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Human Resources

Employee Relations Training

This Employee Relations Training course equips professionals with the skills to manage workplace relationships effectively, resolve conflicts, and foster a positive work environment. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance communication, address grievances, and promote employee engagement, ultimately leading to improved organisational performance.

5 days Classroom or live online English
Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants
Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Employee relations issues can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and high turnover rates, significantly impacting an organisation's bottom line. Understanding how to navigate these challenges is essential for maintaining a harmonious workplace. This course addresses real-world scenarios that professionals face, equipping them with tools to manage conflicts, enhance communication, and improve team dynamics. Participants will learn to identify the root causes of employee dissatisfaction, develop strategies to address these issues proactively, and implement effective solutions that promote a more engaged and motivated workforce. Skills gained will enable participants to make informed decisions that positively influence workplace culture.

Professionals will engage in practical exercises that simulate common employee relations situations, such as handling grievances, conducting effective performance reviews, and facilitating team discussions. By practising these skills, attendees will develop the capability to make informed decisions that enhance workplace culture and employee satisfaction. This training will empower participants to implement effective communication strategies, establish feedback mechanisms, and foster a culture of trust and collaboration. Ultimately, the skills gained in this course will enable professionals to create a more positive work environment that supports both employee well-being and organisational success.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

  • Inconsistent handling of employee concerns and workplace conflict.
  • Difficult conversations without a clear, fair process.
  • Weak documentation and communication in employee-relations cases.
Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, role-playing exercises, and group discussions to build practical skills in employee relations. Participants will analyse real-life scenarios, engage in simulations that mimic workplace conflicts, and collaborate in workshops to develop effective communication strategies. Each day will culminate in applied activities where participants will create tangible work products, such as communication plans, performance review frameworks, and comprehensive employee relations strategies. This hands-on approach ensures that participants can directly apply their learning to real-world situations, enhancing their capability to manage employee relations effectively and improve workplace dynamics. Learning outputs will include reports, frameworks, and presentations that reflect their understanding and application of course concepts.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Analyse employee grievances to identify underlying issues and propose effective solutions.
  • Assess the impact of workplace culture on employee relations and recommend targeted improvements.
  • Design effective communication strategies to address employee concerns and enhance engagement.
  • Diagnose conflict situations and apply appropriate resolution techniques to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Construct performance review frameworks that promote constructive feedback and employee development.
  • Prioritise employee well-being initiatives based on organisational needs and employee feedback.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of employee relations strategies in enhancing workplace morale and retention.
  • Implement feedback mechanisms to improve employee engagement and satisfaction.
Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

  • HR professionals responsible for employee relations and engagement.
  • Team leaders and managers seeking to improve workplace communication.
  • Employee relations specialists focused on conflict resolution and mediation.
  • Organisational development consultants aiming to enhance workplace culture.
Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

  • Effective conflict resolution techniques in workplace scenarios.
  • Development of communication strategies tailored to employee needs.
  • Implementation of performance management systems that support employee growth.
  • Assessment of workplace culture and its impact on employee relations.
  • Facilitation of employee feedback mechanisms to enhance engagement.
  • Creation of comprehensive employee relations strategies that improve workplace dynamics.
Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding Employee Relations

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional case study involving a workplace conflict, identifying key issues and stakeholders. They will discuss potential resolutions and the role of HR in mediating the situation, considering legal implications and best practices.

Output: A report outlining the identified issues, proposed resolutions, and HR's role in the scenario.

  1. 09:00–09:54Defining employee relations and its importance in the workplace.
  2. 09:54–10:48Exploring the legal framework governing employee relations and compliance requirements.
  3. 10:48–11:00Identifying common employee relations issues and their impact on organisational performance.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Identifying common employee relations issues and their impact on organisational performance. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Understanding the role of HR in managing employee relations effectively.
  7. 13:06–14:00Examining the principles of effective communication in employee relations and conflict resolution.

Day 2Communication Strategies for Employee Engagement

Applied activity: Participants will develop a communication plan for a fictional organisation facing employee dissatisfaction. They will outline strategies for addressing concerns, improving engagement, and fostering open dialogue between management and staff.

Output: A comprehensive communication plan addressing employee concerns and proposed engagement strategies.

