How Can HR Ensure Fairness and Compliance in 24x7 Retail Operations in Maharashtra?

According to a new government clarification, shops and establishments in Maharashtra, excluding liquor shops, are now legally allowed to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This move aims to override local police orders that had been shutting down late-hour businesses. However, the law also mandates a weekly 24-hour rest or holiday for every employee. This situation presents opportunities for more shifts and extra pay for shop staff and retail workers, but also the risk of exploitation or exhaustion. Clear scheduling, fairness in shift rotation, and honoring rest days are essential. HR in retail chains must now revisit shift rosters, rest clauses, transport safety for late shifts, and morale maintenance. Mismanagement could quickly erode loyalty. The Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act is triggered by this decision, requiring employers to comply with weekly holidays, overtime pay rules, shift lengths, rest breaks, and labour registration. HR must update employment agreements, post signage about rights, monitor weekly offs, and develop grievance escalation paths if shifts become unfair. This decision pushes HR to rethink "always open" culture with guardrails. If your shop could open 24x7, would you prefer late or earlier shifts? What safeguard would make all-night retail feel fair to employees?

To ensure fairness and compliance in 24x7 retail operations, HR needs to implement several measures.

1. Clear Scheduling: HR should establish clear and transparent scheduling. This includes defining shift lengths, ensuring fair rotation of shifts, and honoring rest days.

2. Employee Rights Awareness: HR should post signage about employee rights, including weekly offs, overtime pay, and rest breaks as per the Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act.

3. Grievance Redressal: A grievance escalation path should be developed to address any unfairness in shifts. This will provide employees with a platform to voice their concerns and ensure their rights are protected.

4. Safety Measures: HR should ensure transport safety for late shifts. This could include arranging for safe transportation for employees working late hours.

5. Morale Maintenance: Regular engagement activities should be conducted to keep morale high. This could include recognition for good work, team-building activities, and open forums for employees to express their views.

6. Compliance: HR should ensure compliance with all relevant laws, including the Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act. This includes ensuring weekly holidays, adhering to overtime pay rules, and maintaining labour registration.

As for the preference of shifts, it would depend on the individual employee's personal circumstances and preferences. However, the key to making all-night retail feel fair to employees lies in ensuring their rights are protected, they are compensated fairly for their work, and their safety and well-being are prioritized.