Employee Relations

 

Figure 1:Employee Relations 

Introduction

The focus of employee relations is on interpersonal and group dynamics in the workplace. Good employee relations practices, characterized by high levels of commitment, involvement, and engagement, can enhance business results and promote the wellbeing of staff members.

What is employee relations?

CHRMP (2024) Employee relations are the interactions and relationships between employers and employees within an organization. A wide range of activities, policies, and practices that impact the overall work environment and the relationship between employers and employees is encompassed in this HR function.

When it comes to employee relations, HR department has two primary functions:

• HR helps prevent and resolve problems or disputes between employees and management

• HR assists in creating and enforcing policies that are fair and consistent for everyone in the workplace.

Coursera (2023) In your research into employee relations (ER), you may find that this discipline shares similarities with human resources (HR). In addition, some companies may use ER and HR interchangeably, while others may outline distinct functions and responsibilities for professionals in each discipline. 

GreggU (2018)

Employee relations examples

Neelie Verlinden (2024) When organizations honor employees’ rights and meet their expectations, employee relations issues are less likely to turn into problems. Making ER a priority requires incorporating it throughout operations and the employee life cycle. 

Following are eight examples of various types of employee relations matters:

Figure 2:employee relations examples

Employee Relations Responsibilities

Chauncey Crail (2023) One of the problems with employee relations is that it covers a huge range of topics. After all, “anything involving employees” is a big umbrella. In order to relieve some of your confusion, here are ten common examples of subjects and issues covered by employee relations.

• Encouraging Employee Engagement

• Improving Workplace Communication

• Settling Disputes and Conflicts

• Addressing Sexual Harassment and Bullying

• Overseeing Health and Safety Procedures

• Handling Wage Concerns

• Clarifying Company Policy

• Conducting Workplace Investigations

• Communicating with Employee Unions

• Monitoring Overall Employee Morale and Performance

                                     Figure 3: Important of employee relations

Conclusion

Any organization that wants to support significant future growth in the industry must include benefits and compensation in its policies. Let's say your company wants to retain its top employees for as long as possible. The best talent within the company is always on the verge of leaving due to the alluring benefits and compensation packages offered by rival companies. Hiring them through Compensation and Benefits can be a great option in that case.

References 

CHRMP (2024),What is employee relations, Available at:https://www.chrmp.com/employee-relations/#6_Best_Practices_for_Managing_Employee_Relations [Accessed 13 04 2024]

Coursera (2023),What is employee relations,Available at:https://www.coursera.org/articles/employee-relations [Accessed 13 04 2024]

GreggU (2018) , employee relations in hrm, Available at:https://youtu.be/j2WsfhSIEHI?si=iwvx4SXfYb2HdIBc [Accessed 13 04 2024]

Verlinden .N (2024),employee relations examples , Available at: https://www.aihr.com/blog/employee-relations/ [Accessed 13 04 2024]

Crail . C (2023) ,Employee Relations Responsibilities , Available at: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/what-is-employee-relations/#10_examples_of_employee_relations_responsibilities_section [Accessed 13 04 2024]