  1. 09:00–09:54Exploring the role of communication in employee relations and engagement.
  2. 09:54–10:48Identifying barriers to effective communication in the workplace and strategies to overcome them.
  3. 10:48–11:00Developing active listening skills to enhance employee interactions and trust.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Developing active listening skills to enhance employee interactions and trust. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Creating communication plans for addressing employee concerns and promoting transparency.
  7. 13:06–14:00Utilising feedback mechanisms to improve employee engagement and morale.

Day 3Conflict Resolution Techniques

Applied activity: In pairs, participants will role-play a conflict scenario, applying different resolution techniques to reach a mutually agreeable solution. They will reflect on the effectiveness of their approaches and discuss alternative strategies that could be employed.

Output: A reflection document summarising the negotiation process, outcomes, and lessons learned.

  1. 09:00–09:54Understanding the sources of workplace conflict and their implications for employee relations.
  2. 09:54–10:48Exploring conflict resolution styles and their effectiveness in different scenarios.
  3. 10:48–11:00Practising negotiation techniques in conflict situations to reach mutually beneficial outcomes.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Practising negotiation techniques in conflict situations to reach mutually beneficial outcomes. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Implementing mediation processes for resolving disputes and fostering collaboration.
  7. 13:06–14:00Evaluating the outcomes of conflict resolution efforts and their impact on team dynamics.

Day 4Performance Management and Employee Relations

Applied activity: Participants will create a performance review framework for a fictional team, incorporating feedback mechanisms and development plans for team members. They will consider how to align performance management with employee relations goals.

Output: A performance review framework document with feedback and development strategies.

  1. 09:00–09:54Understanding the link between performance management and employee relations, including legal considerations.
  2. 09:54–10:48Developing performance review frameworks that support employee development and engagement.
  3. 10:48–11:00Identifying best practices for delivering constructive feedback that fosters growth.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Identifying best practices for delivering constructive feedback that fosters growth. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Creating action plans for employee development based on performance reviews and feedback.
  7. 13:06–14:00Assessing the impact of performance management on employee morale and retention.

Day 5Integrating Employee Relations Strategies

Applied activity: Participants will work in groups to develop a comprehensive employee relations strategy for a fictional organisation, integrating lessons from the course. They will present their strategy to the class, focusing on implementation and expected outcomes.

Output: A detailed employee relations strategy presentation, including proposed initiatives and expected outcomes.

  1. 09:00–09:54Synthesising employee relations strategies for organisational effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
  2. 09:54–10:48Developing a holistic approach to employee engagement and conflict resolution.
  3. 10:48–11:00Creating an action plan for improving employee relations in the workplace based on course learnings.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Creating an action plan for improving employee relations in the workplace based on course learnings. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Evaluating the effectiveness of employee relations initiatives and their impact on culture.
  7. 13:06–14:00Presenting employee relations strategies to stakeholders for buy-in and implementation.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Kuala Lumpur 16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Barcelona 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,840.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Paris 7 Dec - 11 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 7 Dec - 11 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Istanbul 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 4 Jan - 8 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 4 Jan - 8 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Singapore 18 Jan - 22 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 18 Jan - 22 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
London 1 Feb - 5 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 1 Feb - 5 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Dubai 15 Feb - 19 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 15 Feb - 19 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Vienna 22 Feb - 26 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,940.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 22 Feb - 26 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 1 Mar - 5 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 1 Mar - 5 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 15 Mar - 19 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 15 Mar - 19 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Paris 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Istanbul 19 Apr - 23 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 19 Apr - 23 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Cape Town 26 Apr - 30 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 26 Apr - 30 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 3 May - 7 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 3 May - 7 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Singapore 17 May - 21 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 17 May - 21 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
London 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Dubai 21 Jun - 25 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 21 Jun - 25 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Rome 28 Jun - 2 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 28 Jun - 2 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 5 Jul - 9 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 5 Jul - 9 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 19 Jul - 23 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 19 Jul - 23 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Paris 2 Aug - 6 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 2 Aug - 6 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Istanbul 16 Aug - 20 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 16 Aug - 20 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Rome 30 Aug - 3 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 30 Aug - 3 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 6 Sept - 10 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 6 Sept - 10 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Singapore 20 Sept - 24 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 20 Sept - 24 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
London 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Dubai 18 Oct - 22 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 18 Oct - 22 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 1 Nov - 5 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 1 Nov - 5 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Cape Town 8 Nov - 12 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Nov - 12 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 15 Nov - 19 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 15 Nov - 19 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Paris 6 Dec - 10 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 6 Dec - 10 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Istanbul 13 Dec - 17 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 13 Dec - 17 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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