What are the boundaries between an employer’s authority and an employee’s freedoms? The workplace is a delicate community where the balance between employer and employee rights and freedoms is crucial. Knowledge and understanding of the rights and duties of employees is therefore essential for both employers and employees.
Exercising these rights and duties within their respective boundaries creates a fair and productive work environment which boosts the business’ productivity. The rights and duties of employees are provided for in Sections 10 and 11 of the Labour law.
Respect for these rights and the exercise of these duties creates a positive work culture and reduces the risk of costly legal disputes. Below are some rights and duties of employees provided by law.
Rights of Employees
- Right to a Safe and Healthy Work Environment
Employees have the right to work under satisfactory, safe, and healthy conditions. Employers are to ensure that the workplace is free from hazards that could cause personal injury, damage to health, or death. This can be done by the provision of adequate safety gear for employees in high-risk businesses such as mines.
Businesses must conduct risk assessments to ensure the proper functioning of machinery such as electrical equipment and training sessions on safety protocols at work such as the use of fire extinguishers. This right of employees, if exercised, reduces workplace accidents and increases employee productivity.
2. Right to Fair Wages and Equal Pay
Employees have the right to receive equal pay for work without any form of distinction. The wages received by employees must be fair and equal for all those performing that function irrespective of their gender or race. Employees are entitled to receive at least the minimum wage set by the law.
The current minimum wage in Ghana is GHS 18.5 per day and employees must not be paid below this rate. The payment of fair wages is essential as it promotes workplace equality and improves employee satisfaction.
3. Right to Reasonable Limitation on Work Hours
Ghanaian Labour law grants employees the right to rest, setting limits on working hours in order to protect their health, well-being, and work-life balance. By law, an employee is permitted to work a maximum of 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week.
They are also entitled to rest for 48 hours continuously per week, usually observed as two days off, usually on Saturdays and Sundays. Employees must also be given paid holidays and receive remuneration even on public holidays. These provisions are designed to improve employee satisfaction and overall well-being.
Duties of Employees
- Diligence
Employees are to be diligent in their lawfully chosen occupation, pay close attention to detail, and ensure accuracy in their tasks. Employees must be professional, committed, efficient, and exhibit integrity in all their dealings.
2. Enhancement of Productivity
The law imposes a duty on employees to contribute to the overall success of the business they are employed. Employees should aim to deliver high-quality work that will foster the business’ growth. Employees are encouraged to continuously look for ways to improve their skills and work ethics as these efforts collectively enhance productivity.
3. Adherence to Company Policies
Employees are required to follow lawful instructions regarding the organization and execution of their work. Their work must meet the required standards and should align with the organization’s established framework, guidelines, and policies. Such adherence promotes efficiency and smooth operations within the organization.
The legal rights and duties of employees extend beyond simple formalities. They were established to increase business productivity, reduce strike actions, employee turnover, and promote positive organizational culture.
When employees feel respected and valued, they are more likely to contribute creatively and drive positive changes within the company. The fair treatment also motivates employees to strive for excellence, which improves the company’s overall growth. Therefore, strict adherence to legal duties and rights benefits both employees and employers.
Philipa N. A. Sima Nuamah on behalf of OSD & Partners
