my passion, and I enjoy being in the Highlands. There’s such a mix of wonderful businesses here.
11 // Can you fill us in on some of the packages you offer?
Enda’s pricing is tailored to meet the specific objectives of each client.
For clients interested in employee experience (EX) strategy and implementation, there are three package options.
The first option is a strategy-only package priced at $1,500, which clients can implement on their own.
The second package offers a comprehensive strategy plus six months of implementation support for $4,500. This includes a business-wide survey, focus group analysis, a results de-brief with an action plan, and pulse surveys for two quarters.
The most extensive package, priced at $6,500 annually, includes ongoing implementation support. It covers a full business-wide survey, focus groups, results analysis, and quarterly pulse surveys to ensure continuous progress.
Additionally, Enda offers consulting on specific initiatives or strategies, such as leadership development or change management, through tailored proposals based on each client’s needs.
12 // And what do you love about living in the Highlands?
I love the pace of life here, the space, and the community. When you go for a walk or grab a coffee, people actually say hello, and it just feels nice. Plus, there are some excellent coffee spots around.
I enjoy taking my chocolate Labrador, Maggie, to the dog park in Moss Vale every day. It’s one of my favourite routines!
Thanks for hanging out with us today, Charlie!
The Highlands is such an awesome place to live and work, and with Enda Consulting in the mix, it’s only going to get even better.
If you’re a local business owner wanting to level up your workplace, definitely reach out to Charlie for a chat.
You can call him at 0402 141 119 or pop over to the website to learn more.
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