Employee relations

Employee relations refers to the relationship between or among an employer and its employees. Depending on the context, the term has both practical and theoretical applications. Certain companies may have a dedicated team for maintaining and improving employee relations and this term may refer to this team. In other cases, the term may refer to theories, plans and policies designed to support employees and their interests. Regardless of the approach, employee relations are typically overseen by a company’s human resources department.

Employee relations concerns the building of positive relationships and interactions among employers and employees, and at a broader level helps foster a sense of community within an organization. This could entail initiating transparent workplace communication or supporting the emotional, physical and psychological health of employees. Ultimately, the goal of employee relations is to create a positive relationship between employers and employees that leads to an increase in employee retention, happiness and productivity.

Although employee relations staff and policies are typically intended to be non-biased and neutral (particularly when it comes to addressing and resolving employee-versus-employee conflicts), staff and policies are both ultimately responsible for protecting the interests and well-being of the company as a whole. Employees should beware employee relations staff and policies are not generally intended to protect employee interests.

Vertical and Horizontal Employee Relations
You may hear the terms “vertical and horizontal employee relations” thrown around like dares by the limbo bar at the latest company party, but don’t worry: you don’t have to break your back to understand them. These terms describe the two main hierarchies in employee relations. All employee relations issues and strategies will involve one, or both, of these groups.

Vertical Employee Relations:
This refers to relationships between an employee and his or her superiors (e.g., management, executives, administration).

Horizontal Employee Relations:
This term encompasses all same-level employee-to-employee relationships, including employees who are working together on a project or employees who are simply sharing a chat during break time.