Fair Work encompasses six overarching principles of employment, which will significantly impact your ability to recruit and retain the most skilled and experienced employees and attain your high growth potential.
Focusing on these six principles can give you a strategic advantage over your competitors and yield a substantial return on your employee investment.
This article will help you understand how the Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) can help you achieve this.
How Can the Six Principles of Fair Work Benefit Your Business?
1. Fair Reward Ensuring fair pay and benefits boosts employee satisfaction and retention. For example, joining the Welsh Government’s Living Wage Accreditation Scheme demonstrates your commitment to paying a fair wage. This can enhance your reputation and attract skilled talent.
2. Employee Voice and Engagement Encouraging employees to contribute ideas and participate in decision-making fosters innovation and productivity. Regular consultation forums or staff councils can improve communication, making employees feel valued and invested in the company’s success.
3. Security and Flexibility Offering stable contracts and flexible working arrangements can enhance work-life balance, encourage job applications and improve retention.
4. Opportunity for Access, Growth, and Progression Promoting inclusive hiring practices and supporting employee development helps unlock your workforce’s full potential. Focussed development initiatives can ensure your staff receive the support needed to develop their careers and increase productivity.
5. Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive Working Environment Investing in employee well-being reduces absenteeism and boosts morale. Programmes like "Time to Change Wales" provide resources to support mental health awareness in the workplace.
6. Legal Rights Respected and Given Substance Compliance with employment laws mitigates legal risks, builds trust with your workforce, and provides them with security, leading to better retention rates.
By embedding Fair Work principles into your business model, you can cultivate a motivated workforce, reduce turnover, and improve your brand image. AGP’s comprehensive support programmes ensure that implementing these positive changes is achievable and beneficial for businesses of all sizes.
What Fair Work support can AGP provide?
A range of different options, including:
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Audit & Training – this can be done either in your office or online.
- ED&I & Fair Work Policy Review/ Development – to ensure all of your policy documents are up to date and in line with employment laws.
- Sexual Harassment Audit & Training - including a risk assessment, drafting documents and training.
- Employee Handbook – reviewing and updating employee handbooks that outline fair work practices.
- Employment Contract Review – ensuring employment contracts are compliant and in line with fair work principles.
- Performance Management Framework & Training – implementing a robust and compliant performance management framework, including induction, probation periods, performance reviews and training for managers.
- Review of Employee Benefits – An audit of current benefits and reward packages and support to develop new ones.
For further information, please get in touch with your Relationship Manager, who can refer you to a Coach who can assist you.
If you have any questions about this area, please contact me, the AGP Equality & Fair Work Champion. You can reach me at Lesley.Rossiter@businesswales.agp.org.