Employee Relations

Employee Relations under Human Resources (HR) provides guidance and information to employees, handling sensitive employment issues related to employee performance, attendance/leave, conduct, development, and needs by providing daily consultative assistance and service to managers/supervisors and employees. Employee Relations also assists with preventing and resolving issues involving individuals that arise out of or affect work situations.

Our Function

Our goal is to maintain a positive relationship with employees. Maintaining constructive employee relations keeps employees loyal and more engaged in their work. The University expects high performance from employees and also strives to treat employees fairly. We seek to resolve matters and concerns regarding employees in a just and consistent manner. The University expects that, while supervisors will promptly and fairly resolve such concerns, employees will be held accountable for poor performance or misconduct. To accomplish these goals, the University strives to promote and maintain a climate of open communication and mutual trust between employees and supervisors. The University also expects supervisors to typically use a progressive discipline process prior to moving forward with termination.

How We Help Managers and Employees

• We provide counsel and advice to supervisors and employees regarding employment-related inquiries.
• We assist with the interpretation of University policies and procedures.
• We provide confidential consultation.
• We advise employees regarding their employment rights.
• We facilitate dialogues related to employee/employer issues.
• We provide fair, reliable and effective resolutions in a timely fashion.

Our Procedures

For Employees

Employees are always encouraged to promptly address their concerns directly with their immediate supervisor. A good first step is typically for the employee to schedule an in-person conversation between the employee and the manager that includes discussion of the employee’s concern and review of the facts and any relevant communications, policies, or other documents. As appropriate, the employee and manager should bring copies of related materials so they can be reviewed during the meeting. The employee should also be prepared to inform the supervisor of the desired resolution of the concern.

In turn, the manager should be prepared to listen effectively to the employee’s concerns and, where applicable, explain clearly the reasoning behind the decision or conduct at issue. The manager should promptly communicate to the employee, either at the meeting or promptly after the meeting, the intended next steps and/or any resolutions or other decisions (including the decision not to change the decision or action at issue) reached. The manager may, where appropriate, confirm the decision in writing.

Please note that this policy is not intended to require a manager to reconsider a decision, nor is it intended to encourage employees to challenge routine supervisory actions. Instead, it is intended to promote better communication between managers and their direct reports.

For Managers

Managers are primarily responsible for managing job performance and behavioral issues within their departments. Managers are expected to provide coaching and ongoing feedback to help employees perform and to make them aware of performance and other deficiencies, and to promptly address deficiencies when they arise. This may include, for example, providing a verbal warning as described below. When managers need assistance resolving a conflict, they should contact Human Resources, which may involve the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, where appropriate. 

Option for Facilitated Conversation

If discussion(s) between the employee and supervisor does not result in a satisfactory resolution, or if the employee is uncomfortable with approaching his or her supervisor independently, or if the supervisor believes involving a third party would be helpful in resolving performance concerns, this optional step is available to employees or managers to request to meet with one another together with another appropriate individual and attempt to resolve their issue. As with any attempt at conflict resolution, an open exchange of information is critical for success. A facilitated discussion may be able to help both the employee and the supervisor express their thoughts, concerns, and willingness to find a resolution.

Human Resources will, where appropriate, work with various stakeholders, including the administrators, the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, and the Provost’s Office, to help address certain employee matters and concerns.

Resources

• Administration and Operations Manual
• Leave/FMLA
• Progressive Discipline Procedures
• Staff Performance Management