6.5 Improving employer-employee relations

Question 1

What is the influence of employees when making decisions

Answer 1

• The expertise and skill set will influence their involvement in decision-making as this may affect how the business values the contributions of staff
• The culture of the business will affect the extent to which employees are involved
• The size of the business (smaller = more manageable to involve employees)

Question 2

What are trade unions

Answer 2

Represents a group of employees and negotiate with the employer on behalf of the employees

Question 3

What are work councils

Answer 3

A committee or group of individuals, including employees and the employer, and regular meetings take place to discuss work-related issues on behalf of all employees

Question 4

Advantage of employee representation

Answer 4

Offers managers and leaders to gain an understanding of their employees and issues affecting them

Question 5

Disadvantage of employee representation

Answer 5

Unsuccessful employee representation can lead to strikes and industrial action which affects reputation and productivity

Question 6

The importance of communication

Answer 6

To manage and improve employee representation processes, both employees and employers must understand the importance of honest and open communication for the process to be successful

Question 7

Why are good employer-employee relations important

Answer 7

• Employees feel valued and will trust their employer (supports retention and productivity)
• Understanding the views of employees can improve the decision-making process which minimises mistakes