What Is Industrial & Employee Relations?

Industrial and employee relations is a broad term referring to the various aspects of personnel or employee management. Employer-employee relationships involve communication, morale, productivity and motivation.

History

The term industrial relations can be traced back to a commission by the federal government to investigate labor problems. Called "The Commission on Industrial Relations," it was established in 1912.

Significance

Serious labor disputes, strikes and violence as well as unsafe working conditions led to labor unions and legislation protecting workers. While industrial and employee relations is not focused solely on labor unions, they are one important aspect of the working relations between employer and employee.

Types

Industrial and employee relations include labor unions, training and development, compensation, hiring practices, pension, diversity, grievance procedures and safety.

References

• Cornell University Industrial and Labor Relations Review: Welcome
• Boston College Sloan Work and Family Research Network: Employee Relations
• Reference for Business: Industrial Relations