Overview

This module is designed to give you an overview of three of the most important employee relations policies in organisations: Employee Grievances, Handling Discipline and Dignity at Work.

Objectives

By the end of the course, trainees will be able to:

• Use an assertive and consistent approach when dealing with dignity at work issues, grievances and disciplinary situations
• Identify the key concepts of employment legislation
• Explain the concepts of equality and diversity
• Have a working knowledge of employment law as it affects day-to-day management
• Be able to apply best management practice within the law
• Have a working knowledge of key organisational policies & procedures and know where to seek advice and guidance

Topics

Employee Grievances:

• Distinction between complaint and grievance
• Line managers ownership of employee grievances
• Grievances are felt more in the 'gut' than in the 'head'
• Resolve grievances at lowest level possible
• Resolve grievances as speedily as possible
• Grievance structures and processes
• Consistency of approach is critical
• Proactive approaches to grievance resolution

Handling Discipline:

• Confront disciplinary issues early
• Pre-discipline process
• Consistency of approach
• 'Red Hot Stove'
• Progressive disciplinary process
• A good disciplinary process
• Disciplinary procedure
• Gross misconduct
• Dismissal process
• Investigation
• Disciplinary hearing prior to dismissal
• Principles of natural justice

Dignity at Work:

• Best Practice Response
• Ways of helping complainant talk directly to perpetrator
• Values and behaviours for future relationship