Will’s Word: When work values become more than just words

I've been thinking about a story that came out on Monday, which feels like somewhat of a turning point.

Two Pasifika workers were awarded a combined $75,000, not because they were made redundant, but because of how the process was handled.

They worked for a Pasifika organisation built on Pasifika values, and the court found those values, including respect and care, were not upheld.

What this ruling makes clear is that if said values are written into employment agreements, they carry weight and can be enforced.

Now on one hand, that feels like a win, as it reinforces that culture in the workplace should mean something, which I don't want to diminish.

But at the same time, it raises a fair question about what that looks like in practice for employers going forward.

There's a balance to strike here is there not? a balance where employees are treated with dignity, and employers are confident they can stand by the commitments they put into their contracts.

If anything, this case shifts the conversation from values being something organisations talk about, to something they are actually expected to follow through on.

I suspect this is just the start of a much bigger debate.

Listen to Former EEO Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo's interview on the topic below.