Every employee deserves to have access to fair working practices. The Scottish Government have launched a document that includes information on fair working practices and how this can benefit the workplace.
This document separates these practices into 5 different dimensions of the Fair Work Framework. This includes security, respect, opportunity, fulfilment, and effective voice.
Scottish Enterprise, in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Fair Work Convention and other partners, have created a helpful tool to help you understand and put into practice the dimensions of Fair Work. It will help your business to take the next step on your Fair Work journey. Find out more and register on the Fair Work website now.
In the meantime, here are a range of practices to check over to ensure you are following government recommendations when it comes to the Fair Work Framework:
Trade Union Representation:
Trade Union Representation ensures employees have a voice that is heard. This is an important aspect of Fair Work that the Government recommends all work places provide.
The framework displayed evidence that many employees prefer having a representative available to voice their thoughts and feelings on certain problems. Some employees may also feel uncomfortable to voice issues directly to managers so trade union support can be a great way to relay that message in the most constructive way.
This representation can reduce absence and increase productivity as employees feel protected and heard. In addition, creating a better relationship between the workforce and management.
Fair Contracts
A contract of employment is an important document that you and your employee can abide by throughout their employment. In addition, if you want to retain good employees, you should ensure this is fair. The document states that certain flexible working such as zero-hour contracts are not fair work as the risk falls mainly on the employee.
Offering a Fair contract to new employees will show from the offset that you are an employer that cares about your employees by putting them first. The main benefits include lower staff turnover, less sick days, and a happier workforce.
Umbrella Companies
An umbrella company is an organisation that works as an employer to agency workers who work under temporary contract assignments. The framework states that inappropriate use of these companies can be seen as unfair.
Inappropriate actions can include charging workers administrative fees, deductions from wages, not providing correct payslips, moving employees to such companies without letting them know, and to use them to reduce employee rights such as sick pay and holiday pay.
Inclusivity and Diversity
It’s important to promote and support diversity in the workplace. An inclusive environment allows everyone to feel equal and able to reach their full potential.
Diversity must start from the top. You should look at your board and make sure there’s as much equality as possible. A diverse board will offer fresh perspectives and a wide range of experiences. Your team and customers will also feel more represented.
Training & Development
Employees want to be developed. If you don’t take the time to do so, you’ll likely lose a lot of young talent. Personal growth and career progression are key aspects of producing high-quality work.
Flexible Working
Helping employees achieve a good work-life balance will create a happier and more productive workplace. This flexibility can include working from home, part-time hours, hybrid working, flexitime, and job sharing. In addition, a flexible workplace for all workers is a fair workplace.
You can find out more about the fair working practices document here. If you would like help to make your business a fair place to work, contact us now.
