Have you ever considered implementing an employee handbook? When was the last time you reviewed your current policies? Amid the hustle of daily operations, the potential of this humble handbook often goes unnoticed. An employee handbook can transform your workplace by creating a more transparent and harmonious environment. Giving your employees one go-to document where they can easily answer any questions they have, might be the missing piece in your workplace.  

The world is your oyster when it comes to tailoring the handbook to your business's needs. From absence notification procedures, to incident reporting when it comes to health and safety, and even performance reviews. Discover the advantages of a crystal-clear set of guidelines, from concise policies to seamless procedures. Join Sanam as she discusses the benefits and shares her best tips for crafting a handbook that goes beyond rules, creating a transparent and efficient workplace for your team. 

In this episode, Sanam examines:

• What elements should be included in your employee handbook?

This podcast is your ticket to staying informed and staying empowered. 

Subscribe and follow Law Lenz for your regular legal fix! 

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for the key employment law insights. Follow us on LinkedIn for legal updates and more! 

Got questions? Send them our way and we'll feature them in our next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]

Resources:

• Indeed - Employee Handbook Guide

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Welcome to the inaugural Ask Law Lenz segment! Happy New Year to all our listeners celebrating today!

Join our host, Sanam, as she delves into a timely question from a New Zealand employer in the hospitality sector. Unraveling the complexities of casual employment, this episode explores the collision of public holidays with set working days and the ensuing questions about holiday entitlements.

Peeling back the layers of New Zealand's employment law, discover the blurred lines between casuals and otherwise working days. If you manage casual employees, this episode is a must-listen! It discusses the delicate balance employers must maintain. Ever wondered what happens when a casual employee sporadically takes sick leave on what used to be an otherwise working day?

As our regular listeners know, Laughs with Law Lenz is a dry joke that Sanam delivers in our fortnightly episodes. We've swapped it this time for a New Year's joke:

Why did the employee bring a ladder to the New Year's meeting? To show the boss they were ready to climb the corporate ladder in the upcoming year!

Don't miss the chance to expand your legal knowledge and join our growing community seeking clarity in the complex world of employment law.

Subscribe and follow this podcast to stay up-to-date with Law Lenz!

Follow us on LinkedIn for legal insights and more! Follow our host on LinkedIn for the latest employment law updates. 

Got questions? Send them our way and we'll discuss them in our next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Merry Christmas from Law Lenz! Hold onto your festive hats because our latest episode is unwrapping the most crucial employment law changes that you won't find under the Christmas tree. The NZ Coalition Government has just dropped two major updates that are set to redefine the game! 

In this episode, join Sanam for a quick legal update covering the Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Bill. Forget about the typical Christmas present – Sanam delves into the Government's commitment to inject dynamism into the job market and create new opportunities by extending 90 day trial periods to all employers. 

And let's not forget about the repeal of the Fair Pay Agreements (FPA) legislation. Sanam breaks down what this means for workplaces, offering insights into the ripple effects and what you need to know.

This episode is your ticket to staying informed on the pulse of employment law changes in NZ. 

Stay informed, stay empowered. Subscribe and follow Law Lenz for your regular legal fix! 

Follow us on LinkedIn for legal insights and join our host on LinkedIn for the latest employment law updates. 

📬 Got questions? Send them our way and we'll discuss them in our next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]

Resources:

• MBIE Fair Pay Agreements Legislation

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Another year, another round of public holiday puzzles! While public holiday entitlements might seem straightforward for those on the 9 to 5 grind, the intricacies of rotating rosters and weekend shifts add layers of complexity to an already intricate area of law. 

Tune in for a deep dive into the Holidays Act with Sanam as she not only deciphers the complexities of otherwise working days, public holidays on weekends, and challenges faced by on-call employees but also distills key lessons from the Wendy's Hamburgers cases and demystifies Monday-isation and Tuesday-isation.

As we bid farewell to 2023, we will leave you with golden nuggets of wisdom and actionable insights. By the end of the episode, you'll have a backstage pass to understanding public holidays—essential for both leave-juggling employers and employees eyeing that extra day off. 

