Are You Ready To Go for Gold in HR?

You should know by now that I am a sucker for sports, particularly marathon running. With the dream of one day running the Comrades and earning my own medals, that will be my Olympic event. As we watch athletes from around the world getting ready to compete in the Olympics, I’m reminded of how crucial it is to follow the right procedures - both in sports and in business. Just like an athlete must adhere to rules and regulations to compete fairly, businesses must follow proper procedures to ensure fair and legal treatment of employees.

In the heat of the moment, when an employee has clearly done something wrong, your first instinct might be to act immediately. It’s a natural reaction - we’re all human, and it’s frustrating when things don’t go as they should. However, as an employer, you have rights, but these rights come with the responsibility of following the correct procedures.

Think of it like an Olympic event. Even when an athlete makes a mistake, they can’t just be disqualified on the spot without following the official process. No matter how “wrong” the employee may have been, skipping the proper steps can lead to bigger problems down the road, including legal challenges that could cost you time, money, and peace of mind. My duty as your HR and labour consultant is to protect you and support you through these situations.

Here’s what I ask of you: whenever you’re in doubt or feeling the urge to act quickly, please contact me first. I’m here to hold your hand through these processes. Never tell an employee to leave on the spot. If the situation is serious, you can suspend the employee—again, by following the right procedure - and then proceed with a disciplinary hearing.

Just as athletes train rigorously to understand and follow their sport’s rules, it’s crucial to educate your line managers, supervisors, and office managers about the correct procedures. By doing so, we ensure that everyone in your business is on the same page and prepared to handle situations correctly and legally.

Champion-Level Challenge:

In the spirit of the Olympics, I’m introducing a Champion-Level Challenge to test your mental strength and HR prowess. Here’s how it works:

Case Study Simulation: I’ll present you with a detailed, realistic case study of an employee misconduct scenario. Your challenge is to outline the steps you would take to handle the situation, ensuring you follow the correct procedures.

If you’re ready to take on the challenge, reply to this email and let me know. Submit your response to me, and I’ll provide feedback and tips for improvement. Not only will this exercise test your knowledge, but it will also prepare you for real-life situations.

Remember, taking a moment to step back, breathe, and consult with me can save you a lot of trouble. Let’s work together to create a fair and legally sound workplace, just like the Olympics strive for fair play in every event.

Source: https://af-consulting.co.za/