COURSE OVERVIEW
Employee Relations (ER) encompasses an organization’s efforts to manage the relationship between employers and employees. A strong ER program ensures fair and consistent treatment for all employees, fostering commitment, loyalty, and productivity. Additionally, it helps prevent and resolve workplace issues before they escalate, maintaining a harmonious and motivated workforce.

KEY FEATURES

• Identify opportunities to strengthen employee relations within the organization
• Review ER policies against industry best practices
• Address and manage performance-related concerns effectively
• Handle employee conduct and disciplinary matters
• Analyze and process employee grievances efficiently
• Enhance and sustain employee productivity, motivation, and morale

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of effective employee relations
• Apply practical strategies to build strong employee relationships
• Review and implement ER policies including discipline, grievance, and capability procedures
• Manage situations where employee behavior falls below expected standards
• Support team leaders and supervisors in applying effective ER practices
• Assist staff in fulfilling their job responsibilities effectively

TARGET AUDIENCE
This course is designed for:

• Leaders and staff in personnel management or training functions
• Line managers seeking to improve their understanding of employee relations issues
• Individuals pursuing a career in personnel management and employee development

TRAINING METHODOLOGY
This results-oriented, practical course follows adult learning principles. It combines short, engaging lectures with structured lessons from the training manual, dynamic PowerPoint slides and videos, interactive discussions, action planning, and ample Q&A. Practical exercises reinforce key concepts in an engaging, real-world context. Pre- and post-course assessments measure learning effectiveness.

COURSE CONTENTS

Module 1 – Core Employee Relations Activities

• Key Topics:
  • Understanding employee relations and its importance
  • The value of sound ER policies
  • The psychological contract
  • Managing conflicting interests
  • Collaboration between ER specialists and line managers
  • Day 1 review

Module 2 – Practical ER Functions

• Key Topics:
  • Effective internal communications and message management
  • Conducting team briefings
  • Promoting engagement, involvement, and consultation
  • Managing sickness absence and return-to-work interviews
  • Providing mediation services
  • Day 2 review

Module 3 – Handling ER Situations

• Key Topics:
  • Differentiating between conduct and capability issues
  • Managing disciplinary matters and gross misconduct
  • Addressing capability issues effectively
  • Determining when to suspend employees
  • Conducting thorough investigations
  • Presenting evidence at hearings and handling appeals
  • Day 3 review

Module 4 – Engaging Employees

• Key Topics:
  • Designing and analyzing effective staff surveys
  • Learning from survey data
  • Managing collective disputes
  • Employee recognition programs
  • Ensuring compliance with codes of conduct
  • Day 4 review

Module 5 – Supporting Managers, Team Leaders, and Supervisors

• Key Topics:
  • Handling grievances effectively
  • Balancing managerial authority with employee engagement
  • Developing a coaching style of management
  • Motivating staff and providing constructive feedback
  • Managing performance effectively
  • Addressing bullying, harassment, and personal issues
  • Course review and program recap