4 MOST COMMON EMPLOYEE RELATIONS ISSUES & HOW TO HANDLE THEM

Jeff Mignault • September 8, 2017

Employee relations issues are part of work in human resources. All companies have to deal with their fair share of employee relations issues. Some are a product of the work environment and company. Others are a result of the type of work or industry. Some are also more common than others.

We’ve put together a list of 4 of the most common worker relations problems and outline some ways to handle them and come to a peaceful resolution:

1. Hours worked and attendance

It’s common for employees to question the number of hours they work. They may overestimate hours worked, and when late, have other people vouch for them. One of the most effective ways to remedy this situation is to invest in a time clock or timekeeping software. Employees can clock in and out, and the HR team can check the logs to ensure accuracy. If there is a discrepancy, you can always check the security camera to ensure the employee clocked in or out when they stated.

2. Pay raises

It’s also common for employees to complain about their rate of pay, especially if someone else recently received a raise in pay. Having a standard procedure for giving out raises ensures everyone is on the same playing field and knows what it takes to qualify for a pay raise.

3. Workplace safety

Maintaining a safe work environment is a must for all businesses. No one wants an employee to get injured or for an accident to happen. Therefore, it’s important to promote workplace safety, have safety rules and regulations, and have a workplace safety team that takes their job seriously. Staying on top of things allows you to have a proactive approach to safety.

4. General conflict management in employee relations issues

Conflict can arise in any work environment. You should expect it will happen. Disputes between employees, management, and workers happen frequently. How you manage conflict is a key for the overall wellbeing of your company.

Have a process in place to deal with conflict. Don’t wait for it to arise and then try to work through it. When you have a policy in place, you will have a clear process to follow and your employees will feel the issue was addressed appropriately.