As the new year unfolds, businesses face a fresh set of challenges, opportunities and priorities. Right now is the perfect time to evaluate whether your workplace policies align with your organisational goals in the ever changing landscape of employment. A comprehensive workplace policy review not only ensures legislative compliance, also fosters a positive work environment … Workplace Policy Review: Are You Ready for the Year Ahead?
Introduction Employees spend a large portion of their waking hours at work, leading to the development of personal relationships, including romantic ones. While privacy is a constitutional right in South Africa, it is not absolute and can be limited when personal relationships disrupt the workplace. Employers may intervene if a relationship affects business operations, potentially … Navigating Relationships in the workplace
New Minimum Wage Adjustments in South Africa for 2025 South Africa is set to implement a new national minimum wage in 2025, following recommendations by the National Minimum Wage Commission. On 18 December 2024, the Commission published a report in the Government Gazette proposing a 2025 adjustment, setting the stage for public consultations and further … New Minimum Wage Adjustments in South Africa for 2025
The recent extension of the Main Collective Agreement within the HCSBC industry is marked a key milestone in the South African labour environment. This agreement, which came into effect under the National Bargaining Council for the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare Industry (HCSBC), now applies to non-parties within the industry, as announced by the Minister … HCSBC Agreement Extension: Impact on Non-Parties in Beauty and Skincare
In fast-paced work environments across South Africa, the concept of sleeping whilst on duty has become increasingly relevant. From healthcare professionals to security personnel, the pressures of long hours and demanding responsibilities can lead to fatigue, but the former could pose serious performance and safety implications in the workplace. Though sleeping on duty may be … Dismissal for Sleeping Whilst on Duty
The recent publication of the Draft Code of Good Practice on Dismissal by the Department of Employment and Labour introduces several significant updates to South African labour practices. Employers, employees, and trade unions are encouraged to review and submit comments by 22 March 2025. Key changes include: 1. Incompatibility as Grounds for Dismissal The draft … New Draft Code of Good Practice Published for Public Comment – Key Changes Employers Need to Know
Sexual harassment cases in the workplace are intricate and sensitive matters, and, as such, employers must ensure that they conduct thorough investigations and gather as much information as they possibly can to competently deal with the matter. This is one of the most serious forms of misconduct that can take place in the workplace, as not … Beyond Allegations: The Employer’s Duty to Act and The Evidence Required to Dismiss Perpetrators in Sexual Harassment Cases
Insubordination and Insolence are two common forms of misconduct in the South African workplace. While they may seem similar at first glance, understanding their distinct definitions and implications is essential for any employer looking to maintain a disciplined and respectful work environment. Failing to recognise this distinction can result in inconsistent disciplinary actions, creating confusion … Beyond Defiance: Navigating the Fine Line Between Insolence and Insubordination in the Workplace
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, more commonly referred to as “the CCMA”, was established in terms of the Labour Relations Act, and is mandated to promote social justice and fairness within the workplace. Despite the CCMA’s functions, it notoriously promotes that employees should first attempt to resolve disputes with employers through internal procedures. A … The Role of The CCMA
Employee absenteeism due to illness is a common workplace issue. However, employers’ concerns about employees being dishonest about their sick leave have grown exponentially in recent years, as it has become increasingly easier for employees to obtain fraudulent sick notes. Consequently, employers are tasked with balancing their respect of an employee’s privacy with the protection of the integrity of their policies and … Dismissal based on fraudulent sick notes
