Do You Have Backup?

Hello Professional,

Have you heard about the Fiji Test?

In a podcast I listened to recently - Before Breakfast - the host, Laura Vanderkam spoke about the lessons she learned from the book, Free Time by Jenny Blake. Laura said, "If others can do what you do, you have more time to do other things, at least for a little while."?

The idea behind the Fiji Test is this, "If any team member were to get whisked off to a 3-week surprise vacation in Fiji, with no devices and no ability to give notice, could the rest of the team seamlessly step in and take over the role?"

Sure, we could say the chances of that happening are slim, yet it got me thinking. As individuals and organisations, are we doing our best to ensure?adequate backup is available? Laura recommended a few tips:

1. Document Processes - When there are clear, laid down processes and procedures, it is easier for someone else to follow through and cover-up in the absence of a team member.?

2. Know What Other Team Members Do - Each member of a team should be interested in and familiar with the responsibilities of other members of the team. Though you may not have a deep understanding of exactly what others do, you won't be completely lost if you suddenly have to take over.

3. Invest in Training - Identify skill gaps in your team and invest in learning and development programmes to fill those gaps. Ensure everyone has the necessary basic skills and competencies to take on any role.

Don't be afraid of being replaced when others can do what you do. Focus on the bigger picture, you could get help with some of your work and if things go wrong in your absence because no one can cover up, it looks bad on everyone!

So get your team prepared. Keep learning and growing!

Around the World of HR

Addressing a Rebellion

A recent article by SHRM discussed an interesting story. In Canada, an employee had been working for nearly nine years as a Purchasing and Inventory Clerk. When the lockdown was imposed in 2020, his employer informed him that he would need to work remotely but there was no formal agreement between both parties regarding this.?

However, in March 2021, organisations started recalling employees to work. Seeing this, the employer called the employee back to the office on short notice.?

The following day, the employer received an email which stated that the employee was very comfortable working from home, the risk of COVID-19 was still significant and, as a result, the employee did not desire to return to work in person. The employee was dismissed that day but later filed a complaint for dismissal without cause.?

This account begs the question, "Was the disciplinary action taken against this employee justified?"

The verdict in the case, reached this year was that when no specific policy states that an employee has a right to work remotely on a permanent basis, it is within the employer's rights to require the employee to work in person.

However, it was also noted that the misconduct would not systematically be considered serious enough to constitute cause for immediate dismissal.

This is especially in a case where an employee had a good disciplinary record prior to this misconduct, expressed their intention to discuss possible solutions with their employer and therefore, had not disregarded their job.

What is one thing to take away from this account? The importance of documenting and following procedures. All agreements should be formalised and all terms stated clearly. This leaves no room for ambiguity and gives clarity to all parties concerned.

What are your thoughts?

HR Balanced Diet

Book of the Month

Remote Not Distant by Gustavo Razzetti

Remote working is here to stay! Gustavo Razzetti, CEO of Fearless Culture and creator of the popular Culture Design Canvas, provides a roadmap to help organisations succeed in this new environment.

This book covers how to keep teams connected, how to improve collaboration, build psychological safety and, build culture remotely.?

It addresses multiple areas of the remote culture, from managing asynchronous communication to facilitating courageous conversations and defining the right hybrid model for your organisation.

Open Programmes

Benefits of Attending our Payroll Workshop

Are you struggling with the complexities of managing payroll for your organisation?

Do you want to streamline your payroll processes, minimise errors, and ensure compliance with regulations?

Look no further! Our Payroll Management Workshop is here to empower you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in payroll management.

Why Attend?

??Learn Payroll Best Practices

??Ensure Compliance

??Networking Opportunities

Workshop Details:

Date: July 6, 2023

Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Location: Virtual

Fee: NGN34,875

Who Should Attend?

Payroll Managers and Administrators, Human Resources Professionals, Small Business Owners, Accounting and Finance Personnel and, anyone involved in payroll management or seeking to enhance their payroll skills.?

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your payroll management skills and optimise your organisation's payroll processes.

Register via kendorconsulting.com/payroll.

We look forward to welcoming you at our workshop.

See you in class!

PS: Attendance earns you a certificate of participation and 2.5 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) to maintain your SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP certification.?

Register now.

Join our 3 Months HR Bootcamp Accelerator

Join the 7th Cohort of the 3 Months HR Bootcamp Accelerator

During the course of this programme, Adora Ikwuemesi and other industry experts will guide you on how you should approach HR issues and activities more strategically.

Your classmates and facilitators will be sharing their experiences in the industry and how they approached them.?

This programme runs virtually, on weekends.

At the end of the programme you will:

? Gain an internationally recognised certificate

? Learn current best practices to stand out as an HR professional

? Give your organisation a competitive advantage

? Increase your net worth with proven knowlege

? Learn and network with like-mind professionals

Details of the Programme

Date: August 12, 2023

Delivery Mode: Virtual

Registration ends on August 4, 2023.

You don't want to miss out on this! Only 10 slots are available.

Register via kendorconsulting.com/hrbootcamps/

PS: We are approved by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM- SHRM-CP? or SHRM-SCP?.

Join our Bootcamp.

Job Vacancies

Assistant Manager Technical Operations - bit.ly/AsstMngrTechnicalOperations

Finance Manager - bit.ly/FinanceMNGR

Head IT - bit.ly/HeadInfoTech

On a Lighter Note

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Do enjoy the rest of your week.

With Love,

Kendor Team