Roadmap to AWESOME Employee Relations

Employee relations is a hot topic in today's business world. Understanding how to master employee relations can be a challenge to even the most knowledgeable managers. The first step in mastering employee relations is to understand exactly what employee and labor relations involves. Employee and labor relations entail enabling employees to maintain effective relationships and working conditions which balance the employer's needs with the employee's rights while also supporting the company's strategic objectives and overall goals.

The second step in mastering employee relations is to educate yourself. CBS recommends reading one of the first best-selling, self-help books ever published, "How to Win Friends and Influence People", by Dale Carnegie. Dale Carnegie lays out a method for increasing your likeability, how to more effectively lead others and win people over to your point of view. In 30 eye-opening chapters, this book can help you improve your communication skills, have more friends and become more influential.

Below are additional steps and guidance recommended by CBS which you may follow to begin mastering employee relations in your company or organization.

• Compliance with Applicable Laws. CBS ensures our clients are in compliance with all laws applicable to their businesses. Query: Are you knowledgeable on the following laws relevant to employee relations?
  • National Labor Relations Act, Wagner Act
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Civil Rights Act of 1991)
  • Equal Pay Act (EPA) of 1963
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967
  • Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA)

• HR Documentation. CBS develops customized HR documentation for each of our clients. The following items are critical components of the HR foundation. Query: Have you developed your core foundation?
  • HR Compliance
    • Policies, Procedures and Work Rules
    • Records Retention (includes email documentation)
  • Employee Handbook - Is your company adhering to the established policies?
  • Recruitment Process - New Hire Forms
  • Counseling and/or Coaching Process and Forms
  • Termination Process
  • Job Descriptions
    • FLSA Compliance (Exempt vs. Nonexempt)
  • Code of Conduct/Code of Ethics Policies

• Work Culture. CBS encourages adoption and/or integration of the following characteristics of a positive work culture. Query: What do other companies (i.e. your competition) do to improve and create a positive work culture?
  • Fair and consistent treatment of employees
  • Access to career opportunities
  • Balanced promotional opportunities
  • Feedback mechanisms and communication programs
    • Attitude survey (Company Climate and Culture)
    • Open Door Policy and Individual Meetings
    • HR Audits and Reviews
    • Skip-level interviews
    • Department communication meetings
    • Employee participation meetings and focus groups
    • Electronic communications
  • Problem solving and/or conflict resolution procedures
  • Counseling (Employee Assistance Programs)
  • Compensation and benefit programs and practices
  • Performance Appraisals
  • Rewards and recognition (formal and informal)
  • Leadership, management/supervisor and staff training (hard and soft skills)

• Organizational Culture. Query: What can your company start doing today which will impact your culture in a positive way?
  • Does your organizational culture fit the Vision and Mission?
  • Does your organizational culture integrate with the Strategic Plan/Business Plan/Marketing Plan?
  • Does your management team know the statistics that "happy employees" affect the bottom line?

CBS recommends reading the book "The Carrot Principle" by Chester Elton and Adrian Gostick. "The Carrot Principle" is about how the best managers use recognition to engage employees, boost retention and accelerate performance.

It is important to keep in mind that even the smallest steps towards improving your company's employee relations can make a significant impact on the company's bottom line. CBS provides training and education on how to successfully master employee relations. In addition, CBS can assist your company in developing and implementing the steps discussed above to improve the culture of your business and decrease your employee relations issues. You may well see the results manifested in your bottom line and in a more competitively postured organization.