Mental health problems and the threat of suicide are complex issues that can be difficult to manage in the workplace. As one in four people will be affected by mental health issues at some point in their lives, it is important that employers clearly understand the importance of their role in helping an employee with mental health problems. Often employers …
Resolve Workplace Conflict Now: Steer Clear of the WRC!
Employment related disputes can arise in all organisations between employees or between management and employees. And this can happen whether the environment is unionised or non-unionised. Dealing with these disputes is challenging on a number of fronts. Firstly, resolution of such problems requires conflict management skills which management might not have. Secondly, even managers with the right skills can have …
Building Commitment and Trust in the Workplace: Information and Consultation Part 2
Last month’s post described the reasons for proactively establishing an Information and Consultation Forum (ICF) in a business – as well as the benefits that can flow from having an ICF in the workplace. But to get to that point we now need to look at the mechanics of setting up an ICF and also what to look out for …
Rights, Camera, Action!
Closed-circuit television, or CCTV, is the use of video cameras to transmit video signals to a specific place, for example, an employer’s monitoring station. It differs from normal television in that the video signal is not openly transmitted. It is used extensively in environments such as banks and casinos as a means of monitoring the activities of customers, employees …
How to Choose your HR Consultant
Choosing the best HR consultant is an important decision that can change the direction of your business. HR functions are critical components of any business, regardless of size. Here are my tips for establishing the credentials, credibility and expertise of any HR consultant: 1. Is the consultant qualified? Most HR practitioners are active members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel …
Adjusting for the Future – Wexford Event
Insight HR is arranging an event on 30th January with the support of Wexford Chamber of Commerce and RDA Accountants. Following on from the success of last year’s event in Kilkenny, this seminar has been designed to help business owners to deal effectively with current challenges. Date: Weds 30th January 2013 Venue: Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford Time: Registration from 7.45am, ends …
The Pain of Letting Go : Collective Redundancy Policies
When a company decides on a collective redundancy programme, one of the most significant issues they need to consider is what redundancy policy to use. There have traditionally been three policies available to employers: 1. FIFO or first in first out 2. LIFO or last in first out 3. Selection matrix FIFO is now considered an outdated practice, as it …
Check your Employee Disciplinary Procedures
Recently the Employment Appeals Tribunal awarded €46,800 to a childcare worker who had alleged that she was unfairly dismissed from the crèche where she had been working. Under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007 the Tribunal found that the dismissal was unfair. At first glance there is nothing of particular note in that decision. But if we look a …
Gross Misconduct requires Good Practice
Many companies are aware of the need to have a proper written grievance and disciplinary procedure in place. For companies considering taking disciplinary action, the Labour Relations Commission’s Code Of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures provides guidance on the appropriate steps to take. The steps include : An oral warning A written warning A final written warning Suspension without …