An account from a Managing Director after he had won an Employment Tribunal case brought against his business.
This account rings so true with me as I have seen so many times a case won but actually nobody really wins.
After reflection, if you look at the cost of legal fees, loss of time fighting the case (preparation and attendance). Not forgetting the emotional strain and stress involved which effects both clarity of mind both at work and on a personal level, was it truly worth it?
The Managing Director explained he wasn’t able to focus and achieve growth during that time as his energy was focused on defending what he knew was right.
Maybe the answer is to swallow your pride?
But what about the principle?
Let me know your thoughts as a business owner/employer. What would you do or have done?
My overall goal as an independent HR Consultant is to support businesses if they find themselves in a similar situation.
My mission is ultimately to work with you to avoid a difficult situation reaching these lengths.
Prevention is key, knowledge is key and as a business owner you are not expected to know HR inside out. Your skills and knowledge are to be the leader, grow your business, be profitable and succeed.
“We won our court case today against our former worker.
In theory I should be left feeling triumphant instead I still feel just as chested, just as stressed and angry about it.
Such a simple and petty case that should never have got to this stage has now cost him £4,200 and a CCJ against him.
Its good to have the £4,200 back but what I will never get back is the time I’ve spent on pursuing the claim, the emotional energy its cost me and the stress that’s put on me personally both inside and outside of work. I will never know what amazing things I would have been able to accomplish with a calmer mind and with all those hours.
I have learnt many valuable lessons from the whole affair. One is to swallow pride and do whatever it takes to diffuse a situation. (Without compromising your position). Even if I’m absolutely right if swallowing pride will achieve the desired end result, lay aside the emotion and focus on the outcome. Another is I now know how much of a grilling you can get from a judge. I’ve learnt a lot about dealing with irrational people. And finally, I’ve learnt a shed load more about contract law.The judge ruled in our favour but by no means did we win. Nobody did. Sure, we’ll get some money, but its not a victory, I’d rather have my time and hair line back.”