There's talk my employees want to join a union

To get to the root of the problem, you have to ask yourself the question: “Why do my employees want to join a union?” Reasons for joining a union usual falls within these 5 categories (1) higher wages or benefits, (2) job security, (3) lack of recognition, (4) lack of participation or (5) social reasons including ‘peer pressure’.

For employees it’s about being treated fairly in the workplace. Improving employee engagement is paramount to ensure employees have confidence that they are being treated fairly. Here are some employee engagement tips:

Authentic communication

Its about building authentic relationships with employees based on transparency, trust and honesty. Open and frank communication is immeasurable in fostering healthy relationships with your employees. Demand the same from them.

Flexibility

Be flexible in your work requirements; understand that employees have a need to stamp their identity on their work. Allow them to take ownership of their role - make their role their own.

Also, be open and willing to consider changes to work schedules and locations that better suit their needs. 

Feedback

Employers are usually the ones who provide employees with feedback. An effective tool to ensure employees feel their opinions are important and are valued, is to seek feedback from them about the company, the decisions, the workplace and your products/services. This has the added benefit of enabling you to identify concerns from an early stage. 

Clarify goals

Employees must understand how their work goals fits into the bigger Company goals. This will increase productivity and morale. This is where your leadership capabilities must come into play, encouraging and assisting them to meet those goals as part of the team. The importance of mentoring and guiding workers to achieve their work and personal goals cannot be overstated.

Social activities

Regular social activities, especially celebrating together when goals are achieved, is essential for staff morale. It is important for a team to also have fun together and enjoy each other’s company. These do not necessarily have to be excessive events, rather casual drinks after work, or even team lunches now and again should be encouraged.  

Working environment

You are responsible for creating a healthy and productive working environment. Make sure it is unique and reflecting your brand. Be firm and stern on employees who do not display the values you want to see in your workplace - make sure any toxic element in your workplace is dealt with appropriately. Negative or toxic employees must either get in line with your culture or be shown the door.

There are many formal hoops a group of employees has to overcome before seeking to negotiate collectively with an employer. For more information on how to prepare for industrial action, please contact Frank Law.

This is not legal advice. 

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