The true definition of employee relations is concerned with the contractual, emotional, physical, and practical relationship between employee and employer. This also includes efforts to constantly manage the relationships between managers and employees. As a variable with a strong influence on employee engagement, it is important that employee relations are effectively handled in the workplace.
There are some commonplace employee relations issues that most companies have experienced. These tend to be the biggest hindrances on employee relations—therefore, the most crucial to handle.
Conflict Management – Effective communication among team members is a necessary tool to reduce and manage workplace conflicts.
Hour and Wage Issues – Consider a self-reliant timekeeping method—such as apps that allow you to clock in from your smartphone—to give employees a sense of control over their wages, thus minimizing conflicts related to the issue.
Time Keeping and Attendance Issues – The same solution attempted for hour and wage issues can also be used here. Employees are less likely to argue attendance if they are responsible for tracking it.
Employee relation issues can present themselves in many ways. When faced with this dilemma, a small list of effective tips can be a huge help. Keep these 4 tips in mind for your employee relations efforts:
- Open communication
- Show recognition
- Constant feedback
- Invest in your employees
Don’t let employee relations obstacles keep your employees—and their engagement—from thriving.
