In 2021, businesses will need to make significant changes to all aspects of their operations due to a number of factors, including the global pandemic. To accommodate workers and new health standards, more companies are allowing remote work or even flexible scheduling. We want to concentrate on employee relationship management because it is essential to your company’s success in 2021. With fewer people in the office and more workers interacting over Zoom and other employee management software platforms How? Well, effective management of employee relationships can help to lessen conflicts, lower turnover, and boost productivity. Additionally, because middle management can concentrate on the big picture, top managers have more time to concentrate on generating profits and revenue.
Importance of employee relationship management
An effective ERM can help a team, department, or company in the following ways:
Boosts employee morale
ERM initiatives and procedures can enhance staff morale and increase their drive for success. Confidence can grow and collaboration can be more effective with higher employee morale. For instance, a sales department with effective employee relationship management procedures might award gifts to specific sales representatives who meet or surpass weekly and monthly quotas or notify the entire company. The sales team may feel appreciated as a result of this recognition, which will boost their spirits and motivate them to break records. Boosting sales numbers increases revenue for the entire company.
Increases productivity
An environment of high productivity can be created by good employee relationship management, encouraging teams to accomplish more than they normally would in the same amount of time. People may feel more motivated to complete their tasks when they believe their work is important. Employee skill development can be aided by some ERM procedures, such as mentorship programs and professional development seminars. For instance, a hospital’s administrative division might offer weekly seminars to staff on various administrative duties. Medical recorders and administrators can accomplish more by learning about new software and labor-saving devices.
Encourages leadership skill development
ERM programs can increase staff confidence and inspire them to take on leadership responsibilities. Professional development seminars, for instance, can assist staff members in honing their abilities and discovering new talents, like project management and conflict resolution. They could apply these new abilities to take on leadership roles in teams or as committee chairs. Mentoring programs, for example, can serve as role models for employees and motivate them to take on more responsibility in their day-to-day work.
Enhances communication
Employees may feel more at ease discussing their needs and preferred methods of work with their coworkers and managers when those relationships are professional. Employees who communicate more often are more likely to learn about useful tools and resources. By flagging potential issues early, it can also prevent workplace incidents and customer problems. For instance, a manager who employs effective ERM may be a resource for team members who may approach them for guidance on how to handle potentially challenging customer situations.
Reduces turnover
A worker can feel valued at work and be inspired to pursue a long-term career with the company if they have positive relationships with peers and managers. Many of the common components of ERM programs, such as diversity initiatives and professional development workshops, can aid staff members in expanding their skill sets and learning new ones. Additionally, businesses with strict ERM policies may use internal promotions to advance employees’ careers while they remain with the same company.
What is employee relationship management?
The goal of employee relationship management (ERM), a component of human resources management, is to forge solid, enduring bonds between staff members and their managers. In order to participate in ERM, HR specialists, managers, and team leaders may adopt formal policies and procedures such as:
Tips for employee relationship management
Here are some methods you can employ to encourage a fruitful relationship between staff members and managers:
Establish goals and reinforce values
Communicating the company’s mission and values frequently is one way to promote positive relationships in the workplace. When members of a team or department are clear on the company’s mission and growth strategy, they can see how their work contributes to a bigger picture, which boosts job satisfaction. For instance, a business that develops educational software and textbooks might make innovation a key part of its mission statement. A company’s sales manager can remind his or her team that their work encourages creative thinking and learning.
Use communication applications
Because it enables workers to establish rapport with one another and their managers, frequent communication is a crucial component of employee relationship management. Since everyone works in the same space, conversing may be simple in office or warehouse environments. Other businesses might operate in multiple locations or have a hybrid or remote work environment. Digital communication platforms for these businesses can link managers and employees. For their teams, managers may set up exclusive communication channels or groups, enabling them to form more intimate bonds.
Celebrate achievements
When an employee achieves a goal or completes a successful project, you can increase employee satisfaction by publicly congratulating them. By recognizing an employee’s accomplishments, managers can demonstrate to their workforce how much they value their contributions and how committed they are to their growth. An HR department might publish submissions from team managers who want to commend an employee for their performance that week in a weekly newsletter that they send out. On their online communication platforms, some businesses also utilize unique hashtags or channels to highlight the accomplishments of their employees.
Meet with individual team members regularly
By setting up regular meetings with each team member, managers can foster positive relationships with their members. Employees have the chance to ask questions and provide feedback about their projects during individual meetings. They also give managers the opportunity to provide resources or impart new knowledge. These meetings can give the manager and employee the chance to get to know each other better, even if the employee doesn’t currently need assistance with their tasks. If you’re a manager, think about making a list of issues to go over in your one-on-one meetings, such as professional objectives, strengths, and areas for development.
Offer a variety of programs
Because each employee is different, members of the team might find various tasks satisfying. Providing a range of programs can improve employee satisfaction throughout the entire organization. For instance, the HR department at a remote company might host a regular online trivia night, a series of seminars on diversity and inclusion, and casual lunches for staff members with various interests. Employees may decide to take part in some or all of these elective activities. To ensure that employees participate in important programs while maintaining some flexibility in their schedules for meetings and work sessions, you can also mix mandatory and optional events.
Gather feedback
By consulting employees, ERM programs can be designed more effectively. Making program design decisions based on employee input can guarantee that the programs are pertinent to their intended audience. Employees can submit their ideas for professional development or enrichment programs through an email survey that may be sent by a team lead, manager, or HR specialist. To gauge how employees feel about current company programs and policies, some HR departments conduct periodic surveys. They might examine the current ERM programs using this information.
Provide guidelines for conflict resolution
Quick and effective conflict resolution can support the maintenance of positive relationships between colleagues or between staff and managers. Both sides in a conflict can use clear conflict resolution guidelines as a resource, which can help to ensure a positive outcome. For instance, a company may have a rule requiring managers to mediate disputes between team members. When an employee and manager are at odds with one another, HR professionals may mediate the situation and work to reach a resolution that benefits both parties.
HR Basics: Employee Relations
FAQ
What is meant by employee relationship?
Employee relationship management (ERM) is a procedure organizations use to create positive relationships with their staff members. ERM initiatives improve team morale, foster collaboration, and pinpoint organizational pain points.
What are examples of employee relations?
Building and maintaining a good working relationship between a company and its employees is the goal of employee relations. The culture of the organization and its efforts to be resolution-focused play a significant role in that relationship.
