Four Common Mistakes Regarding Employee Relations Issues

Experienced human resources professionals and managers frequently encounter complex and potentially high-risk situations related to a variety of employee relations issues. 

The handling of employee relations issues is important. There are so many employment laws today at the federal, state and even local levels, and the laws are continually changing. Also, employees’ rights and protections continue to expand. 

In my experience, these are four common mistakes that I have seen employers make regarding employee relations issues: 

1. Reacting to a Situation Without Thinking—I see this happen a lot. Employers don’t think about what they’re doing; they just act on their anger or their emotions. They should instead be taking a step back and calming down, then evaluating what the best practice or best response would be.
   
   
2. Lack of Adequate Two-Way Communication—Communication is always going to be an issue in every aspect of life. You’re going to find it no matter where you’re looking—in a marriage, at work, in the social world.
   
   Communication is not always at a professional level when the employer thinks the employee is taking advantage of him/her or when the employee feels that he/she is not being treated fairly.
   
   
3. Favoritism—Employers may not realize they’re treating one employee different from another, but employers need to make a point to treat employees the same under similar circumstances. Consistent treatment is very important.
   
   
4. Taking Action without Knowing Possible Legal Implications—Many employers take action on a situation without first understanding that there are laws forbidding their actions. They sometimes don’t know that those laws exist.
   
   And a lot of times employers will say to me they don’t need to know the laws or they know enough laws. I try to explain to them it’s like driving a car.
   
   They may be able to pass the test and get the driver’s license, but when they get behind the wheel of the car, they have to obey a variety of laws. They have to drive within the posted speed limits; they have to wear seatbelts; they have to signal when they’re changing lanes; they have to stop at red lights; they can’t drive without insurance, etc. And in order to not get a ticket, you have to know what all the traffic and driving laws are.
   
   The same goes for the workplace.
   
   It’s important to know about possible legal implications when you’re handling employee relations issues. 

In my next Insight, I’ll give some steps to take if you want to effectively handle employee relations issues. 

Note: This Insight is intended for general information only. Employers are advised to seek the advice of legal counsel when dealing with employee relations issues.

The handling of employee relations issues is important.