This week we have our first real taste of winter!!

For those of us living and working in sub optimal conditions it is a timely reminder of the need to prepare for what will be, for some, a tough ride through a rough period, despite all the good things that are starting to happen in Christchurch from an economic perspective.

This is a time when we should be looking after ourselves, our families and our people.

I hope everyone has had a flu jab by now. That first wave of this year’s virus is due to roll through Christchurch any day now and the vaccination works! Flu is a nasty disease especially for those who have not been exposed to a similar virus in the past and those of us that are vulnerable to infection.

Employers need to stay alert to signs of stress amongst staff as the days get shorter! There are still a lot of  stress related signs in our workforce post-earthquakes and close supportive observation by employers, looking for the tell-tale signs, is all important.

Adopting a flexible approach to accommodating employees family needs is also critical. Sick children need to be cared for and good employers will ensure their teams can do just that, on a case by case basis. Many of our employees are still dealing with house repairs and insurance issues. Those too, require employers to be  accommodating.

At the CECC we try to be as flexible as possible in accommodating our people. That flexibility is appreciated and we are rewarded by extra effort and  being able to retain really good people.

Stay warm, stay safe, be flexible and stay supportive!

www.cecc.org.nz