WORKSHOP AGENDA
REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE: 8:30AM
COURSE DURATION: 9:00AM-4:30PM, INCLUDING NETWORKING BREAKS
SICKNESS
Managing “sickies”, constant sick leave and medical certificates.  This session will cover:
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Managing sickness within the context of your 90-day trial or probationary period.
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What are your options if you suspect that an employee’s sick leave is not genuine? 
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How do you manage employees who are constantly taking sick leave? 
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How and when can medical certificates be used in managing these situations. 
LONG TERM ILLNESS
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Managing and terminating the employment of those who have been away from the workplace for a period of time due to illness or injury.  This session will clarify: 
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How long does an employer have to wait before they can terminate an employee’s employment for long term injury or illness. 
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What factors does an employer have to consider before terminating. 
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The process to terminate an employee’s employment for medical incapacity.   
MENTAL ILLNESS AND HEALTH AND SAFETY 
An employer’s risks and obligations when it comes to mental illness and health and safety in the workplace.
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We all understand that an employer has responsibilities for an employee’s physical health, but how extensive are these responsibilities for an employee’s mental health? 
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A challenging working environment concerns around leadership and bullying allegations can be a petri dish for mental health issues in a workplace. In practice, what can an employer do to manage these risks?
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What if the employee outlines that they are having issues at home as opposed to the workplace, how far do your responsibilities extend? 
MENTAL ILLNESS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
What are an employer’s obligations if you are considering terminating the employment of an employee who has mental health issues?  
Many employer’s have faced the situation where they have been going through a process with an employee and they have raised that they are suffering from mental health issues.  What does this mean for the employer?  Do you need to halt your process?  Continue with your process and put extra support measures in place?  Just continue with your process? 
WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON?
This session will include a look across the pond at what could be on the horizon for employers, including the Right to Disconnect and Psychosocial Hazards that have recently impacted organisations in Australia. Could similar laws be passed in New Zealand and if so, how can employers be proactive?