An organization can not perform only with the help of chairs, tables, fans or other non living entities. It needs human beings who work together and perform. In order to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. In fact the employees are the major assets of an organization.

Employee Relations

The term refers to a company’s efforts to manage relationships between employers and employees in an organization. An organization with a good employee relations program provides fair and consistent treatment to all employees. Employee will then, be committed to their jobs and loyal to the company.

Employee Program Focus 

Life is really short and it is important that one enjoys each and every moment of it. Remember in an organization you are paid for your hard work and not for fighting with each other. Don not assume that the person sitting next to you is your enemy or will do any harm to you.

Employee relations programs focus on issues affecting employees. such as pay and benefits, supporting work-life balance and safe working conditions. They also aim to prevent and resolve problems arising from situations at work.

Work Environment

Healthy relation among the employees goes a long way in motivating the employees and increasing their confidence and morale. One starts enjoying his office and does not take his work as a burden. He feels charged and fresh the whole day and takes each day at work as a new challenge.  Go out with your team members for a get together once in a while or have your lunch together. practice activities that help in strengthening the bond among the employees and improve the relations among them

Human Resource Strategies in Employee Relations

One of the most effective ways for a company to ensure good employee relations is to adopt a human resource strategy. This places a high value on employees as stakeholders. All companies have to deal with their fair share of employee relations issues. Some are a product of the work environment and company. Others are a result of the type of work or industry. Some are also more common than others.

Human resource strategies

are deliberate plans companies use to help them gain and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace

Common  Employee Issues Every Employer Should be Aware of:

1. Hours worked and attendance

It’s common for employees to question the number of hours they work. They may overestimate hours worked, and when late, have other people vouch for them. One of the most effective ways to remedy this situation is to invest in a time clock or timekeeping software. Employees can clock in and out, and the HR team can check the logs to ensure accuracy. If there is a discrepancy, you can always check the security camera to ensure the employee clocked in or out when they stated

2. Pay raises

Employees also complain about their rate of pay, especially if someone else recently received a raise in pay. Having a standard procedure for giving out raises ensures everyone is on the same playing field and knows what it takes to qualify for a pay raise.

3.Workplace safety

Maintaining a safe work environment is a must for all businesses. No one wants an employee to get injured or for an accident to happen. Therefore, it’s important to promote workplace safety, have safety rules and regulations, and have a workplace safety team that takes their job seriously. Staying on top of things allows you to have a proactive approach to safety.

4. General conflict management in employee relations issues

Conflict can arise in any work environment. You should expect it will happen. Disputes between employees, management, and workers happen frequently. How you manage conflict is a key for the overall well being of your company.

Have a process in place to deal with conflict. Don’t wait for it to arise and then try to work through it. When you have a policy in place, you will have a clear process to follow and your employees will feel the issue was addressed appropriately.

5. Legal issues

Employee relations issues stem from various aspects of employment and labor law. Legal issues such as workplace harassment, discrimination and equal opportunity are among the employee relations issues employers must face. Employers are obligated to investigate harassment and discrimination allegations in the workplace and provide a possible remedy to the situation. Employers also must reasonably accommodate workers who require modification of job duties because of disability or pregnancy.

6. Disciplinary action

When an employee engages in undesirable behavior, employers must act to correct that behavior. Disciplinary action is designed to prevent or improve poor performance or deal with inappropriate behavior. Employers typically implement discipline gradually based on the type and frequency of a policy violation. For example, a manager may give a worker a verbal warning for coming in late without a valid excuse. The next time the worker has an unexcused lateness, the manager may give the worker a written warning. After the next instance, the employer might issue a final written warning before terminating the employee. The employer, through this procedure, documents the policy violation and discourages the employee from engaging in similar behavior again.