New publication aimed at small businesses

Most employee problems can be avoided or can be easily handled if you have the right system and procedures in place. However, while most small businesses employ staff, they don't usually have the luxury of a human resources department. They also usually don't have the expertise to handle employee problems when things go wrong.

Bruno Bruniquel's new publication is written especially for small businesses, and aims to provide them with advice, systems and procedures to enable them to manage their employees effectively.

The publication is designed in loose-leaf format so it can be updated in line with on-going research and changes in labour legislation. The publication comes with a CD containing a comprehensive set of HR policies and procedures. These range from employment contracts to policies on issues such electronic communications, substance abuse and shrinkage. Also included is a full range of supporting documentation such as checklists, forms and procedures designed to help the small business person to foster good employee relations.

Intended for use as a reference guide, the 250+ page publication gives practical step by step guidelines on how to deal with tricky problems such as sick leave abuse and what to do when approached by a trade union.

The publication has twelve chapters covering:

• Performance management, including how to get out of the ‘one-man-band' trap
  
• Contracts of employment, both permanent and fixed term
  
• Key aspects of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act which employers need to comply with
  
• Recruitment and selection using a competency based process
  
• Inducting a new employee into the business
  
• Managing poor performers, absenteeism and trends of minor misconduct
  
• Handling dismissals so there are no comebacks
  
• Handling complaints and grievances
  
• What to do in the event of an approach by a trade union
  
• Handling disputes, including the do's and don'ts
  
• Strike handling
  
• Leadership – handling a diverse workforce in the South African business world

The author, Bruno Bruniquel, is managing director of Bruniquel & Associates (Pty) Ltd, Durban based employee relations and training consultancy which will be publishing and marketing the publication.

The information in this publication comes from Bruniquel's many years of practical experience in labour relations and human resource management which includes conflict management and dispute handling, negotiating procedural and substantive agreements with trade unions, and developing training programmes. Bruniquel is a registered mentor with the SA Board for Personnel Practice and writes for several publications.