Introduction

Workplace grievances may occur as long as there is an employer-employee relationship. Anything that can be deemed as unfair treatment to the employees can be classified as grievances. When not identified and handled amicably, employee morale can be affected, leading to lower engagement level and productivity, and higher attrition as employees lose confidence with the leadership.

Disciplinary action is sometimes necessary so that employees who infringe on workplace rules recognise personal and team accountabilities, which would groom them into true professionals. Grievance handling and disciplinary actions are both challenging aspects of people management, but it has got to be done when the need arises.

This workshop aims to enable you with the skills to handle grievance and disciplinary actions, such that difficult employee situations can be turned around to become opportunities to enhance employee performance. This workshop also aims to enable you with the skills to handle termination confidently, when necessary.

Learning Objective

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Identify your concerns and fears about dealing with grievance and disciplinary issues
• Define the meaning of a ‘grievance’ and ‘discipline’ in the workplace
• Distinguish between misconduct and Gross Misconduct
• Describe why grievance and disciplinary procedures are needed
• Be aware of the main legislation and how this fits with your organisation’s Grievance and Disciplinary procedures
• Outline the Disciplinary Process
• Implement your organisation’s Grievance and Disciplinary procedures

Target Audience

 All managers and team leaders who need to deal with grievances and discipline in the workplace who wish to understand good practice and the issued involved in this complex area.

Program Duration

2 Days

Program Content (9.00am -5.00pm)

Module 1 : Grievance Mediation

• What is grievance & how does it develop?
• Approaches to handling grievance
• Grievance handling principles
• Handling grievance mediation discussion

Module 2 : Employment Law

• Explain the key provisions of legislation that covers termination

Module 3 : Taking Disciplinary Action

• Setting ground rules
• Purpose of the Code
• Approach to discipline
• Terminology used in discipline
• Principles to adhere to when handling disciplinary situation
• Classification of misconduct
• Progressive discipline

Module 4 : Handling Common Situations

• What happens when there is no rule?
• How to handle excessive medical leave?
• How do I know whether my action is appropriate?

Module 5 : Types of Misconduct (Major & Minor Misconduct)

• Malingering
• Tardiness
• Poor or inefficient job performance
• Absence without approval
• Absence before or after PH
• Absence from the workplace
• Excessive MC
• Disobedience
• Insubordination
• Sexual Harassment

Module 6 : Holding Disciplinary Session

• Specific objectives of the discussion session
• Guidelines to conduct a disciplinary session
• Common types of disciplinary penalties

Module 7 : Resignations & Termination

• Various options for shortening the notice period

Module 8 : Disciplinary & Dismissal

• Conducting disciplinary inquiry and dismissal
• Dismissal without due inquiry
• Inquiry suspension pay
• Dismissal during the notice period- Criminal offences

Module 9 : Industrial Relations

• Advise on and apply the law in respect of industrial action and other key aspects of employee relations
• Articulate clearly statutory and legislative requirements
• Implement your organisation’s relevant policies and procedures
• Provide clear advice in industrial and employee relations matters
• Promote a culture of transparency, trust and harmony in the workplace

Module 10 : Unfair Dismissals & Constructive Dismissals

• Time limit for employee to make complaints under Industrial Relations Act 1967
• Who may represent employer for conciliation proceedings?
• Who may represent employer in Industrial Courts?
• Maximum compensation
• Dismissal without notice
• Dismissal with notice
• Constructive Dismissal

Training Approach

Presentations, case study, interactive discussions, workshops, role-play