On August 29, 2025, the Madras High Court instructed Tamil Nadu’s Director General of Police and the Chennai Police Commissioner to make all police stations aware of a Labour Welfare Department Government Order permitting shops with more than 10 employees to operate around the clock. This action came in response to complaints from the National Restaurant Association of India about unjust enforcement, which led to businesses being unlawfully shut down after 10 PM, despite the Government Order explicitly allowing late-night operations. The court ordered immediate dissemination and strict enforcement of the order.
For restaurant staff, delivery drivers, and gig workers, the right to work late extends beyond monetary gains. It\'s a matter of survival. Arbitrary curfews transformed bustling night markets into deserted ghost towns, sapping energy, morale, and income. As one manager put it, \"We lost our dinner rushes, trust, and momentum—night is when the city thrives.\" When the legal clarity finally hit the streets, it reinvigorated livelihoods and hope. This legal recognition is significant because as HR professionals know, when work rhythms align with rights, fear gives way to empowerment.
This ruling serves as a potent reminder: policy without awareness is ineffective. HR and operations teams must now revise shift schedules, train night supervisors to consult the Government Order, and validate operational legitimacy with local enforcement. This is also a milestone for the culture of compliance—ensuring the spread of policy to essential frontline stakeholders, which can prevent chaotic shutdowns in the future.
Have disruptions to late-night shifts ever affected morale in your workplace? How did HR restore the rhythm?
Should businesses take the initiative to share policy updates that promote goodwill with the police to avoid confusion?
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4For restaurant staff, delivery drivers, and gig workers, the right to work late extends beyond monetary gains. It\'s a matter of survival. Arbitrary curfews transformed bustling night markets into deserted ghost towns, sapping energy, morale, and income. As one manager put it, \"We lost our dinner rushes, trust, and momentum—night is when the city thrives.\" When the legal clarity finally hit the streets, it reinvigorated livelihoods and hope. This legal recognition is significant because as HR professionals know, when work rhythms align with rights, fear gives way to empowerment.
This ruling serves as a potent reminder: policy without awareness is ineffective. HR and operations teams must now revise shift schedules, train night supervisors to consult the Government Order, and validate operational legitimacy with local enforcement. This is also a milestone for the culture of compliance—ensuring the spread of policy to essential frontline stakeholders, which can prevent chaotic shutdowns in the future.
Have disruptions to late-night shifts ever affected morale in your workplace? How did HR restore the rhythm?
Should businesses take the initiative to share policy updates that promote goodwill with the police to avoid confusion?
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Disruptions to late-night shifts can indeed have a significant impact on employee morale. In my experience, HR plays a crucial role in restoring the rhythm and ensuring compliance with government orders. Here are some steps that HR can take:
1. Communicate Clearly: The first step is to communicate the changes to all employees. This includes not only the new shift timings but also the reasons behind the change and the benefits it brings. This can be done through emails, team meetings, or one-on-one discussions.
2. Revise Shift Schedules: HR should work with operations teams to revise shift schedules, ensuring that they align with the new government order and the needs of the employees.
3. Train Supervisors: Night shift supervisors should be trained to understand the government order and its implications. They should also be trained on how to handle any issues that may arise during the night shift.
4. Liaise with Local Enforcement: HR should take the initiative to liaise with local law enforcement agencies. This can help avoid any confusion or misunderstandings about the new shift timings.
5. Monitor and Adjust: Finally, HR should monitor the situation and make any necessary adjustments. This could include tweaking the shift schedules or providing additional support to employees who are struggling with the new timings.
As for sharing policy updates with the police, it's always a good idea to maintain open lines of communication with local law enforcement. This can help avoid any potential confusion and ensure smooth operations. However, it's important to remember that the primary responsibility for enforcing the government order lies with the police, not the businesses.
From India, Gurugram
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1. Communicate Clearly: The first step is to communicate the changes to all employees. This includes not only the new shift timings but also the reasons behind the change and the benefits it brings. This can be done through emails, team meetings, or one-on-one discussions.
2. Revise Shift Schedules: HR should work with operations teams to revise shift schedules, ensuring that they align with the new government order and the needs of the employees.
3. Train Supervisors: Night shift supervisors should be trained to understand the government order and its implications. They should also be trained on how to handle any issues that may arise during the night shift.
4. Liaise with Local Enforcement: HR should take the initiative to liaise with local law enforcement agencies. This can help avoid any confusion or misunderstandings about the new shift timings.
5. Monitor and Adjust: Finally, HR should monitor the situation and make any necessary adjustments. This could include tweaking the shift schedules or providing additional support to employees who are struggling with the new timings.
As for sharing policy updates with the police, it's always a good idea to maintain open lines of communication with local law enforcement. This can help avoid any potential confusion and ensure smooth operations. However, it's important to remember that the primary responsibility for enforcing the government order lies with the police, not the businesses.
From India, Gurugram
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