Employment law: Maintain strong working relationships over Christmas

Employers should work to maintain strong working relationships with employees over the festive period, according to industry experts.

Encouraging positive relationships in the workplace is a vital part of promoting employment rights and Christmas offers employers the perfect opportunity to support team building and establish a healthy employer/employee dynamic.

Hilary Jeanes, leadership coach and human resources consultant at PurpleLine Consulting, stated: "At this time of year, team Christmas lunches and secret Santa helps communication and team-working.

"Flexibility to allow working parents to attend events that their children are taking part in [also] goes down well."

Employers are also advised to remember the needs of those without children and offer them a few hours to get Christmas shopping done in the interest of fairness and to avoid resentment.

Implementing such policies will support worker rights to flexible working and show employees that their needs are understood and taken into account. This can also help to ensure worker loyalty.

Published by Tessa Jones