Well people, we are here. Not sure how we got here, but we did. December 2024.
So what can your business do to ensure you end the year keeping your team happy, safe and still productive, in the coming few weeks?
6 tips to help keep things in line:
- Upcoming parties: Whilst not wanting to kill the vibe, ’tis the season to be jolly can sometimes get a little out of hand. Remember to include non-alcoholic options for any functions, and plenty of water for hydration should you have an event that is outside. Set out very clear expectations around behaviours for any function (whether it be your own business or employees attending a client function too), and that work tasks still need to be completed!
- Policies: Re-issue your relevant policies for this time. Drug and Alcohol, Dress Codes, social media…as examples. Get in touch and we can help you either re-issue or create if need be!
- Gift giving: Keep it decent. Bad Santa can lead to bad taste. Be mindful that not all your team may celebrate Christmas and may not want to participate in gift giving. That’s ok. Have a lunch, a morning tea or an activity to acknowledge the season whilst keeping respectful of cultural and religious beliefs.
- Public Holidays: In all States, 25 and 26 December are public holidays. Some States also have part public holidays on Christmas Eve. Information on these can be found here:
- Business Close Down/Leave at this time: You should by now have let your team know if and when there are business shutdowns, and should also have leave applications approved and documented.
- Shutdowns for Modern Award Covered Employees: In May 2023, a model annual leave shutdown clause (Model Clause) was introduced to most Awards, which allows employers to direct an employee to take annual leave during a temporary shutdown period where:
- The employer provides at least 28 days’ written notice of the shutdown period, or a shorter period if agreed with the majority of employees;
- The employee has sufficient annual leave to cover the shutdown period; and
- The direction to take annual leave is reasonable.
Note that some awards have slightly different requirements, for example the Meat Industry Award 2020 requires employers to provide 3 months’ written notice of a shutdown, rather than the usual 28 days. It is important to always check the relevant award.
If your employees are covered by an Award that doesn’t contain a Model Clause (or are Award free), please contact ER Strategies for further advice, for example, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, does not contain a Model Clause.
As always, we are here to help/answer any questions should you need us!
Need Advice?
The Christmas period can be stressful for employers, especially when navigating shutdowns. For support in the shutdown process, notification or leave entitlements, reach out to us on the below information.
ER Strategies are experts in employment compliance and can assist you in managing your employment compliance responsibilities. To discuss your obligations and assistance we can provide, get in touch with us at 1300 55 66 37, or click the button below.
