The success and productivity of a company depend greatly on the relationship between employer and employee. This relationship not only creates the company culture but also builds morale and fosters loyalty when managed appropriately. Unfortunately, only 36% of employees report feeling engaged with their work and workplace. As a result, company leaders, including human resources professionals, need to take action to improve employee relations, which is a critical area of HR management.
What Is Employee Relations?
At its core, employee relations is a legal link formed between employers and employees. However, it goes beyond that. Employee relations is the field of “creating, managing, and maintaining a positive connection between management and the workforce.” Its goal is to improve communication between management and employees, as well as effectively resolve conflicts that arise in the workplace. Employee relations focuses on a mixture of individual, team, and company-wide policies and practices to build a positive workplace culture. HR professionals can work with leadership or executive teams to establish effective policies and practices that promote fairness, respect, and open dialogue.
It’s important to note that employee relations should not be confused with labor relations, which deals more with the legal aspects of unionized workforces such as wages, working conditions, working hours, and safety at work.
Benefits of Employee Relations
Fostering effective employee relations brings numerous benefits for company leaders, including:
- Improved employee morale and engagement
- Increased productivity
- Improved retention
- Decreased absenteeism
- Decreased costs (due to eliminating high turnover)
- Positive company culture
When employees feel valued, supported, and heard, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to perform at their best. Improved employee engagement ultimately leads to better outcomes for the company as a whole, including increased revenue and a positive reputation.
The Role of HR Law in Employee Relations
HR professionals play a key role in fostering positive employee relations by ensuring that employees’ needs and concerns are properly addressed. HR law provides the legal framework for employment relationships and governs areas such as discrimination, harassment, and employee rights.
By specializing in HR law, HR professionals can manage conflict, build trust, and improve communication between management and employees. They will be better equipped to navigate complex legal issues related to employee relations, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. HR professionals also play a critical role in advising management on legal matters, developing and implementing policies that align with legal requirements, and handling employee disputes in a fair and legally compliant manner.
Key Skills for Effective Employee Relations
To succeed in employee relations, HR professionals need to develop a range of key skills and strategies. These include:
Active Listening
Active listening is essential for understanding employees’ perspectives and concerns. By removing distractions, asking questions, and reflecting back what the employee is sharing, HR professionals can show empathy and create an environment where employees feel valued.
Effective Communication
Effective communication is crucial for conveying information clearly, resolving conflicts, and fostering positive relationships. HR professionals should strive to establish open channels of communication and encourage feedback from employees.
Conflict Management
Conflict is uncomfortable, but when people come together, it’s often unavoidable. Conflict management skills build on active listening and effective communication. HR professionals should stay impartial and positive while patiently letting each side be heard before working towards the best possible solution.
Strategies to Improve Employee Relations
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving employee relations, there are some general strategies that may be a good starting point. These include:
- Providing opportunities for employee feedback and participation through suggestion boxes or employee forums.
- Conducting regular employee surveys to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
- Implementing effective grievance procedures to address employee concerns and conflicts.
By enacting these strategies, HR professionals and company leaders demonstrate a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees’ voices are heard and their contributions are valued.
Build a Strong, Compliant Workplace Culture With Management
Effective employee relations is a fundamental aspect of HR management that contributes to the overall success and productivity of an organization. By mastering the key skills and strategies outlined earlier, HR professionals can make a significant impact on their organizations. A firm understanding of HR law is also key to achieving this success.
Management offers educational programs to help HR professionals enhance their expertise in employee relations and HR law. With small class sizes and individualized attention, the Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program from Management is designed to set you up for success during your studies and after graduation. Completing the Human Resources Law specialization enables you to be eligible to sit for the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) exams within one year of graduation.
As you prepare to apply for the Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program or one of the graduate certificate programs, know that an admissions outreach advisor is always available to answer your questions and review the list of materials needed for your application. Schedule a call with Management today and take the next step in advancing your career in HR.