Originally posted July 22, 2019.
The term employee relations refers to an organization’s efforts to effectively manage relationships between employers and employees. An organization with a good employee relations program provides fair, diverse, equitable, inclusive, and consistent treatment to all employees. As a result, employees will be committed to their jobs, loyal to the company, have higher levels of employee engagement, and stronger motivation.
When an organization fails to manage a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment, it is certain that employee relation issues will emerge. An employee relations team that is consistent, transparent, and fair will create a healthy work environment.
The key footprint of a good employee relations strategy is an effective policy handbook. The values, philosophy, rules, and procedures for addressing employee-related matters and resolving problems in the workplace should be in an organization’s handbook. It is essential to ensure that policies are followed fairly and consistently. If management is not being fair and consistent, employees will not feel a sense of belonging. This will eventually cause many problems.
Here are various ways to avoid emerging issues:
· Immediately investigate any complaints by an employee
· Clearly impose policies that are consistent and fair
· Communicate effectively
· Be transparent
· Open door policy
· Express recognition
· Continuance feedback
· Invest in your employees
· Employee training & development
· Diversify training approach
· Anti-harassment training & unconscious bias training
· Talent Acquisition training
· Openly discuss the company vision with your employees
· Having those difficult conversations in the workforce
· Being more inclusive
The above should be included in the company handbook. The company handbook will include the code of conduct, employee benefits, leave policies, workplace rules, disciplinary actions and steps, etc.
Employee relation matters orchestrate the organizations relationship with its employees. Organizations want their employees to remain loyal and engaged. Positive employee relations include treating your employees as stakeholders.
Along with the importance of a robust employee relations program is a vital diverse, inclusive, & equitable organization. Both create a work environment that is vigorous, sharp, advanced, and innovative.