3 minute read
Here for your HR needs
With all that’s been going on in her role of HR Manager at Master Plumbers over the last couple of years, Lisa Duston says it’s a good time to remind members of what’s on offer!
As you’ll know, every employee—whether casual, part-time or business owner—must have a written employment agreement. You can find every type of agreement in the member log-in area of the Master Plumbers website, under ‘HR Support’.
In this section, you will also find some workplace policies that you can make your own to ensure everyone knows what’s required of them when employed in your business.
During my time with Master Plumbers, I have assisted many members with employment situations, so I decided to document the most common issues to develop helpful resources for members to use in house when dealing with these situations.
The range of easy-to-read guides in the HR Support section include:
Recruitment and Selection Guide: guidance on the recruitment process plus a pre-employment checklist, interview guide and questions, and a reference check form template.
Employment Agreements & Policies Guide: helping you determine what types of agreements and policies you may need in your business.
Employee Performance Guide: guidance on managing performance issues and the benefits of regular performance
‘check-ins’ with your employees. We also have some great checkin templates to get you started.
Master Plumbers have recently established an 0800 helpline to support members and their staff who may be experiencing mental health concerns, and anyone needing to talk through challenges they’re facing. Calls to the helpline will be answered by Kereama Carmody of Kereama Consulting, a registered social worker with extensive experience in the treatment of mental health and alcohol and drug issues. Before moving into private practice, Kereama was with Odyssey House in Christchurch overseeing all youth contracts within the senior leadership team.
“The 0800 helpline is confidential and a safe space to ask for advice or talk through any issues that may be having an effect on your day-to-day living,” says Kereama. “While it may seem hard to do, it’s OK to reach out for help. If you’re concerned about your own mental health or drug and alcohol use—or someone else’s— don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
The 0800 service is available to Master Plumbers members 9am-5pm from Monday to Friday. Please note, in a crisis or emergency please call 111 or contact your GP. Disciplinary Process and Suspension Guide: your go-to when it comes to employment issues, including a handy checklist if you have to speak to a staff member about an employment situation.
Business Restructuring Guide: developed during the Covid-19 pandemic for businesses needing to downsize, this document gives guidance on ensuring the process is managed correctly.
Selling Your Business Guide: things to consider when planning to retire or move out of your business, plus a succession plan checklist.
There are also a number of useful factsheets to help you understand some of the legal requirements around managing staff, such as trial periods, hours of work and rest and meal breaks.
The Master Plumbers HR support service is here to assist members with any employment issues. Feel free to contact me if you want to have a chat.
About the author: Lisa Duston is HR Manager at Master Plumbers. Lisa offers HR advice to Master Plumbers’ members at competitive rates. Contact Lisa on 021 245 1704 or email lduston@masterplumbers.org.nz
Meet Kereama Carmody—mental health and wellbeing coach available to Master Plumbers members and their staff.
Kereama Carmody will be sharing wellbeing tips in NZ Plumber, so keep an eye out for these in 2021.
