The best way to deal with a workplace problem is to prevent it from occurring. As an employer you should make sure you have the information and guidance you need, both when setting up an employment relationship and when problems arise afterwards. You should try in good faith to resolve any problems with your employees before seeking mediation assistance or going to the Employment Relations Authority. Even if you do have to pursue the problem further, discussing and clarifying it first will save time in those processes. The following steps are a guide to resolving a problem.

Be clear about the facts
Make sure that what you think has happened or is happening is not just based on an assumption you have made or a misunderstanding.

Talk to each other
Employers and employees should try to resolve the problem by discussing it with each other. Both parties are responsible for this. Union members can ask their union and employers can ask their employers’ association to approach the other party for them.

If an employee believes they have a personal grievance they must raise it with their employer within 90 days of the action complained of, or the date they became aware of it, whichever is the later.

Clarify whether you do have a problem, and if so, what your problem is
Don’t delay this step. Discuss your problem with family or friends or advisers to clarify what the problem actually is.

To find out more about problem solving and services available to resolve problems visit www.ers.dol.govt.nz/problem