555-555-5555mymail@mailservice.com
What’s new in sick leave entitlements
18 August 2021
Sickness and leave entitlements have become a concern since we entered a global health crisis. So it’s not too surprising that our national sick leave rules are about to change in a way that affects pretty much every employer in NZ.
What is changing?
Basically from 24 July 2021, your team’s 5 annual sick days will increase to 10.
The 5 extra days will kick in when an employee reaches their next entitlement date – so either after their 6 month anniversary, or on their next sick leave anniversary (every 12 months from the first 6 months).
So let’s say you have two staff. One of them, Shiralee, is pretty new – she just started a few months ago. She’ll qualify for sick leave in another few months, which is well after July 24th, so on that date she’ll get the new 10 day entitlement. The other, Craig, has been around for a few years, and he just had his usual annual month sick leave anniversary a few weeks ago. Craig won’t move onto the 10 day allowance until his next anniversary – which won’t be till this time next year.
The maximum amount of unused sick leave that anybody can build up stays at 20 days.
What do you need to do?
- Update your employment agreements – the sick leave clause for any new employees should now read 10 days. Entitlement dates (from first 6 months of employment) and the 20-day cap don’t need to change. If you’re already giving 10 days as a gesture of generosity to your staff, you might want to consider upping this even further, or giving them a different perk.
- Check your payroll system – if you’re with a provider, make sure they’ve announced an update or are prepared to make the changes in time. If you’re managing payroll yourself with a manual system, make sure you’ve updated your sick leave entitlements and calculations, and that you switch this over for your team as they reach their entitlement dates.
- Notify your staff – this isn’t compulsory, but it’s a good idea to just let your team know that their entitlements have changed and when they should expect to see it come into effect, just to head off any questions.
We are payroll experts, so reach out if you need help, we are only a phone call away.
The end of the financial year is fast approaching, so if you’re balance date/end of financial year is 31 March, there are a few things you need to do to help us prepare your financials. Take a stocktake If your business sells products or has stock, you’ll need to do a stocktake on 31 March. If you’re a business that sells products, then you need to take a stocktake of your physical inventory. If you’re a farmer, then you need to take a physical livestock tally. Send in your EOY papers Compile a folder (digital or hard copy) with a copy of the following documents: Bank statement that shows the balance on 31 March 2025 for all your bank accounts and loans. Insurance invoices. ACC invoices. Loan statements for the year (if applicable). Any new loans or refinancing documents. Invoices for assets purchased and sold. GST workings and reports. Submit the online questionnaire You’ll also need to fill out and submit the online questionnaire. You should receive an email from us in April/May, with a link to fill out and submit the questionnaire. If you haven’t received an email with the link by the end of May, let us know.
At Gunson McLean we are more than just a business offering financial expertise we also support our communities in Dargaville and Whangārei. By partnering with various local organisations, we help sustain and strengthen sports, recreation, and community initiatives in the region. Empowering Local Sports Clubs We understand the role sports play in bringing people together, promoting teamwork, and supporting youth development. We are proud to sponsor the Old Boys Marist Rugby & Sports Club, Hikurangi Rugby Football Club Inc, Maungakaramea Hockey Club, Maungakaramea Bowling Club, Mid Western Rugby Squash Club, Kamo Rugby & Squash Club, New Zealand Vikings Rugby Football Club Inc., and the Cobham Cricket Club. Promoting Outdoor Education We also believe that outdoor education is essential for youth development and are proud to work with the charitable trust, Pātaua Outdoor Education & Recreation Trust (POERT). We have been closely involved in the Trust’s activities for the past 8 years – handlings its financial matters – and Craig Gunson is the current Treasurer. Backing Community Halls & Facilities We’re proud to support the Whareora Hall Society and Whareora Cemetery Board as well as local cycling and motorcycling groups Marsden Wheelers Cycling Club Inc., and the Whangārei Motorcycle Club. We are passionate about the causes we support, and the opportunities and growth this enables in our Dargaville and Whangārei communities.
Most people agree that optimising your business is a good idea and spend hours looking at optimising the supply chain, storage, overheads etc. However, they forget that people are one of the most critical elements in your business. By providing a caring, supportive workplace for employees you also drive the success of your business. Studies show happy workers are productive workers and, as an employer, it’s a no-brainer to provide a workplace where employees feel valued, and where they can flourish. Here are five key ways to build employee relationships, nurture your team, and create a great workplace for your employees: 1. Invest in your employees This doesn’t mean ‘casual Friday’s’ or a pizza night once a month. This is about offering your employees access to training programmes, workshops, conferences, and mentorship programmes. It’s about the professional growth of your employee and how you can enhance their skills and make them feel truly valued as team members. 2. Create a positive work environment Creating a positive work environment is about cultivating a workplace culture that feels positive and supportive of your employees. Be open and transparent with your employees, listen to their feedback and have a strong focus on employee wellbeing. This could include offering flexible working arrangements, benefits such as health insurance, and other perks. 3. Recognise and reward your employees When an employee goes above and beyond, make sure your recognise and reward them. This could by through a performance bonus, employee-of-the-month programmes or even extra time off in lieu. Feeling valued comes partially from feeling rewarded and can be an amazing motivator. 4. Give employees autonomy One of the key ways employees feel trust, is by being given autonomy. Being trusted to come up with their own solutions, processes, and ideas is key to making people feel as if they ‘own’ their role. This helps employees feel fully involved and also brings new ideas, solutions, processes, and efficiencies to the table. 5. Put wellbeing at the heart of your culture Life is stressful. And work-life can be stressful. A well though out wellbeing programme can help your employees manage stress and, in turn, benefits your business. A wellbeing programme is different for each business but some ideas could be checking in with team members, creating a ‘ask for help’ culture, flexible working arrangements including work-from-home days, and offering mental health support. Making sure you’re a caring and supportive employer is vital to your business strategy. With a team who feel valued, nurtured, and encouraged, you’ll all be happier and more productive.
To discuss all your account matters please call us on 09 438 1001
