R – E – S – P – E – C – T
Good Compliance protects a business while neglect can harm a business. We consider this risk management as employers. Compliance is an effortless process made complicated. It is a set of guidelines each business must adhere to, to ensure that all parties are treated appropriately in the workforce. If you respect each other, there will be little need to address compliance issues. This article will discuss how you can stay compliant and minimize risk.
Welcome to the sweet and simple version of the employee handbook. We will provide you with solutions to employment problems that we are facing today. Your workplace should have a labor law poster hanging in a room where employees are working for your work. Just in case your job is waiting for them in the mail, you can view a summary here.
Time and time again I hear it. A fellow peer is complaining about their employment situation. It’s always something outside of their control, or that has been ‘broken.’ I sat down with Rosa and was able to discuss with her some key points from both the employee and the employer. First, let’s look at the relationship.
An Employer is the person or persons who hold responsibility for the contract. An Employee is a person who accepts the deal where. When this relationship exists, it is called employment. Like in any relationship, the connection that exists should be respected.
From an employee standpoint, I get it. Maybe you’re nervous, maybe your boss won’t listen, and perhaps you feel like there’s no hope. The problem is that we as people tend to give power to one side in a relationship, whether it is intentional or not. Relationships are mutually beneficial to both parties or at least they should be. So why is it different in the work setting? It shouldn’t be.
If you agree with me, then the relationship shouldn’t be one-sided, so stop acting like it. If you walk into work and believe that management or your boss is out to get you, you will face every obstacle at your job with that mindset. If you understand that the relationship is beneficial for both parties, then you will begin to see that you are on the same team.
When it comes the employee/employer relationship this is what Rosa has to say, “As employees and as employers we need to be watching each other’s back. We should be respecting each other’s time. Everyone should be looking at his or her specific area and state because the laws do vary from state to state. We should be aware of the employees’ rights when it comes to their meal periods. As an employer, we should make sure that we are 100 percent fair to the employee. Employees in the state of California have two 10-minute paid breaks and a one minimum 30-minute unpaid lunch.”
“Sometimes as Employers, your employee may want to work off the clock and ‘help you.’ We try to maintain that 40 or 20-hour arrangement so that we don’t burn them out. Now if we have an additional project and the team members volunteer to help. I want to recommend NEVER EVER allow them to do it off the clock. You ALWAYS want to compensate them for their time. It is not going to be worth it if you save a few cents here and there. Even though they were the ones who offered the extra help, never accept the work for free. You must compensate them for every minute of the day.”
“Something that we run into here and there at the office. The time clock is right next to my door. So sometimes when I see they are clocking out, they clock out, and I pull them in to start talking to them. Five to ten minutes can go by super quick. I will say ‘Hey Joe, send me an email with the extra time we spoke, and I’ll add it to your time clock.’ If you need any help or assistance in understanding that further, please check your state website.”
Respect is where it starts, respecting the time that your employees are giving you. As an employee, appreciate the time that you are working at your place of employment. It starts here. “If we respected each other as simply humans then we wouldn’t need these laws.” Rosa has some excellent points. These laws are in place because somewhere it was abused. Make it clear in your company policy so there is no question. If we respect each other in the beginning and respect the relationship, then we are in for a smooth ride.
These are four things we can work to improve to better the relationship between Employees and Employers.
- Honesty is important.
The most critical part of any relationship is trust. Trust is the backbone that we are building for this relationship. As an Employer, this means giving the employee a bright outlook of their tasks and providing them with the tools to complete them.
Employees, this means keeping an open communication about things that would affect your job. I’m not saying they need to know your whole life, just if there are going to be drastic changes that impact your work.
- Communication is Key.
Clear lines of communication support all good relationships. The connection is the strength behind the team. As Employers, it’s not enough to have an open-door policy. How many times have we asked for feedback in a meeting only to meet with silence? Reach out to your employees, really dig deep into what makes your company tick.
Employees, don’t let fear get in your way. Ask questions, give feedback, and be open to change. One person is all it takes to change, be the Change.
- Us Vs. Them
This commonality comes with identity. Usually Identifying as one side means that there is an opposite side. Let’s remove this in the workforce environment. At its root, a sour apple, an ineffective leader or a bad employee. Don’t take sides, we all need to make money for basic living. Don’t make it harder by creating conflict. Employers, we know you’re the boss, no need to pull the employer card.
Employees, don’t spread negative comments in the workforce, I know it’s easy but keep it to yourself. I consider negative feedback, anything that doesn’t directly support this relationship.
- Be Present.
Being present is a big one; it’s not just enough to show up. You’ve shown up your whole life, how is that working for you? Showing up gets you paid, I get it. The difference between the two is awareness. Being present gives you opportunities while showing up is seen as the opportunity. When we are present, it means we are one at this moment. We are incredibly productive in this state because we are operating on all cylinders.
Life is always going to happen, learn to let things go. The meeting didn’t start on time? Let it go; you can improvise. The more you learn to improvise, the more those around you will adopt this. You don’t want this moment impacted because of your worry of another moment. Then you lose the power of that moment.
Employers, don’t give up, regroup and try a different strategy.
Employees, don’t quit, be the one to create something unique.
If there are any specific workplace subjects, you would like to see, either as an employer or an employee, please feel free to write to us. We respect all anonymity and will be using this content to help you. We want to help make your workplace better.
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