Employment Practice Labour Rights

HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY

With the Corporate Re-Structuring Process started in our University after the management change occurred in March 2018, a dynamic administrative structure comprised of directorates and offices was put in place instead of the bureaucratic structure comprised of the head of departments which were built according to the state university model. Instead of this model comprised of the head of the department, deputy head of department, and administrative staff, which does not provide much space to the unit and employees in terms of improvement of work processes, a graded structure comprised of directors, managers, specialists, and officials was created and the administrative staff was too provided just like our academic staff the opportunity to improve themselves and their careers. With our 360-degree service improvement system that was built in parallel to the title structuring, we aimed to identify the unit’s aspects that can be improved and apply the continuous improvement approach that is particular to the academic institutions also to the administrative structure. While designing the service improvement system, we paid attention to avoiding the performance approach that is particular to the business world.  The system aims to provide the units the opportunity to identify the gaps where they can improve themselves

Kadir Has University adopts a human-oriented, transparent, environment-conscious, democratic, and liberal management mentality and expressly declares these policies in its vision, mission, and fundamental values. Our University employs its employees according to Labor Law No.4857, which guarantees the payment of living wage and union rights for all staff members, and Higher Education Law No.2547. The procedures regarding hiring the staff are clearly expressed in writing, and a Human Resources Policy that is respectful to human rights, in compliance with the confidentiality principles, and against discrimination is applied. The academic and administrative staff are entitled to terminate their contract upon their will at any time they desire. However, the legal notification period regulated for resignment is reserved. The salaries at Kadir Has University are arranged in accordance with the minimum wage standard. This standard also applies to the service procurements. When work outside the regular hours is necessary, overtime work payment is made to the employee as an additional charge or as time, depending on his/her preference.

Article 11 of the Law No. 7243 was added to the Additional Article 8 of the Law No. 2547 on Higher Education with the Article 11 of the Law No. 7243, which states that “The academic staff working in foundation higher education institutions cannot be paid less than the salaries paid in State higher education institutions according to their titles. In the calculation of the equivalent salary paid in State higher education institutions within the scope of this paragraph, the payments related to the position to which the provisions regarding salaries are applied in accordance with the relevant legislation are taken into consideration” and this provision entered into force on 17.04.2020 when the Law was published in the Official Gazette. Kadir Has University applies this Law and does not pay its academic staff less than the salary amount paid in State higher education instutions according to their titles.

Kadir Has University employees are entitled to establish trade unions. Our University, as a principle, stands against forced labor and involuntary servitude, child labor, and discrimination in employment and replacement processes. Through the Human Resources Directorate and the regulated directives, it ensured that there were no processes or operations against the University’s labor policy. Both the academic and administrative hiring processes are monitored and audited by the Human Resources Directorate. A transparent policy is followed in employment and placement. All types of records regarding all our employees can be monitored through a special Human Resources software and are shared with authorized persons during the external audit processes.

Kadir Has University supports these policies with the regulations and directives that it puts into effect. The Administrative Personnel Regulation, which entered into effect in 2015, was revised in 2019. A Directive on Pregnancy, Maternity and Breast-feeding Leave, and Temporary Disability has entered into effect in our University in 2018. In the directive that was developed upon the change in management, the right to renew the labor contract for the personnel who take maternity leave is extended during her maternity leave period. There is a room for pregnant employees and for breastfeeding on campus. The employment process of the academic staff is carried out through the Directive on Employment of the Academic Personnel.

The University supports its employee’s rights through all regulations and directives that it puts in place. All legislation and applications can be found on the Kadir Has University’s web page under the Legislation headline.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY POLICY

Kadir Has University, as a significant part of its labor policy, takes necessary measures for the realization of the occupational health and safety standards throughout the University. The training required for all the employees for creating and spreading an occupational health and safety culture is given on a regular basis. During 2018, pursuant to Law No.6331 and to cope with occupational health and safety works, risk analyses, emergency action plans, and civil defense plans were carried out, as well as occupational health and safety training, first-aid training, fire training and training for working at height were given in our university. State of emergency training was planned to be given during 2019, and the occupational safety training shall also continue. In line with the works carried out, preventing occupational accidents and occupational diseases is targeted. All works carried out in the field of occupational health and safety at our University are performed by our occupational safety expert.

Employee Benefits and Welfare Policies

Kadir Has University places strong emphasis on the well-being, professional growth, and satisfaction of its academic and administrative personnel. In line with its human-centered management philosophy, the University provides a wide range of comprehensive employee benefits designed to enhance both the professional and personal lives of its staff.

