South African Employers Welcomed to Embrace the New Code of Good Practice on Dismissal: A Landmark Opportunity for Modernisation and Balance

Empowering Employers for a Modern Workforce

Global Business Solutions announces the launch of the recently published Code of Good Practice on Dismissal, ushering in a new era of workplace discipline founded on principle-based, flexible approaches rather than rigid formalities. This Code enables employers to expedite, streamline, and decriminalise disciplinary codes and procedures, fostering organisational efficiency and a workplace culture grounded in fairness and collaboration.

Strategic Advantages for Employers

Employers stand to benefit significantly from this transformative Code. Key changes include:

• The move away from the "criminal justice model" of discipline to a dialogue-driven system, which allows for rapid yet principled interventions in cases of misconduct, incapacity, or operational requirements.

• A dedicated framework enabling employers to tailor procedures to their business size and operational realities, with explicit provisions easing the administrative burden on small businesses while not compromising the essential principles of fairness and transparency.

• Enhanced usability of probation, helping employers optimise talent management and ensure recruitment decisions align with business needs. The Code underlines that poor performance or incompatibility may be managed more expeditiously, granting employers greater confidence and flexibility in confirming appointments and addressing performance issues.

• Refreshing disciplinary codes to include 4IR standards of conduct such as POPI breaches, cannabis use, harassment, e-communication, AI and the like.

Navigating Incapacity and Retrenchments with Confidence

The Code now provides comprehensive guidance on handling incapacity dismissals, especially for incompatibility and incarceration, recognising the realities faced by contemporary businesses. Employers can approach these sensitive matters decisively and lawfully, with clear expectations for evaluation, reasonable accommodation, and alternative solutions before considering dismissal.

Retrenchment processes are clarified through structured consultation requirements and transparent selection criteria, ensuring operational requirements are met efficiently yet fairly, with enhanced protection for both business continuity and employee rights.

Human-Centric and Sustainable Business Practices

This Code represents a crucial opportunity for employers to realign employment policies, procedures, and practices in a way that supports sustainable business growth and a fair, human-centric approach. Employers are empowered to create workplace environments that balance compliance with operational expediency, integrate meaningful dialogue, and promote well-being and justice for all stakeholders.

Global Business Solutions: Leading the Change

As industry experts and leaders in labour law, Global Business Solutions stands ready to assist South African employers in navigating and implementing these changes confidently. The modern workforce demands forward-thinking policies—now is the time for businesses to modernise, decriminalise, and future-proof their disciplinary and employment frameworks.

Join us at the Annual Labour Law Update. This year's theme is Labour Law at the Crossroads: Adapting to Change in an Uncertain Economy and with Massive Labour Law Reform Impacting Case Law. What you'll gain:

• Master the Digital Transformation of Labour Law in 2025

• 200+ Labour Law Cases Unpacked by Jonathan Goldberg

• Critical Updates on Upcoming Legislation & NEDLAC Amendments

• Navigate Workplace Challenges from the Digital Era to Discrimination Laws

Register Now!

View our upcoming events: Upcoming Events, like the Pop-Up on the New Code of Good Practice on Dismissal, Diversity and Inclusion training, Employment Equity with PoE, or Effective Strike Management.

*All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site.

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