Rights and Responsibilities – The Employee’s Rights

An employee has the rights to:

• Be provided with a safe workplace
• Fair practices in the workplace
• A harassments-free work environment
• The choice of joining or not joining a union
• Be able to access a grievance resolution process
• Be paid wages in accordance with the award or at an above-award rate
• Work and access all appropriate benefits and conditions in accordance with the conditions of the award and contract of employment
• Be given explicit instructions about work required to be done
• Be communicated with
• Receive advice and training
• Be provided with an opportunity to seek promotion based on merit
• Not to be unfairly dismissed

            In addition, legislation has been handed down to ensure that employees have the right to a work environment that has been adapted to health and safety needs.

The Employee’s Responsibilities

An employee’s responsibility to;

• Work to his or her full capacity in a competent and efficient manner, giving a full and honest day’s work
• Follow management’s policies and practices in order to achieve its goals and objectives
• Follow lawful verbal or written instructions carefully
• Be punctual and conscientious in attendance
• Cooperate and serve the employer with loyalty and good faith
• Accept extra responsibility by not divulging things such as the employer’s trade secret, customer list and business information
• Perform work of high quality
• Be accountable for  money, materials and property belonging to the employer
• Be willing to train and retrain as requirements for the job change
• Follow safety procedures and practices
• Be courteous and give good service to customers/clients
• Acknowledge and recognize other employee’s talents and skills
• Acquire new skills
• Respect cultural and society diversity among other employees and clients
• Give early advice concerning inability to attend work (because of sickness, attending exam, parental leave, and so on).

Duty of care

This particularly applicable to public sector employees.

            When giving advice or information to clients/enquirers, provide only factual advice or information. Giving legal advice, disclosing confidential information and commenting on decisions made are activities that are usually outside your area of expertise or responsibility.

            Public sector organizations are fearful of being sued if incorrect information/ advice have been given by public servants.

Obligations

            When you attend a job interview, the person or people conducting the interview will explain the rules and expectations of the organization. Some of this information may be given after your successful appointment, either at an induction session or during the course of your work. The information is valuable and, as an employee, you are expected to comply with the requirements.

Grooming and dress

            The standards of dress will depend on the policy of the organization. Some employers ask their staff to wear a uniform. In any case, you should:

• Be suitably dressed for the type of work you perform
• Always be neat, clean and tidy
• Be well groomed-do a mirror check leaving home each day
• Take care of personal hygiene