A phrase that comes up more and more is Fair Work, but what does it mean and what are the benefits to your tourism or hospitality business?
This ‘Fair Work in Tourism – Business Information Hub’ is designed to support tourism and hospitality businesses in Edinburgh who want to learn the principles of Fair Work, understand the benefits to workers and their business, and how to apply Fair Work principles in their business.
The strategic ambitions of Edinburgh’s Visitor Economy, include: the tourism and hospitality industry becoming a career of choice for more individuals, and having a proud, skilled and valued workforce in the city who act as ambassadors for our industry. By adopting Fair Work principles in your business, you’ll not only enhance your business, but you’ll help our industry work towards achieving these strategic ambitions.
What does the term Fair Work mean?
Fair Work aims to balance the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers and generates mutual benefits for individuals, organisations and society, such as increased participation in work; improved productivity in the workplace; wider distribution of wealth within local communities.
It’s about creating a culture of innovation and empowerment in staff that are fully supported to reach their potential. It covers good management practices and healthy relationships with staff.
It is about doing what you must do to protect the health and safety of employees – including zero tolerance for bullying or harassment.
Benefits of being a Fair Work employer
Adopting Fair Work best practice in your business, can help to deliver significant benefits – both in terms of individual performance and the bottom line, including:
✔️ Investing in wider societal benefits of a happy, healthy workforce & community
✔️ Increased staff retention, resulting in lower recruitment & onboarding costs
✔️ Increased staff morale, in turn resulting in improved customer service
✔️ Enhanced brand image through demonstrating social responsibility
✔️ Increased productivity efficiency and profitability
✔️ Reduced absence due to improved wellbeing
✔️ Foster stronger stakeholder relationships
✔️ Improved business resilience
✔️ Increased competitiveness
✔️ Attracting new talent
Source: Living Wage Scotland.
Ultimately, by applying the principles of Fair Work in your company, it’s good for business, good for workers and good for society.
Read more benefits.
The Fair Work Framework
In 2016, The Fair Work Convention set out a helpful Framework explaining the dimensions of Fair Work and how they can be achieved.
The 5 dimensions of Fair Work are identified as:
1. Effective Voice: You talk as a team
2. Opportunity: You support careers
3. Security: You are consistent and fair
4. Fulfilment: You value job satisfaction
5. Respect: You’re always open and honest
Addressing all five pillars of fair work at the same time, helps to reinforce each other, and create a positive and fruitful culture within your business.
Resources & Support for Businesses
There are a wide range of helpful tools, services and events to support your business in the area of Fair Work:
