Except for liquor shops, shops and establishments in Maharashtra are now legally allowed to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, according to a new government clarification. Local police had been shutting down late-hour businesses citing local orders; this statement aims to override those blockages. However, the law also mandates that every employee must be granted a weekly 24-hour rest/holiday.
Source: @TimesOfIndia (“Barring liquor stores, shops can work 24×7”)
The Times of India
For shop staff and retail workers, this opens possibilities: more shifts, extra pay opportunities, but also risk of exploitation or exhaustion. Employees must see clear scheduling, fairness in shift rotation, and rest days honored. HR in retail chains must now revisit shift rosters, rest clauses, transport safety for late shifts, and morale maintenance. Mis-managing this could erode loyalty fast.
Legally, the Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act is triggered: employers must 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 24×7, would you prefer late or earlier shifts?
What one safeguard makes all-night retail feel fair to employees?
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5Source: @TimesOfIndia (“Barring liquor stores, shops can work 24×7”)
The Times of India
For shop staff and retail workers, this opens possibilities: more shifts, extra pay opportunities, but also risk of exploitation or exhaustion. Employees must see clear scheduling, fairness in shift rotation, and rest days honored. HR in retail chains must now revisit shift rosters, rest clauses, transport safety for late shifts, and morale maintenance. Mis-managing this could erode loyalty fast.
Legally, the Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act is triggered: employers must 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 24×7, would you prefer late or earlier shifts?
What one safeguard makes all-night retail feel fair to employees?
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
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.
From India, Gurugram
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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.
From India, Gurugram
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Maharashtra Shops And Establishments (Regulation Of Employment And Conditions Of Service) Act, 2.pdf
Forms & Registers Andhra Pradesh Shops & Establishments Act 1988 & Rules 1990.xls