Human Rights, Inclusivity and Environmental Issues

Business Paper 2

Ways to deal with human rights in the workplace: Privacy (4)

• Businesses must not violate the rights of employees and customers

• They should not disclose any information regarding employees to anyone else

• Employees who have disclosed their HIV/AIDS status, or any other chronic illness, must be kept confidential

• It is illegal to read through people’s emails or record conversations unless stated clearly and upfront

Ways to deal with human rights in the workplace: Dignity (2)

• Businesses must treat all employees with dignity and respect, regardless of their socio-economic status

• The business must not force any employees to do embarrassing or degrading work

Ways to deal with human rights in the workplace: Equity (4)

• Equal pay for work of equal value

• Management must ensure that employees should not suffer because of discrimination in the workplace

• The business must offer equal opportunities against employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc

• They should apply relevant legislation fairly on all levels

Ways to deal with human rights in the workplace: Freedom of speech and expression (3)

• Businesses should allow open communication channels between management and employees

• Employees should not be punished or discriminated against for voicing their opinion

• They should provide a platform for employees to voice their grievances without any victimisation

Ways to deal with human rights in the workplace: Information (3)

• Employees must be updated or informed as soon as new information becomes available

• Businesses must be transparent in their financial statements and employees may request to see these statements with motivation

• Workers should have access to all information, including information held by the government such as policies, work schedules, employment contracts and labour laws such as the BCEA

Ways to deal with human rights in the workplace: Safety, security and protection of life (4)

• Provide employees with protective clothing such as gloves or footwear

• Comply with safety legislation such as OHSA and COIDA

• Ensure that employees work in a safe working environment with no hazardous products or areas

• Employers should take precautionary measures to ensure that employees and their personal belongings are safe in the workplace

Economic rights of employees (7)

• Free from forced labour

• Free to accept or choose work

• Join or form trade unions

• Participate in legal strikes

• Equal pay for work of equal value

• Reasonable limitation of working hours

• Safe and healthy working conditions

Social rights of employees (4)

• Clean water

• Education 

• Protection 

• Healthcare

Ways to promote social rights (5)

• Businesses must ensure that employees have access to clean water or social security 

• Provide healthcare services by establishing onsite clinics to give employees access to basic medical examinations

• Encourage employees or provide opportunities for skills training or basic education 

• Encourage employees to participate in special events like World AIDS Day

• Register employees with the UIF to provide adequate protection in the event of illness or unemployment 

Ways to promote cultural rights (5)

• Educate employees on cultural tolerance

• Employ people fron various cultural backgrounds

• Encourage employees to participate in cultural activities 

• Make provisions for different cultures such as the food served in the canteen and entertainment at staff functions

• Provide the environment where employees can freely interact with others in their own language during their free time

Implications of equality, respect and dignity (5)

• Employers should respond swiftly and fairly to reported issues of discrimination in the workplace

• Ensure that employees work in an environment that is conducive to safety and fairness, and is free from embarrassment

• The mission statement should include values of equality or respect

• Treat all employees with dignity and respect by recognising work while done and the value of human capital

• All workers should have access to equal opportunities positions and resources

Meaning of diversity (2)

• Diversity refers to variety in the people employed based on race, age, gender, ethnic groups, material wealth, personality, or disability, or how they view themselves and others

• Businesses employ people from different cultural backgrounds

Diversity issues in the workplace (7)

• Race

• Poverty 

• Gender

• Language 

• Age

• Culture/religion

• Disability

Ways to deal with diversity issues: Poverty (5)

•  The business should employ people from various social economic backgrounds

• Reward employees for services well-rendered

• Offer subsidised meals or canteen facilities on the premises

• Supply free uniforms to employees for safety purposes

• Train employees so that they can be able to deal with retrenchment 

Ways to deal with diversity issues: Race (5)

• Implement affirmative action policies as required by law

• No discrimination should be made based on skin colour

• Ensure a diverse workforce by employing people from different race groups 

• When appointments are made preferential treatment should be given to previously disadvantaged people

• Comply with the EEA and the BBBEE when appointing people

Ways to deal with diversity issues: Gender (5)

• Both males and females should receive equal employment opportunities

• Business directors should promote both men and women into managerial positions

• Women should be employed to comply with the EEA

• Targets for gender equity can be set within the business

• New appointments should be made based on skills and abilities

Ways to deal with diversity issues: Language (5)

• Provide training in the official language of the business 

• No employee should feel excluded in meetings that are conducted in only one language

• Employ an interpreter who can fully understand everything that is being said in the meeting

• The business contract should be in a easy-to-understand language and should be available in the preferred language of all the relevant parties signing the contract

• The business may specify that all communications take place in one language and expect employees to have a certain level of proficiency in that language

Ways to deal with diversity issues: Age (5)

• The business should not employ children under the age of 15 years old

• The ages of pyramid workers should vary between 18 and 65 to include all age groups

• Young employee should be advised to respect and learn from all the employees 

• The older employees should be encouraged to develop the potential of young employees 

• Promotions should not be linked to age but rather to a specific set of skills

Ways to deal with diversity issues: Culture/religion (4)

• Cater to special food or preparation methods in the workers canteen

• Respect and acknowledge the cultural differences of employees

• The business must not force any employees to do work that is against their religion

•  Businesses must be sensitive to special requests from different cultural groups such as taking leave for cultural holidays or festivals

Ways to deal with diversity issues: Disability (5)

• The business should provide employment opportunities for physically challenged people 

• Employees should be trained on how to deal with disabled colleagues

• The business should be well informed on how to deal with disabled employees

• Website that employees with special needs are not marginalised

• Create an organisational culture that is conducive to people with disabilities

Benefits of diversity (5)

• Diversity in the workplace can improve morale

• Businesses with a diverse workforce are more likely to have a good image and attract more customers

• A diversified workforce may give the business a competitive advantage as they can render services more effectively

• Employees of different backgrounds can bring different perspectives to the business 

• Employees value each other’s diversity and learn to communicate or connect over lines of difference

Employers’ Responsibilities to ensure health and safety (5)

• Businesses should know where the potential dangers are and take measures to eliminate or limit the harm

• Provide and maintain the necessary equipment needed to perform the work

• Equipment should be used under the supervision of a designated trained employee

• Comply with safety laws that aim to promote a healthy working environment

• Keep the systems to ensure that they may be no negative impact on the health and safety of employees

• Employers should know where the potential dangers are and take measures to eliminate or limit the harm

The roles of health and safety representatives (5)

• Identify potential dangers in the workplace 

• Investigate workers’ complaints

• Ensure that employers comply with COIDA

• Promote safety training so that employees may act proactively and avoid potential dangers

• Ensure that protective gear is readily available to employees 

Roles of workers in promoting health and safety in the workplace (5)

• Employees to take care of their own health and safety

• Report unsafe or unhealthy working conditions to the relevant authorities or management

• Use the prescribed safety equipment

• Inform the employer of any illness that may prevent the ability to work

• Inform employers of any accidents by the end of shift

Strategies to protect human health

• Water for human consumption should be tested before it is used

• Minimise pollution by reducing reusing or recycling

• Educate people about hygiene issues 

• Encourage employees to do regular health checks

• Machines should be regularly serviced or maintained