Personality clashes and strained working relationships are as old as the workplace itself. While employers are often expected to “fix” these situations, incompatibility is not automatically misconduct and must be approached carefully to avoid unfair dismissal findings. By Carl Ranger Head of Training at Consolidated Employers Organisation (CEO SA)
During the last few years, there has been an increased focus on interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Ever so often, employers may be confronted with a situation where one employee may not be compatible with the workplace dynamic and in extreme cases may disrupt workplace harmony. The questions many employers are confronted with are: - [...]
Although incompatibility is not specifically addressed in Schedule 8 of the LRA, Case Law indicates that incompatibility should be treated as a species of incapacity and is regarded as a valid ground for dismissal. Employers frequently wish to get rid of undesirable employees who do not fit into the culture of the workplace or [...]