Question

Suppose it is management's goal to reduce the number of employee grievances being filed in a unionized organization.

Describe three things the human resource office can do to help meet this goal.

Answer 1

The HR Dept can help the management reduce employee grievances through a number of ways –
1.One of the most common grievances being forwarded by unions is salaries and incentives. When this complain arises, there is already murmurs among the worker class that the management is inadequately compensating them. Most of the rumours is because of inadequate information and lack of knowledge of the pay structure. There are cases where the grievances are genuine as well. So, the role of the HR Dept is to talk with the representatives patiently and explain to them about the pay structure and expectations of the organization from its employees. They must make sure that right information is communicated in the simplest possible manner. At the same time, if the grievances are really genuine, then the HR dept. can take up the matter with the management and help close the issue at the earliest.
2.The second most common issue is relate to leaves. Here also, the HR dept must communicate the type of leaves available and under what circumstances they can be availed. The employee grievance include not able to take leaves even when they are eligible or increased work load with no replacement opportunity, even for just few days. The HR Dept. can explain to them about seasonal workloads and how they can cleverly manage their personal priorities accordingly. Any major personal event can be organized at a time of the year when the workload is less.
3.The third grievances can be related to favouritism and promotion. Here also, the HR Dept has a crucial role to play. They need to make sure that all the hiring process is as per company norms and in a fair manner. Any grievance related to promotion also need to be addressed in a time bound manner so that the employees feel confident and motivated.