Workplace rights and responsibilities

Showing up on time and completing work tasks on time is valued by employers. If you’re unsure of the start time or when things should be completed, check with your manager or supervisor. Managing your time well shows that you respect the time of others around you, and that you are reliable to work with.

“When your manager gives you work, ask them for the priorities of the project. If you’re given lots of projects, ask them what the priorities are to rank them and work through that.”

- Cyntia

Regardless of your job or team, you’ll notice that others around you have different working styles. Go in with an open mind. Every new role is a learning experience and knowing what type of personalities you work well with can also be a lesson you can keep for your future career.

Being aware of different cultures in the workplace will help you communicate more effectively with work mates, build better relationships, and contribute to a better work environment. You can build your cultural awareness by taking time to understand different cultures and how you can be respectful towards people from these cultures.

In Aotearoa it’s also important to have an understanding of tikanga Māori. You can find out more about tikanga by talking with whānau and friends who are knowledgeable, looking at some of the many great books and digital resources on tikanga, or by taking a course.

It’s always good practice to be polite and respectful in work emails. Using appropriate greetings, correct names, and endings/sign-offs goes a long way in building relationships/whanaungatanga.

Different workplaces have different expectations for how people dress. If you’re unsure of the dress code, you should ask your new manager about before starting a job. It’s always a good idea to dress relatively safe or formal until you’ve been in a job for long enough to know what works for you.

The foundation of a good job is a proper contract. You should be offered one before you start the job, and it must be signed by you and your employer. It's a warning sign if the employer won’t give you a contract or keep it updated with any work changes.

By law, the contract has to contain the following to be legal:

• your name
• your employer’s name
• the location of your work
• your type of employment (permanent, fixed-term, or casual)
• your duties
• pay (including commissions, piece rates, and more)
• hours of work
• whether there's an employment trial period
• a statement about getting time and a half for working on public holidays
• how to resolve problems.

Make sure your employer has given you information about how much you’ll be paid, and how often you’ll be paid: usually pay periods are weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Check your payslip to make sure that you’re being paid the correct amount.

The minimum wage is the minimum amount an employer can pay you. If you are 16 years or older, you must be paid this rate, unless you are on a start-out or training rate. You can learn about the minimum wage and how much it currently is on the Employment New Zealand website.

There are different types of leave that you are allowed to take. These include public holidays, annual holidays, sick leave and bereavement leave.

There are conditions for different types of leave. For example, you have to work for 12 months with the same employer to get your full four weeks of annual holiday. You can find out more about your rights around leave on the Employment New Zealand website.

One in five working age people in Aotearoa have some form of a disability. They can be physical, intellectual, or mental health-related. Not all disabilities are visible. Some resources for disabled employers and jobseekers are available on the Employment New Zealand website.

There are specific resources for those with disabilities on the Firstport website. Work and Income also provides Job Support to help people with disabilities pay for workplace changes or equipment.

If you work with someone with a disability, there are some things you should keep in mind. You can find guidance and resources on the Office of Disability Issues website.

Your employer has obligations to your health and safety. This includes making sure that you are:

• correctly trained in the use of any specialist equipment
• aware of any risks or hazards involved
• given the tools and training to manage risks and hazards
• provided ongoing training to manage risks and hazards
• able to raise health and safety concerns with your employer.

You also have the right to rest and meal breaks. More information can be found on the Employment New Zealand website.

You are also responsible for the health and safety of yourself and others around you. These responsibilities can vary depending where you work.

The following are some options you can try to resolve a workplace issue, including bullying, harassment and discrimination.

• If you trust them and they are not the cause of the issue, inform your manager of the situation.
• Approach your workplace’s Human Resources (HR) person or department.
• Contact your union for help. Unions advocate for employees and can intervene on your behalf if you are a union member. Find out more about unions on the Employment New Zealand website.
• Have conversations with co-workers you trust. You can consider approaching HR, a manager, or a union as a collective.
• Contact a support organisation for advice: Employment New Zealand, WorkSafe, Youth Law (if you’re under 25), Citizens’ Advice Bureau, or Community Law.

Advice and guidance on workplace bullying, harrassment, or discrimination can be found on the Employment New Zealand website.