Increase in Minimum Wage Rate 1 April
Minimum wage rates will increase to $15.25 from 1 April (and training rates from $11.80 to $12.20). This is a 3.5% increase in times where inflation is down at 0.1%.
Keeping you posted
I aim to share short, informative posts on current developments and ideas in the HR space that are of practical use to employers and employees alike!
I want to make sure you always know what is happening in the world of human resources. Here I provide you with latest news and updates from Essential HR, as I identify them. This includes my own analyses, summaries of key legal developments month by month, and useful tips for your organisation.
New law requires accurate records of hours worked and reduces flexibility in working hours. Plus onerous penalties can be imposed.
Employment Standards Legislation is applicable from 4 April. It introduces serious penalties for a breach of minimum standards. Do you record exact hours worked by all staff? Do you need staff to be available to work just when they are needed or need to cancel shifts at short notice? Do you need to stop staff taking other jobs? All are affected.
Court Supports Non-Solicitation clause
Read this if you are concerned about an employee stealing and using your customer database against you. Tex Onsite have just been awarded some $110,000 against a previous employee who stole customer information and broke a non-solicitation clause.
New Health and Safety laws
The new H&S law takes effect from 1 April. If you don't have a system in place or it hasn't been reviewed for a while, now would be a very good time to sort it.
How to reward staff without it costing
I am often asked by clients how they can reward staff for good work without it costing them heaps. Sure, there are incentive plans linking bonuses to performance - but there are many small ways you can give a reward and these can be more timely. Here are some examples
Using older workers to enhance your business
Do you focus just on how to help older workers retire (and maybe how quickly)? Or have you realised that many of them have potential to help your business and want to continue to grow?
Coping with Waitangi Day Mondayisation
Next month Waitangi Day falls on Saturday 6th, and the law means that if that is not a working day for you, it is observed on Monday 8th. So what does this mean for individuals you employ? If they work both; if they normally work one, but you switch them around ...?
Legal Latest - January 2016
The legal cases settled over the last few months have given a lot of food for thought. This month will be a long summary – if you want more detail in an area please ask and I will find the relevant case detail for you.
These cases included:
- Fines for breach of wage records etc
- Criteria for identifying casual employment
- When dismissals result in lost wages awards
- Mediated Settlement Agreements without mediation
- Suspension - good process
- Easy ways to avoid big Health and Safety fines
- Changes to visa requirements for Trades
Turning around a problem employee with a mental health issue
The Australian workplaces have estimated a cost of some $11 billion per annum related to untreated mental health issues. I asked Michael Hempseed of Employee Solution Service (ESS) what he suggested could be done about this in NZ.
He indicated that so often managers see only two options with poor performers: put up with the problem or dismiss them. But best is a third option: turn them around. Understanding and addressing mental health issues can be simple and effective.
Engaging your staff
A new year is a good time to reflect on how to improve your staff commitment to your business.
A recent study by AtTask found that on average only 45% of time gets spent on key tasks; 64% of staff are confused about who does what and 80% have conflict with other departments. So what can you do to get your staff more focused on their work?