Practical employment relations advice when workplace issues arise
Employment issues can be challenging, time-consuming and stressful for business owners and managers. Whether you’re dealing with poor performance, misconduct, conflict between employees, absenteeism, or a potential personal grievance, navigating the situation incorrectly can expose your business to significant risk.
At Positive People, we provide experienced, practical employment relations advice NZ employers can rely on to manage workplace issues fairly, confidently and in line with current employment legislation.
Our consultants work alongside business owners, leaders and managers to guide them through complex employee situations, ensuring processes are handled correctly while maintaining professionalism, respect and compliance.
Expert employment relations advice for difficult employee situations
Employment relations matters are rarely straightforward. Every situation involves people, emotions and legal considerations, which is why having experienced support can make all the difference.
We help organisations address issues early, minimise risk and achieve practical outcomes that support both the business and its employees.
Our employment relations services include:
- Managing poor performance and performance improvement processes
- Guidance through difficult workplace conversations
- Misconduct and serious misconduct investigations
- Disciplinary meetings and disciplinary process management
- Workplace conflict and relationship issues
- Employee absenteeism and attendance concerns
- Restructuring and organisational change processes
- Exit management and termination support
- Personal grievance response and resolution
Whether the issue is minor or highly complex, we provide clear advice and practical support every step of the way.
Independent workplace investigations
When serious concerns arise, an independent and impartial investigation is often essential.
Our experienced investigators conduct workplace investigations into allegations of misconduct, bullying, harassment, inappropriate behaviour, conflicts of interest and other workplace concerns. We follow fair and robust processes, gather evidence objectively and provide clear findings that help employers make informed decisions.
Having an independent registered investigator can strengthen procedural fairness, reduce organisational risk and provide confidence that matters have been handled appropriately.
Supporting employers through disciplinary processes
Disciplinary processes are among the most sensitive and high-risk employment matters an organisation can face. A poorly managed process can damage workplace relationships and increase the risk of legal challenge.
We provide hands-on support throughout the entire disciplinary process, helping employers meet their obligations, maintain procedural fairness and make defensible decisions.
From drafting correspondence and preparing meeting documentation to attending meetings and advising decision-makers, we ensure the process is managed professionally and confidently.
Personal grievance support and employment risk management
When a personal grievance is raised, timely and expert advice is critical. Our consultants help employers understand their obligations, assess risk, prepare responses and work towards practical resolutions.
Where possible, we focus on resolving issues early and constructively, helping businesses avoid unnecessary disruption, cost and escalation.
Employment Relations Services
Disciplinary Processes
A fair, legally sound disciplinary process protects your business and your people.
Learn more about Disciplinary Processes
Workplace Investigations
Independent, thorough and legally sound — get help with workplace investigations NZ businesses can rely on.
Learn more about Workplace Investigations
Performance Improvement Processes
Navigate performance issues with confidence. Our experienced HR consultants work alongside your business to implement performance improvement processes.
Learn more about Performance Improvement ProcessesTrusted employment relations expertise for New Zealand businesses
For more than 30 years, Positive People has supported organisations across New Zealand with complex employment relations matters. We combine strong technical expertise with practical business experience, helping employers navigate difficult situations while protecting their people, reputation and business interests.
