10 Tips for embracing change in 2023
How to overcome ‘change fatigue’ and create a winning working environment Let’s be honest we’re all tired. The truth is that fatigue is a very common feeling for most of us by the time December rolls around, as we deal with a year’s worth of pressure in addition to the demands of always being available […]
Avoid overworking your staff – here’s how
Everyone handles life’s pressures differently, which is no exception at the workplace. Some job-related stress may be unavoidable, such as leading a meeting for the first time, pitching new ideas to a client, or handling a difficult customer. However, as an employer, you might unintentionally contribute to your employees’ stress by overworking them, resulting in […]
Talent mobility is the key to the future of work
In today’s dynamic business environment, the need to adapt and keep up with client demands, changing market conditions, technology innovation, and increased globalisation, makes it imperative that companies proactively create a responsive workforce. This is where talent mobility comes into play. A talent mobility strategy enables high-performing employees to move around your organisation by strategically […]
Do actions speak louder than words in the business world?
It’s one thing to claim your company is customer-orientated, but talk can be cheap regarding what matters most to your business. The businesses that serve their customers effectively don’t proclaim it on bold billboards; they prove it through offering efficient advice, paying consistent attention to detail, and delivering long-term quality results. These tangible actions create […]
Effective communication channels in the workplace
In the workplace, effective communication between employees, employers and clients plays a vital role. Effective communication can be facilitated by using various communication channels. Communication channels refer to the mediums used to communicate within the workplace, for example, sending a message by email or telephone. A lot of thought must be given as to what […]
What are the limitations in respect of the deductions on my salary?
A client poses a question to their attorney: My employment contract makes provision for deductions from my salary and now my employer wants to deduct money. What are the limitations in respect of deductions that can be made? As a general point of departure, deductions can only be done once the employee has given written […]
Dismissing an employee for racism
There are different reasons why an employer might consider firing an employee. After teacher Keith Arlow had been fired from St John’s College in Johannesburg for being found to have victimised pupils based on their race, the question of dismissal due to racism was brought up. Initially, Arlow was issued with a final written warning, […]
Can I bring my attorney with to an internal disciplinary hearing?
According to item 4 of the Code of Good Practice (“the code”), the definition of dismissal contained in Schedule 8 of the Labour Relations Act (“LRA”) states that, when an employee is charged with misconduct, “[t]he employee should be allowed… the assistance of a trade union representative or fellow employee”. However, what happens in the […]
Am I still protected without an employment contract?
This article looks at the continued relevancy of the employment contract in legal practice today. In 2014, the legislator amended section 186(1)(a) of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 (LRA), which deals with unfair dismissals, by removing the words “contract of” within the definition, leaving only the word “employment”. This gives the idea that […]
The right to protest: What employees should know
The right to protest is an integral part of South Africa’s constitution and has recently come to the forefront with mass protest being organised across the country in response to President Jacob Zuma’s reshuffling of cabinet, and the subsequent downgrade of South Africa to junk status. It is also something which often comes under inspection […]