The Job Description of an Employee Relations Manager
Though the job description of employee relations managers varies by employer, they do share some common qualifications. Success in the position requires excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. Employee relations managers must also remain knowledgeable about current labor and benefits laws. A qualified employee relations manager can enjoy a stable career in a growing field.
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Outlook and Salary
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The market for employee relations managers, also frequently known as human resources managers, will enjoy a healthy outlook, expected to grow by 22 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that as of 2009, starting offers averaged $45,170 a year for human resources bachelor's degree candidates. The median annual salaries for employee relations managers vary by industry and specialty, ranging from $38,970 for state government staffing specialists to $107,280 for corporate human resources managers.
Education and Experience
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Entry-level education requirements generally include a bachelor's degree in human resources or industrial and labor relations. Studying management, organizational structure or industrial psychology may also help. Some organizations, like the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and the Society for Human Resource Management, offer additional certification. Work experience should demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to commit to organizational goals.
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Recruiting
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Employee relations managers typically supervise some or all of an organization's staffing. These efforts may include recruiting, interviewing and hiring staff candidates as needed, according to organization policy.
Employee Relations
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Most organizations strive for high employee morale and productivity and low turnover. To assist in achieving these goals, employee relations managers work with supervisors and employees to resolve disputes and minimize job dissatisfaction. Employee relations managers may also offer or facilitate additional training and development.
Compensation Negotiations
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Ensuring that employees receive fair compensation is another effort of employee relations managers. Thus, they must remain familiar with current labor and wage laws and may also conduct research into compensation that similar organizations pay. Some employee relations managers create additional bonus or commission plans for employees.
Benefits Management
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Many employee relations managers administer their organization's health insurance, retirement savings and other benefits programs. Of course, they must also be familiar with these plans and the employee benefits market. They should also maintain current knowledge of state and federal benefits regulations.
Labor Relations
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Employee relations managers working in unionized fields may have to assist in collective negotiations on issues like compensation, employee welfare, health care, pensions and management practices. To fulfill this responsibility effectively, an employee relations manager must know current industry economic and wage data, labor law and collective negotiation procedures and have experience in dispute resolution.
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References
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- Photo Credit A businessman an businesswoman having a meeting image by sumos from Fotolia.com
