What it is and why it's important
One of the core principles of Fair Work is ensuring employees have a voice. A business can show its dedication to this principle by demonstrating collective representation, which includes allowing access to trade unions, recognising them, and adhering to collective agreements where applicable.
No matter the size, sector, or location, any business can benefit from collaborating with trade unions. They provide valuable support in simplifying negotiation processes, resolving issues early, improving employee engagement and satisfaction, addressing health and safety concerns, and assisting with training and development.
While there are other methods of employee engagement, none offer the same advantages as engaging through a trade union. These alternative methods should complement, not replace, the collective representation that trade unions provide.
What are the benefits for the employment relationship and wider business when individual and collective employee voices are heard and represented?
Guidance on how your business should ensure that individual and collective employee voices are heard and represented. Leon Gooberman, Employment Relations at Cardiff University, discusses various benefits to both the employment relationship and the wider business.
How can businesses improve engagement with their workforce and representatives in decision-making processes?
Leon Gooberman, Employment Relations at Cardiff University, provides guidance on how your business can enhance workforce engagement by involving employees and their representatives in decisions that impact them.
How can we increase real-time feedback opportunities between scheduled feedback events?
Leon Gooberman, Employment Relations at Cardiff University, gives examples on how to create more real-time feedback opportunities between scheduled feedback events such as appraisals or periodic surveys.
How do we ensure that the diversity of employee voice is represented?
Leon Gooberman, Employment Relations at Cardiff University, discusses best practices on how your business can ensure that the diversity of employee voice is represented and heard.
How can employers foster a workplace culture where staff feel comfortable expressing their opinions, raising concerns and trust they will be heard?
Employment Relations at Cardiff University, Leon Gooberman, discusses how your business can create a workplace culture where staff feel comfortable expressing themselves, raising concerns and trusting that their voices will be heard without fearing negative repercussions.
Where should businesses start when embarking on the journey of fair work? Is there an area that should be prioritised?
For businesses embarking on this journey, achieving every aspect of fair work may seem daunting but with our guidance from our series of six themes it becomes easily achievable.
What the experts say
Business Wales have worked with industry experts on each of the six themes identified for SMEs to understand and work effectively within the Fair Work principles.
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Resource Pack
Download the Employee Voice & Collective Representative resource pack that will support you to make changes to your business to become a Fair Work employer
If you need a more accessible version of this document please email businesssupport@gov.wales. Please tell us the format you need. If you use assistive technology please tell us what this is.