Private Health Insurance

All full-time employees of Kadir Has University are covered by a comprehensive private health insurance plan that ensures easy access to high-quality medical services and hospital care. This policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting the physical and mental well-being of its community members. The insurance covers both preventive and curative healthcare, allowing staff to receive treatment in an extensive network of partner hospitals and clinics across Türkiye.

Complimentary Lunch Service

To support a healthy work environment and daily comfort, the University provides free lunch to all employees through its on-campus dining facilities. Meals are carefully prepared to ensure nutritional balance and are served in a collegial environment that encourages social interaction and community spirit among academic and administrative staff.

Monthly Transportation Card

Kadir Has University covers the full cost of employees’ monthly public transportation cards, promoting sustainable urban mobility and reducing commuting expenses. This benefit not only eases the financial burden on staff but also supports the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of eco-friendly transportation options.

Access to the Coursera Learning Platform

As part of its dedication to lifelong learning, the University offers free access to Coursera, one of the world’s leading online learning platforms. Through this opportunity, employees can enroll in a wide variety of internationally accredited courses across disciplines such as data science, business, humanities, and leadership. This initiative reflects the University’s belief that continuous education strengthens both individual and institutional capacity.

Tuition Discounts for Graduate Studies

Kadir Has University encourages the professional development of its staff by providing significant tuition discounts for employees who wish to pursue master’s or doctoral programs within the University. This benefit fosters academic advancement, supports internal talent development, and strengthens the culture of learning and research excellence within the institution.

Flexible Leave and Compensatory Time-Off

The University recognizes the importance of work–life balance and provides flexible leave options for its employees. When staff members work beyond regular hours due to special assignments or institutional needs, they are granted compensatory leave in return. This policy ensures fairness and helps maintain a healthy balance between professional obligations and personal time, reflecting the University’s human-oriented management approach.

Commitment to Employee Welfare

Through these comprehensive benefits, Kadir Has University demonstrates its commitment to creating an inclusive, equitable, and motivating workplace. Each policy is designed not only to meet the legal requirements of the Labor Law No. 4857, but also to reflect the University’s broader values of care, respect, and continuous improvement. By investing in the well-being and professional growth of its employees, Kadir Has University sustains a strong institutional culture rooted in collaboration, integrity, and academic excellence.

Pay Scale

Kadir Has University employs its employees according to Labor Law No.4857, which guarantees the payment of living wage and union rights for all staff members, and Higher Education Law No.2547. The procedures regarding hiring the staff are clearly expressed in writing, and a Human Resources Policy that is respectful to human rights, in compliance with the confidentiality principles, and against discrimination is applied. The academic and administrative staff are entitled to terminate their contract upon their will at any time they desire. However, the legal notification period regulated for resignment is reserved. The salaries at Kadir Has University are arranged in accordance with the minimum wage standard. This standard also applies to the service procurements. When work outside the regular hours is necessary, overtime work payment is made to the employee as an additional charge or as time, depending on his/her preference.

Article 11 of the Law No. 7243 was added to the Additional Article 8 of the Law No. 2547 on Higher Education with the Article 11 of the Law No. 7243, which states that “The academic staff working in foundation higher education institutions cannot be paid less than the salaries paid in State higher education institutions according to their titles. In the calculation of the equivalent salary paid in State higher education institutions within the scope of this paragraph, the payments related to the position to which the provisions regarding salaries are applied in accordance with the relevant legislation are taken into consideration” and this provision entered into force on 17.04.2020 when the Law was published in the Official Gazette. Kadir Has University applies this Law and does not pay its academic staff less than the salary amount paid in State higher education institutions according to their titles.

Our salary policy is grounded in a commitment to equality, with salaries determined solely by performance, free from any gender-based differentiation. A core component supporting this policy is our Academic Performance Directive, which ensures transparent, merit-based evaluations. Additionally, all academics receive an Individual Research Fund (BAF) that is gender-neutral and allocated strictly on the basis of individual performance. The procedures for determining the Individual Research Fund allocation are safeguarded by the Individual Research Fund Directive.

 To summarize the Individual Research Fund (BAF), each full-time faculty member is allocated a personal research fund, determined by their achievements in research, education, scientific publications, and research project fund-raising activities from the previous year. The BAF supports various research activities within the academic year, including participation in national and international scientific meetings, funding for undergraduate and graduate researchers, acquisition of necessary research tools and consumables, and professional training or development opportunities. This approach not only underlines our dedication to performance-based rewards but also strengthens research efforts without any form of gender bias.