A fresh pair of eyes

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Welcome to 2025!  The New Year is a great time for a fresh start, and for employers in New Zealand, it’s the perfect chance to make sure your workplace is running smoothly and legally. Whether you’re tidying up employment agreements, checking policies, or planning ahead for leave, a bit of prep now can save a lot of headaches down the track.  Here are some key areas to focus on as you kick off the year.

Check Your Employment Agreements

Senga Allen

Your employment agreements are like the foundation of your workplace. Make sure they’re up to scratch and meet the requirements of the Employment Relations Act.

Check job descriptions, hours of work, and termination clauses are clear and up to date.

If you’ve got casual or fixed-term employees, double-check their agreements are accurate — especially around how long their agreement lasts and what kind of work they’re expected to do.

Update Workplace Policies

Workplace policies need to keep up with the times. Review key policies, such as:

  • Health and Safety: Are you covering everything under the Health and Safety at Work Act? Identify and manage any new risks.
  • Flexible Work: If your team is working remotely or in a hybrid setup, update your policies to clarify expectations, equipment use and safety for home offices.
  • Bullying and Harassment: Check your policies promote a safe, inclusive workplace and reflect the latest best practices.
  • If you make any changes, let your team know and offer training if needed.

Plan for Leave and Holidays

Get on top of leave management. Employees in New Zealand are entitled to four weeks’ annual leave, along with sick leave, bereavement leave, and public holidays.   It’s also a good time to check your holiday pay accruals after the summer break.   Make a plan with employees on how they will get their leave balance in check.

Set Clear Goals for Performance

Set clear goals for your team. A solid performance management process helps employees know what’s expected of them and how their work fits into the big picture.   Regular check-ins and performance reviews can keep everyone on the same page. If someone isn’t hitting the mark, remember to follow fair processes when addressing performance issues — this will help avoid personal grievance claims.

Focus on Workplace Culture

Finally, the New Year is a great time to invest in your workplace culture. Whether it’s recognising achievements, offering training opportunities, or committing to diversity and inclusion, a positive workplace vibe can make a big difference.  Happy employees are less likely to raise disputes, and a great culture helps attract and keep top talent.

Starting the year with a bit of planning and a focus on employment law can set your business up for success. By reviewing agreements, updating policies, managing leave, and building a positive culture, you’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.   Taking the time to get things right now will mean fewer surprises and more time to focus on growing your business.

 

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About Author

Senga Allen is Managing Director of Everest People.