There will be two big stories for Australian employees in 2009. The first one is job security and the second is superannuation.

Last year, for the first time in nearly a decade, Australian employees saw the value of their superannuation holdings decline. Members of retail funds were hit hardest in 2008 but 2009 could well see further decline in value of both industry and retail funds.

We will all know the lay of the land more accurately come 30 June 2009. Individual employees will receive their annual superannuation statements during July/ August 2009.

You have 4-5 months to put a defensive plan in place

There are some things we can’t plan for in business and others for which we can.

Effectively, HR managers have four to five months to plan how they will deal with declining staff moral as the bad news on super hits home. Declining returns for two years in a row in a climate of job insecurity is a recipe for anxiety, panic and poor decision making.

Individual super decisions (both good and bad) are only a mouse click away

Australians are woefully under educated about finance in general and superannuation in particular. Without a full understanding of superannuation and various retirement and pre-retirement options many Australians will make short term decisions that may have very negative long term consequences. With most superannuation funds now providing online access to super accounts, a change to cash or withdrawal of funds altogether is just a mouse click away.

Ensure employee decisions are based on knowledge and understanding

We have limited control of the larger fortunes of our employer businesses but we do have a lot of control over our personal finances. Employers have an interest in protecting their employees and standing beside them (and being seen to do so) in relation to declining superannuation values.

Money 101 is an award winning financial literacy provider. Our training is designed to meet the needs of adult learners and is delivered online as well as face to face.

During the first part of 2009 Money 101 is offering a special package on Superannuation and Retirement. We will deliver the following modules to your staff:

Superannuation
Super Choice
Better Super
Super Tips
Transition to Retirement
Retirement

We will also back up and build on this knowledge base with face to face seminars where employees can ask the questions they need to.

Money 101 does not push any particular superannuation product or service. We are scrupulously independent. Our commitment is solely to you as a proactive employer and the learning needs of your staff.