How to break free from complexity to drive high performance: Key lessons from Dayforce Daybreak Sydney

The boundless workforce is here. Borderless, fluid, and always on, this new workforce reality was shaped by an explosion of different types of work, a greater diversity of workers, and escalating compliance demands. To break through the complexity and drive high performance, organisations need to adopt strategies that promote agility and growth. 

At the first-ever Dayforce Daybreak in Sydney, Dayforce customers, industry experts, and inspiring leaders shared how they’re adapting and shaping productive organisations that offer a better work-life for everyone. 

In the first panel, Deloitte’s HR Transformation Partner, Glen Detering, spoke with Dr. Anat Hassner (Chief People and Strategy Officer, Uniting NSW.ACT) and Lynda McClelland (Head of People Experience Programs, Sydney Water) about unlocking potential in highly regulated environments.  

In the second panel, Katerina Hanna, Dayforce’s Vice President of Customer Success for Asia Pacific and Japan, spoke with Anna Meale (People Technology Leader, Sanitarium) and Amanda Tober (CPO, HR Transformation and Strategy, Levande) about how they are preparing for the future of work. 

Here are some of the key insights from these conversations.   

Tackling the complexity of compliance opens opportunities for transformation - Dr. Anat Hassner, Chief People and Strategy Officer, Uniting NSW.ACT 

Dr. Anat Hassner of Uniting NSW.ACT reflected on the pressure new regulations, like those introduced after the Aged Care Royal Commission, place on staffing, morale, and culture. She acknowledged that while compliance is essential, the complexity of awards and working with multiple systems creates significant challenges. As a result, Hassner sees a real risk of organisations creating a compliance culture that can get in the way of client outcomes and longer-term business success.  

“You have organisational pressure to get compliance right, but being compliant is about ticking a box - it doesn’t actually achieve a business outcome.”  

- Dr. Anat Hassner, Uniting NSW.ACT 

The opportunity, says Hassner, lies in finding ways to meet compliance requirements while achieving broader business outcomes for the organisation. Uniting’s board and CEO had a vision of how compliance efforts could also improve frontline team and customer experiences, and this was the support Hassner needed to pursue initiatives that deliver long-term value. Making compliance a driver of organisational improvement – rather than another checkbox to tick – opened new doors for innovation and growth. 

Know your processes and assign clear ownership - Lynda McClelland, Head of HR Systems and Operations, Sydney Water 

Lynda McClelland of Sydney Water explained how additional compliance regulations tied to water reforms have heavily impacted operational processes critical to supporting core services and customer experiences. To maintain agility, Sydney Water has focused on simplifying and standardising processes, clarifying business architecture, and assigning ownership of processes to experts capable of making and driving decisions. 

“For many organisations, compliance isn’t a core part of their culture—so, how do you balance innovating and adapting to the compliance changes that are coming so hard and fast?” 

- Lynda McClelland, Sydney Water 

McClelland highlighted the value of defining objectives and requirements upfront. She found this helped speed up the design and implementation phase, with the investment “paid back in spades” when doing the hard work of deployment. McClelland also shared that technology helped put decision-making guardrails in place, encouraging people to operate within agreed boundaries in an environment where there is a degree of interpretation with some legislation.  

Map the change journey and involve people from day one - Anna Meale, People Technology Leader, Sanitarium 

Sanitarium, one of Australia’s most trusted fast-moving consumer goods makers, faced significant challenges when their growth exposed inefficiencies with outdated, disconnected platforms. To successfully implement change, Anna Meale explained that they needed to cater to the varied needs of a diverse workforce. 

“Take the time to know what your people’s day-to-day looks like and what they know about tech so you can map a change management journey that works for them.” 
- Anna Meale, Sanitarium 

Meale highlighted the importance of understanding employees' workflows and technological literacy before implementing change. Involving key stakeholders early and including diverse voices in steering committees helped foster collaboration and secure organisational buy-in. This approach minimised resistance while equipping the team with the right knowledge to make quick, clear decisions and keep things moving.  

Never underestimate the power of partnership to meet tight deadlines- Amanda Tober, CPO HR Transformation and Strategy, Levande 

Levande’s transformation came on the heels of a business acquisition, which gave them a 12-month window to build new programs, policies, and processes. According to Amanda Tober, the key to success was establishing strong partnerships from day one. 

“Active executive sponsorship makes a difference to success. Build great relationships with these stakeholders and influence them as much as you can, so they can jump in to help when needed.” 

- Amanda Tober, Levande  

The ideal executive sponsor, according to Tober, doesn’t get too involved in the details and doesn’t get in the way but knows when to step in to provide support. Looking back, Tober saw that strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders allowed the business to be responsive, develop quick solutions within tight timeframes, and ultimately meet the tight timeframes.  

Empowering your workforce for tomorrow’s challenges.  

The insights from Dayforce Daybreak Sydney highlight how adaptability and connectedness shape high-performance workforces. Organisations that embrace flexibility, align their processes, and build strong partnerships will be better equipped to tackle the future of work.  

Are you ready to join the leaders shaping the future of work? Contact us today to learn how we can support your business.