Are employers responsible for employees who are sexually harassed/assaulted at work?
Employers need to be aware that their employees have legal recourse if the employees have been sexually harassed/assaulted in the workplace, and the employer failed to address it. Previously, it was thought that employees could only follow the avenue outlined in the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and Employment Equity Act (EEA). This would entail lodging […]
Resigning with immediate effect: Not as simple as it sounds
Resigning with immediate effect: Not as simple as it sounds Employees often consider to immediately terminate their employment relationship due to a new opportunity arising or to avoid responsibility when faced with disciplinary procedures. Employment relationships are governed by an employment agreement or legal statutes, and in most cases both. If an employer and employee do not expressly agree on the notice period needed for either of them to terminate their relationship, section […]
Violence and looting – What to do when your employees have been involved
Violence and looting – What to do when your employees have been involved With looting and violence severely impacting certain parts of South Africa in June 2021, many businesses are facing great challenges on various fronts. In light of the recent civil unrest, many employers have been faced with the question as to whether they are entitled to […]
Why investing in youth is good for your business
Why investing in youth is good for your business It was Nelson Mandela who famously said, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”. Although some years have passed since his death, his words still ring true. How we treat our youth (legally defined in South Africa as people between the ages of 15-35) […]
Don’t delay: What happens when disciplinary action is postponed
Don’t delay: What happens when disciplinary action is postponed Many employers decide to leave disciplinary matters for a later date or to overlook matters of concern to avoid conflict. However, when handled well, conflict can have a positive impact on an employee’s performance and behaviour after they have made an error. Although, “Just wait until your mother/father gets home,” may […]
Employment relationships 101
For a business to grow, you must remember that your team consists of more than just you and your needs. An employment relationship is where the employer remunerates an employee for the services they have provided to the business. If the employer is receiving a service that grows their business significantly, and the employee is […]
Mastering employment relationships
For a business to grow, it is ideal to remember that your team consists of more than just you and your needs. An employment relationship is where the employer remunerates and employee for the services they have provided towards the business. If the employer is receiving a business that grows their business significantly, and the […]
The Importance of an HR Department
The Importance of an HR Department Big corporations that have been operating for decades need a Human Resources (HR) Department just as much as small companies that have been in business for a few years. The company’s functioning and development strategy lie in the hands of HR overseeing the employee relationships, leading the recruitment season […]
Absenteeism
Absenteeism Absenteeism is defined as an employee’s intentional or habitual absence from work. Employers accept that employees will be absent on a certain number of days each year but excessive or unplanned absences have a negative impact on productivity and are a source of concern for employers. Employees have a legal obligation to get to […]
FAQ’S: MANAGING SHORT TIME AND STUDY LEAVE
How to implement short-time Question What do you do if your business is being adversely affected by economic factors that are out of your control e.g. reduction in turnover, cancellation of order etc and you cannot afford to keep someone (or a group of employees) employed on a full-time basis? Answer Before embarking on a […]