Episode 84

Is Employee Loyalty Dead?

Published on: 1st February, 2026

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

In this episode, Matt and Kristy-Lee tackle a big question many small business owners are asking right now, is employee loyalty dead? Drawing on their own experiences and observations of the next generation entering the workforce, they explore how the traditional idea of loyalty as a trade for long-term job security has shifted. With changing expectations, generational differences and the lasting impact of the pandemic, the old rules around work and loyalty no longer seem to apply in the same way .

The conversation dives into why job security is no longer the primary driver of loyalty, and how employees are increasingly taking ownership of their own careers. Matt and Kristy-Lee discuss why modern loyalty looks less like a lifetime commitment and more like being engaged, committed and aligned while someone is part of your business. They also unpack how leadership, development, flexibility and feeling valued now play a far bigger role than simply a pay cheque.

This episode is a must listen for business owners who are struggling with staff retention or feeling frustrated by changing workforce expectations. Matt and Kristy-Lee share practical insights into how employers can reset their mindset, evolve their leadership approach and build genuine loyalty that works for today’s workforce. Loyalty, as they explain, is not dead, it’s just different.

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.

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About the Podcast

The Australian Small Business Show
The Australian Small Business Show has been created by small business owners, for small business owners.

Your hosts Matt Heighway and Kristy-Lee Billett, who have both been running businesses for over 15 years, will bring our first hand experiences to offer insights, advice and inspiration to help you build a successful small business.

Each week we’ll discuss one specific strategy, topic, resource or tip that’s relevant for every small business, and we’ll be inviting along some amazing guests and friends in business to share their expertise with you.

Whether you're starting out, scaling up or a seasoned small business owner, this Australian Small Business Show is the show for you.

About your hosts

Kristy-Lee Billett

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Kristy is a nationally recognised HR expert, passionate small business advocate, podcast host, mum, wife, beach lover and runner.

She has spent more than 20 years now working in the field of Human Resources, People Management and Recruitment.

For the last 10 years she has dedicated herself to exclusively supporting small to medium sized businesses, those who employ less than 100 staff with all aspects of their HR, recruitment, people management and resource structures.

She founded her first business in 2006, and today she continues to direct this business, which is now known as People Powered Business.

Today She loves working with businesses inside our People Powered HR community to help them gain the knowledge, tools and resources to handle absolutely anything when it comes to their teams, with complete confidence.

Matt Heighway

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Matt is a CPA who has been working with business owners in multiple capacities for well over two decades. After commencing his career as an Accountant and Business Adviser, his own national start-up won numerous business awards and was featured in BRW fast 100. Since the business sold, he has been working with small-medium business owners helping them with business growth strategies and holistic business coaching.

Matt also is the Director of Lifetime SMSF, an accounting practice that specialises in Self-Managed Super Funds. Helping Australians manage their retirement nest eggs has been a lifelong project for Matt and he continues to get joy from helping.

Matt is a lifelong learner who loves to chat with other business owners. he is passionate about small business and always wants to see them win. He is at his best when things need turning around though, and gets his motivation helping small business owners come back from a set back.