The Importance of Informing Employees About Their Rights: A Quick Guide for Employers

Navigating employment issues can be challenging, especially when it comes to disciplinary meetings, grievances, or employment disputes. 

In New Zealand, workers have the right to bring someone along for support. But who can they bring?

The Support Person: 

Think of a support person as the employees personal cheerleader. This individual could be a friend, a family member, or a trusted colleague—basically anyone you feel comfortable with. Their primary role is to be there for emotional support. 

The Representative: 

A representative is more of an advocate—someone who knows how to play the game and is on your team. This could be a union representative or an employment advocate. Unlike a support person, a representative can actively speak on your behalf, present your side of the story, and help negotiate outcomes. 

The Lawyer: 

They bring their legal expertise, advising on the finer points of legislation, representing the employee in the meeting and all the way through to mediation and beyond should it get to that point. 

So when you are inviting an employee to a meeting and it’s a potentially difficult conversation then advise them of their right to bring a support person and or representative in writing and if they choose not to bring a support person and or representative to the meeting then make sure you ask them before the meeting commences and make a note. 

For more information contact Anna Ramm on 022 602 7877 or email her at anna@networkhr.co.nz