Maintenance of a cordial supportive environment is a prerequisite for the smooth functioning of any organization. This requires the management and the employees to understand each other and each other’s actions. But with the scale of operation being high, it has become impossible for the management to understand the needs of the employees, and for the employees to submit their grievances to the management. The role of an employee relations manager comes into picture in such an environment to understand the employee-management needs and take the right measures for the same.

The employee relations manager is in charge of ensuring that the activities in the organisation add to the productivity and morale of the work force in the entity. He should have a clear insight about the needs of the employees and must put them into action, wherever and whenever possible. A newly appointed employee must be provided with ample training to help him gel with the policies and procedures followed. The manager should have a strong interpersonal skill that assists in understanding the needs of the employees.

The employee relations manager is the connecting link between the management and the employees. He identifies and recommends the changes that are to be incorporated into the organisation that are necessary to maintain a positive climate within the entity. He visits the shop floor to personally identify the areas of improvement after consulting with the employees. This could be in matters relating to working environment including safety measures, salary and other compensation policies, training, promotion, interpersonal relationships, etc. A positive relationship between the management and the employees is inevitable for the instigating changes into the system and its effective implementation.

The role played by the employee relations manager is crucial in negotiating with the trade unions. He collects the information for the management for collective bargaining. His expertise on the labour laws and the economic conditions, and his personal relationship with the work force can help in avoiding unnecessary and costly litigations, strikes and other industrial unrests. As many companies in India do not have labour unions, the employee relations manager is the connecting link who passes the employee suggestions and needs to the management.

He is to be conversant with the labour laws and bring suggestions for incorporating the same into the business environment. He is to guarantee that a uniform system of application of the policies and procedures is followed within the company. His task is to ensure that the employees are given equitable treatment and must act as a mediator during the times of differences between the management and the employees. He is also entrusted with the task of guaranteeing easy adjustment of the new employees after mergers and acquisitions.

A good interpersonal skill is essential for identifying the needs of the management and the employees. He should be dynamic in nature and must possess the drive and energy to handle difficult situations. Thus the employee relations manager has the role of a mediator, counsellor, and connector between the management and its work force.