Employee Relations

Employee relations is essentially managing employee interactions primarily between employee and employer. By fostering trust, respect, and a positive work environment, organisations can cultivate a committed and engaged workforce. This, in turn, drives improved performance and overall business results. Employee voice is a key driver of engagement in an organisation. Conversely, conflict management can be a drain on management time and effort. Having a structured approach to good two-way communication helps ensure expectations from both the employee and employer side are met, and the psychological contract is met. 

Our Expertise

Albany HR has extensive experience in supporting organisations with employee relations. We can act as your expert employee relations advisor. We support you in creating a positive work environment, ensuring fair treatment, and addressing concerns related to working conditions, compensation, work-life balance, and employee well-being. We make sure that any exits from your business are handled sensitively including exit conversations and settlement agreements. Our consultants regularly update their skills and knowledge in this area to ensure that you are getting the best support possible.  

How Albany HR help with Employee Relations

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Employee Voice

Make your employee voice count. This is one of the top features of Good Work. We can help you determine the best way to ensure good quality communication with your workforce, and then help you set up a framework. This can include setting up and running employee consultation forums, training line managers in how to consult and negotiate with employee representatives, training employee representatives, employee engagement surveys and analysing data.
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Working with Trade Unions

An effective partnership with Trade Unions can really augment relationships between an organisation and their employees. Whether you currently recognise a Trade Union or are dealing with a request for recognition, we can work with you to ensure that this is a productive relationship and benefits all stakeholders. Our HR Consultants are skilled in working with Trade Unions and can help you achieve a relationship which is right for your organisation.
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Managing Employee Capability and Performance

Managing underperformance or capability concerns can be a challenge for line managers. We can assist you in setting up fair, structured processes for addressing performance issues, including setting clear expectations, offering support, and managing outcomes if improvement is not achieved. This could involve developing performance improvement plans (PIPs), providing advice on managing capability and performance issues, and supporting managers with difficult conversations and outcomes.
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Policies and Procedures

HR policies and procedures need to be well written and communicated and are an essential component of good employee relations. They ensure that the ‘deal’ between the employer and their employees is understood and help prevent conflict and misunderstandings. They also offer guidance to line managers on how to deal with challenging situation and help employees understand how their organisation supports them.
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Case Management

Management of employee performance takes time and skill, and line managers need training and support to do this well. Our HR Consultants can guide managers through dealing with disciplinaries, grievances, absences, and management of poor performance or lack of capability. When your team is stretched, we can do this on your behalf.
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Settlement Agreements

Settlement agreements are legally binding contracts used when an employer and employee mutually agree to end their employment relationship under specific terms. These agreements typically include compensation, confidentiality, and waivers on potential future claims, making them useful in resolving disputes, redundancies, or dismissals amicably and quickly. Albany HR can assist by providing expert guidance in drafting and negotiating settlement agreements tailored to your organisation’s needs, ensuring that the process is handled professionally, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your business.
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Creating a Positive Work Environment

Albany HR works with you and your team to promote a good employee relations climate. We can train line managers in employee relations in areas such as teamwork, conflict resolution and change management. Engaging with your employees is vital if you want to make sure they stay happy and productive.
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Our Services

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HR Packages

When you choose a HR package, our HR Consultants become your trusted partner delivering ongoing support. Our first step is to conduct an HR audit. We then work with you to create a future-thinking people plan. Your policies and procedures are fine-tuned, and we work collaboratively and proactively on your people plan throughout the year.

HR Project Support

Sometimes you reach a change point, or your existing HR structures are at their limits, and you would like targeted support where and when you need it. We help you deal with complex, and often time-consuming, people challenges, allowing you to focus on what your business needs to grow and what you need for peace of mind.

HR Document Support

Your policies, employment contracts, and employee handbook are essential to help your employees understand who you are and set the right expectations. Whether you’re a start-up, a growing business, or your documents need a refresh, we supply easy-to-understand documents that engage your employees, reflect your values and ensure you’re legally compliant.

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“Employee engagement can be supported by conducting comprehensive assessments to identify the drivers and barriers to engagement within the organisation.”
Name Company
“Employee engagement can be supported by conducting comprehensive assessments to identify the drivers and barriers to engagement within the organisation.”
Name Company
“Employee engagement can be supported by conducting comprehensive assessments to identify the drivers and barriers to engagement within the organisation.”
Name Company

FAQs

What are the key components of effective employee relations in the workplace?

Effective employee relations are built on trust, open communication, and mutual respect between employees and management. Fair policies, conflict resolution mechanisms, and opportunities for employee involvement in decision-making are also key elements. 

What role does communication play in maintaining positive employee relations?

Communication is essential for fostering transparency, resolving conflicts, and keeping employees informed about organisational goals. In the workplace, open dialogue helps build trust and ensures employees feel heard and valued, strengthening overall relations. 

What are some common challenges in employee relations, and how can they be addressed?

Common challenges include poor communication, lack of transparency and opportunities for employees to understand organisational goals, leading to misunderstandings, and workplace conflicts. These can be addressed by fostering an open, inclusive environment, providing training on conflict resolution, and ensuring clear, transparent policies for addressing grievances.

What is the role of HR in managing and improving employee relations within an organisation?

HR plays a central role in managing employee relations by developing fair policies, handling disputes, and promoting a positive work culture. HR also ensures compliance with employment laws and provides support for both employees and management in maintaining healthy workplace relationships.