Judgement the key to supporting quake-struck staff

Judgement the key to supporting staff through earthquake – 24 September

The range of different circumstances faced by the both employers and their staff has stood out from responses received by the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA) on support for staff after the earthquake. Given the range of situations experienced, management judgement has been the key to ensuring that all staff are supported through difficult circumstances.

Some of the measures described by respondents were: • Paid leave until a building inspection was carried out. • Critical employees who helped with the run and clean up of the factory were paid time and a half. • Paid leave granted for first few days after which managers decided if special leave was to be granted on a case by case basis.

The full set of responses can be seen here.

NZMEA Chief Executive John Walley says, “A flexible approach to support for staff has been the underlying theme. Some have continued as normal but others have suffered through either damage to their home or stress and anxiety. Finding a balance between helping affected staff and ensuring those who have worked through the earthquake are not treated unfairly has been crucial.”

ENDS

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