Constructive Behaviours for Effective Employment Relations

A positive employment relations climate is not simply dependent on articulating a coherent strategy and developing a complementary operating model with robust structures. These conditions enable people to interact, negotiate agreements and resolve conflict. However, success is ultimately dependent on the skills and attitudes of leaders, managers, Human Resource (HR) practitioners and union and employee representatives. This chapter explores the behaviours and capabilities that are needed for effective employment relations practice. In particular, it discusses the skills, techniques and processes that practitioners need to build trust, sustain relationships and find lasting solutions to problems. It highlights the importance of focusing on the interests of key stakeholders and moving away from position-based, adversarial approaches.