Episode highlights:

• Defining and navigating otherwise working days

Subscribe and follow this podcast to stay up-to-date with Law Lenz!

Follow us on LinkedIn for legal insights and more! Follow our host on LinkedIn for the latest employment law updates. 

📬 Got questions? Send them our way and we'll discuss them in our next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]

Resources:

• Employment NZ: Determining Otherwise Working Day

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Whether referred to as work trials, practical evaluations, or interviews, a pre-employment work trial serves as a valuable resource for employers and HR professionals. It allows a comprehensive assessment of an individual's skills before extending a job offer, recognising that a brief interview might not always suffice.

Join Sanam in this episode as she navigates the complexities of work trials—a tool both advantageous and potentially dangerous in the landscape of employment. Sanam not only examines the effective utilisation of work trials but also delves into the legal ramifications associated with their misapplication.

In this episode, we'll cover:

1. Defining the essence of work trials

Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to make sound decisions in your employment practices. Whether you're an employer, HR professional, or someone curious about the intricacies of hiring processes, this episode promises valuable insights.

Don't miss out on these valuable insights! Subscribe and follow this podcast to stay up-to-date with Law Lenz!

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest legal insights and more! 

Got questions? Send them in, and we'll discuss them in our next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]

Resources

• Beware of pre-employment work trials

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

In this impromptu episode of Law Lenz, host Sanam dives into the unexpected world of workplace attire, with a focus on the controversial topic of wearing shorts. Inspired by a Human Resources Director New Zealand article, we explore the findings of a survey conducted by Frog Recruitment, where 34% of corporate office workers expressed their willingness to wear shorts to work anytime.

In this episode, Sanam shares personal insights and anecdotes, reflecting on the evolving landscape of workplace dress codes. She navigates through the nuances of setting clear and practical policies. With practical tips for managers on how to approach these situations proactively, we explore the delicate balance between maintaining professionalism and adapting to the changing norms in corporate culture.

Tune in for a light-hearted yet insightful exploration of the complexities of workplace dress code policies, especially in a post-remote work era. 

Subscribe and follow this podcast to stay up-to-date with Law Lenz!

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest legal insights and more!

Got questions? Send them in, and we'll discuss them in our next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]

Resources

• Shorts at work: Should employers allow it? 

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Annual closedowns are a common practice for businesses across New Zealand. While providing notice to employees is standard, compliance with the Holidays legislation involves more than meets the eye.

If you're contemplating a closedown, this episode is tailored for you! Whether you are looking for a refresher or new insights, we've got you covered. Explore the intricacies of closedowns, including:

• Defining closedown periods

Subscribe and follow this podcast to stay up-to-date with Law Lenz!

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest legal insights and more!

Got questions? Send them in, and we'll discuss them in our next episode. Email your queries to [email protected].

Resources:

• Employment New Zealand: Annual Closedowns

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

You can no longer use 90-day trial periods when hiring employees on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This episode provides a quick legal update on the changes introduced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on 29 October 2023. If an AEWV impacts you or you have an application pending with INZ, then this update is for you! 

Subscribe and follow this podcast to stay up-to-date with Law Lenz! Share this podcast with your friends and colleagues. 

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest legal insights and more! 

Got questions? Send them in, and we'll discuss them in our next episode. Email your queries to [email protected].

Resources:

• Immigration NZ - Changes to 90-Day Trial Periods on Accredited Employer Work Visa

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Did you know that in New Zealand, you can hire a 5 year old? It’s true, New Zealand has no minimum age limitations for employees. But like any area of employment law, there are rules that employers need to follow.

With the holiday season fast approaching and business getting busier, will you be hiring young people? If you're a business owner gearing up for summer or just keen to navigate the hiring process, we’re here to equip you with the knowledge you need. Join me in this episode as we delve into the tips around hiring young people.

This episode covers:

• Industry restrictions and requirements for hiring young people

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest legal insights and more!

Got questions? Send them in, and we'll discuss them in our next episode. Email your queries to [email protected].

Resources:

• WorkSafe New Zealand: Young People at Work

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Here is a quick look at what Law Lenz has to offer! 

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.