Managing Staff in the Workplace During Difficult Times - a recorded lunchtime online conference

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Hear from the experts at this online conference. You can watch it on your computer or on your portable electronic device from anywhere.

The conference will be based on our highly successful video webinar technology: there'll be a chairperson and presentations.

One registration can be shared by colleagues within the same firm utilising the same login.

THE PROGRAM

Session 1: Performance Management Risks in the Workplace

Performance management is standard HR practice, right? Yes, but in the process it may create an unwanted employment law headache if it all goes wrong. This session looks at the key risk factors and how to contain them, including:

• Legitimate vs unlawful grounds for managing performance
• Managing performance and warnings
• Defining and communicating performance objectives
• Frequency of performance management feedback
• Always ensuring the employee knows what is expected of them
• Discussing results of performance management process regularly
• Strategies to prevent underperformance
• Case study: Work from home arrangements and managing performance

Session 2: Workplace Investigations – The Essential Dos and Don’ts

Employers generally don’t do workplace investigations that well. Why? A mixture of poor technique and confusion over limits of authority may play a part. This session looks at essential dos and don’ts in this important area. It includes:

• Understanding when to undertake an investigation
• Identifying when external or internal investigation is required
• Application of procedural fairness to the employee
• How to ensure remote or virtual workplace investigations are conducted fairly
• Collecting evidence – what, where and how
• The extent of enquiry – understanding the limits of the investigative process
• Dealing with difficult or unreliable witnesses
• Construction of investigation report
• Presenting report findings to the employee
• When can you maintain legal privilege of workplace investigation report?
• Case study – Workplace investigations checklist

Session 3: Managing Stress and Mental Health: Adjusting to the New Normal

Employees are facing considerable stress and uncertainty over the continuing effects of COVID-19 and the economic downturn, with some staff grappling with isolation at home, while others face financial uncertainty or challenges with returning to workplaces. Employers have a duty to do what they can to reduce the psychological risks. This session, presented by a mental health expert, examines how you can best support staff, including:

• Identifying the possible psychosocial risks from COVID-19
• Managing working from home risks
• Managing the challenges of returning to workplaces and adjusting to the ‘new normal’
• Recognising your needs and the needs of your staff
• What steps can employers take to minimise workplace stress?
• Adding practices that bolster mental health