The foundation of a healthy work environment is a strong relationship built on trust and mutual respect. This concept extends to legal protections as well, with the duty of good faith acting as a core principle in employment law. But what exactly does good faith entail, and how can employers and employees ensure they're upholding their obligations? The practical implications of good faith can be elusive and broad. Drawing from years of experience in advisory roles, host Sanam shares insights...

With recent government announcements aiming to cut costs by 1.5 billion dollars, many New Zealand public sector agencies are facing the possibility of redundancies. This has led to a rise in voluntary redundancies being offered to employees. But what exactly are voluntary redundancies, and what rights do you have as an employee in this situation? In this “Ask Law Lenz” segment, join Sanam as she offers invaluable insights and answers a listener’s questions surrounding voluntary redundancy....

Workplace conflict got you down? What if there was a way to address workplace issues before you feel the employment relationship is becoming untenable? The Early Resolution Service, a free resource offered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), is the answer you've been searching for! Imagine a resource designed to help employers and employees nip workplace conflict in the bud before it explodes into a full-blown personal grievance. That's the magic of Early Resolution...

Have you been hearing rumblings about changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)? Well, the rumours are true. The immigration law update that came into effect on 7 April 2024, has left many migrant workers and employers scrambling. Back in February, the Public Services Commission released a scathing report highlighting serious issues with the AEWV process. Fast forward to April 2024, and the government responded with a significant shakeup designed to tighten controls and ensure...

In this episode Sanam takes the mic to share some exciting updates and insights into the future direction of the podcast. Join her as she discusses the evolution of Law Lenz and where it's headed next. From building a community to offering training and consultancy services, Sanam invites listeners to join the waitlist and share their ideas for the journey ahead. She also dives into her mission to bring forward the employer's perspective in workplace discussions, advocating for better...

One of the key remedies available to an employee in a successful personal grievance claim is compensation. The compensation is associated with humiliation, loss of dignity, and injury to feelings. Over the years we have seen a steady increase with compensation. In 2023, there was a reassessment of compensation awards, which has now been adopted by the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court.  Whether you're an employer navigating the complexities of dispute resolution or an...

We are back with another “Unpack the Holidays Act” episode! This time around we're unpacking a topic that often flies under the radar: transferring public holidays. It's a provision that might be unfamiliar to many, yet it can provide great benefits to a workplace. Like with all other areas of New Zealand employment law, employers and employees must understand their obligations.  Join Sanam as she uncovers the rights, obligations, and potential pitfalls involved in transferring public...

Last week was a saucy week for employment law, but not that kind of saucy! It was a whirlwind of developments in New Zealand's employment law landscape. We saw the resurfacing of the leaked Cabinet papers debacle from last year. Additionally, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Hon. Brooke van Velden, hinted at the employment law changes on the horizon by the Coalition Government. Join our host Sanam, as she delves into the practical implications for workers and businesses alike. The...

People wouldn’t usually connect Easter Sunday with employment law. So being a day where religious significance is at the forefront, why does employment law matter? In this episode, Sanam takes you on a journey through the intriguing twists of the Shop Trading Hours Act. A piece of legislation that came into play in 1990 and gained peculiar amendments in 2016. Forget what you know about the Employment Relations Act, this one's all about Easter Sunday and the nuances that come with it. Discover...

The 29th of February may not have shaken New Zealand, but it sure stirred up some internet commotion. Every four years, the leap year brings with it the familiar question that never fails to spark debates. In this Ask Law Lenz segment, Sanam unravels the age-old query: Are you really working for free on a leap day? Dive into a lighthearted episode where Sanam dissects the confusion surrounding leap years and workdays. From employment relations specialists to HR experts, everyone's weighing...

Prepare for imminent shifts in minimum wage. With changes to kick in on 1 April 2024, the adult minimum wage will see a modest 2% increase. This offers a welcome change to employers reeling from a staggering 48% increase over the past eight years. In typical discussions about minimum wage changes, crucial aspects often go unnoticed. This episode delves into the new minimum wage rates, unraveling the adjustments for adult, starting out, and training wages. Amid the buzz of heightened pay,...

Yes, you read that title right! In this episode, we boldly tackle an unpopular opinion that verbal warnings are obsolete. Verbal warnings are regularly thought of as a resource for managing employees, but how effective are they? Especially in the grand scheme when you are considering termination.  With common myths such as "three strikes and you're out" or verbal warnings being a stern talking to, there is a lot to unpack. Join our host, Sanam, as she discusses the pros and cons of verbal...

On 6 January 2024, the Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Act came into effect. This ushered in significant changes across the Employment Relations Act, Immigration Act, and Companies Act. If you're involved in hiring migrant workers or work in HR, understanding these changes is crucial to compliance and avoiding legal consequences. This episode delves into the core aim of the legislation — preventing the exploitation of workers - especially migrant workers. Host, Sanam,...

As businesses shifted online during the peak of COVID, many employers embraced remote work. Today, remote work has emerged as a talent magnet for both employers and employees. However, as we are now seeing employers push for on-site returns, the efficiency of remote work is under scrutiny. In this Ask Law Lenz episode, designed for both employers seeking legal insights and employees with concerns, Sanam delves into the rights and challenges in today's dynamic landscape. Join Sanam as she...

Navigating the delicate process of declining annual leave requests is an unavoidable challenge in any workplace. The impact can be twofold – either the employee understands the decision, fostering a positive work environment, or negative feelings fester, potentially leading to dissatisfaction.  In this episode, host Sanam delves into the challenging topic of declining annual leave requests and its impact on workplace dynamics. She explores the legal aspects of when employers can and cannot...

In December of last year, the landscape of trial periods underwent a significant shift, unraveling new possibilities for every employer out there. This change brings a breath of fresh air, allowing businesses of all sizes to embrace the 90-day trial period clause. If you haven't ventured into trial periods lately or want to ensure you're on the right track, this episode is tailor-made for you. Join us for an eye-opening discussion on this often-misunderstood clause that can either be your...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Understanding the basics of closedowns Closedown payment guidelines...

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...