Free workplace advice for FANZ members

Members of the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ) now have access to a free workplace advice line for a limited time, as part of a collaboration between FANZ and outsourced HR service, HR Assured.

The FANZ Workplace Advice Line will give FANZ member franchisors and their franchisees (as well as affiliate members) a simple way to access timely support on workplace matters without long wait times or expensive legal fees – just 30 minutes of in-depth employment advice, whenever you need it.

National Workplace Relations Manager at HR Assured New Zealand, Vaughan Granier, said: ‘In today’s reality, where employment breaches frequently make the headlines, we’re committed to working closely with FANZ to ensure members have access to guidance they can use to protect their franchise from non-compliance.

‘There are some incredibly complex changes coming to our employment law framework, in terms of the Holidays Act and around protecting vulnerable workers, that are bound to raise questions around workplace compliance in the franchise sector.

‘Workplace compliance plays a critical role in protecting the franchise brand, but franchisors face notable hurdles around assuring best-practice workplace management across multiple franchise locations. Providing an advice platform can be invaluable for promoting good employment practices across a franchise brand.’ 

This milestone offering marks the continuing long-term partnership between HR Assured and FANZ. 

HR compliance critical, say franchisors

Chief Executive Officer at Franchise Association New Zealand Robyn Pickerill says, ‘FANZ’s continuing partnership with HR Assured is warmly welcomed. In today’s environment, it is critical for employers to have effective HR processes in place and for members to have access to good advice. 

‘We thank HR Assured for striving to support our members and developing a service that will enable our members to solve HR-related queries with ease. The FANZ Workplace Advice Line will be running for a limited time to help members navigate workplace compliance requirements in today’s changing environment. However, if the advisory service proves beneficial to our members, we will explore ways to continue the service.’ 

Last year, a survey of FANZ members led by HR Assured revealed that over 60 per cent of respondents saw the consistency of HR compliance across their franchise as a critical area for improvement. One-third of members surveyed said they found it tough to find HR or health and safety support for their franchise.

On reflection of these challenges, Granier says: ‘A lot of franchisees are small business owners who have plenty of business skill, but not necessarily the right skills to address HR matters competently. Especially when there are other strategic and operational challenges keeping them busy. Here, on-call workplace advice can be a valuable part of a franchise HR system to help prevent non-compliance.

‘No matter how complicated an issue is, if you get help early enough, you can get it right the first time. If a FANZ member needs help with an HR matter, the HR Assured team is just a phone call away.’

How does it work and what's the number? Download details here

Download Workplace Advice Line FAQs here

 

 

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