How to develop a workplace agreement
A workplace agreement is a written, individual employment agreement setting out the wages, conditions, and working arrangements between an employer and an individual employee or group of employees over the age of eighteen. The signed agreement becomes legally binding when approved by the relevant legislative authority (for example, the Industrial Relations Commission). If you adopt the suggestions made here, a workplace agreement can become a document for positive change and improved relationships within your organisation...
1. Pursue mutually beneficial outcomes.
The focus of an employment agreement can go beyond wages and conditions if the preparation process encourages collective thinking about how the business could operate better. This requires consultation, negotiation, trust, cooperation, and agreement about what can be done to improve the performance of the business or industry and to create a work environ-ment where everyone wants to be.
2. Focus on the benefits.
Both the employer and the employee should benefit from an employment agreement.
The employer can reasonably expect:
- increased productivity, profits, and competitiveness
- better communication across all levels of the business
- less disruption and more harmony in the workplace
- more flexible and appropriate work arrangements
- lower staff turnover and reduced absenteeism
- improved skills; better work practices.
Employees can expect:
- a better working environment
- pay rises linked to productivity gains
- increased capacity to balance work, family, and lifestyle
- greater job security, job satisfaction, and career-path options.
3. Assemble relevant information.
Before commencing any consultation, conduct your own situational analysis of your organisation or business. A SWOT analysis is a good place to start and will help you to assemble an accurate picture of products and services, customers, competitors, human and physical resources, financial and budgetary requirements, and other marketing and operational issues. This process should enable you to develop a business plan including a list of actions to be taken in order to realise the goals outlined as part of those actions.
