Employee relations: getting your business basics right

'Employee relations' is a loose term describing the relationship between employers and employees, and even between employees themselves.

It can refer to simple matters like the day-to-day interaction between workers, or to matters as complex as the range of government legislation directed at managing those relations.

Focusing on good employee relations can help your business find solutions to problems that may occur in the workplace, or even prevent them from happening in the first place.

Workplace disputes

One of the biggest aspects of employee relations is effectively dealing with disputes. The type and nature of dispute, and where those involved sit in the hierarchy of the organisation, will dictate the best course of action.

"A business's ability to manage staff disputes is a key to its success," says Danny Busija from Randstad. "Staff members who feel the business will be fair and balanced in its approach to workplace issues are more likely to be truly accountable to the business." 

Managing disputes 

The type and nature of dispute, and where those involved sit in the hierarchy of the organisation, will dictate the best course of action in managing a dispute.

Trying informal methods of resolution is a good first step, says Danny. "It's about trying to get to the root of the problem before resorting to more formal channels," he says. "Once the process becomes formal the connotations change, and the issue can become distracting to everyone in the organisation."

Managers should not make judgements, but instead should make solving the dispute the priority. This can be done through initiating an action plan, with steps to fix the problem.

Dealing with misconduct

In all cases of alleged misconduct, employees should be given the opportunity to explain their behaviour with a witness present. The employer can then act according to the information obtained.

Sometimes this might mean contacting the police; at others times - for less serious breaches - a form of counselling may suffice. 

Dispute management: empowering staff

Businesses that are able to effectively manage staff disputes and maintain good employee relations have the best chance of growing and succeeding. Staff in these workplaces are more likely to:

• work in a comfortable, open atmosphere
• be passionate and dedicated to the goals of the business
• stay with the business longer
• be productive
• have confidence in the dispute management process.

Set in stone

Many businesses, especially larger organisations, include their workplace behaviour policies in their employment contracts. This ensures clarity around what is expected and what will not be tolerated.

Danny recommends that even small businesses consider putting these policies in writing. "It smooths out the dispute management process if things do go wrong," he says.

He also suggests seeking advice on some of the more complex elements of such documents. So talk to an employment consultant today and discuss how managing employee relations can lift the spirits of your business.