While it sounds trite, the hallmark of any successful relationship is communication. Sometimes we forget that the employer-employee relationship is no different; disputes that arise in the workplace are often the result of poor communication on both sides of the relationship. Employers have to realize that in order to effectively manage their employees, they have to get out in front of issues that could arise and understand that their employees are looking to them for answers.
This Five Good Ideas session focuses on five ways that employers can improve their communications with employees and by extension, improve their employee relations. We will begin with thinking about what employers can do before the employee starts work in order to lay the groundwork for effective communication. We then talk about why employers and managers hesitate in communicating with employees. Finally we talk about ways to improve communications with employees throughout the employment relationship.
A cautionary note
The foregoing text and video is provided for general information purposes only. It is neither intended as, nor should be considered, legal advice and readers and viewers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, a qualified lawyer should be consulted. © McMillan LLP 2010.
Five Good Ideas
- X Doesn’t Actually Mark Anything
- Walk the Floor
- Constant Chatter and Reinforcement
- Meaningful Recognition
- Listen, Investigate, Respond
Five Good Resources
- Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher
- “The Office” (British and U.S. Versions)
- Then We Came to an End by Joshua Ferris
- Sexual Harassment: A Guide to Conducting Investigations by Neena Gupta
- Employment Policies That Work by Joan Bolland and Ellen Mole
This Five Good Ideas session was made possible by the generous support of McMillan LLP.
Dave McKechnie
Associate, McMillan LLP
Dave McKechnie is an associate with McMillan LLP practising in the area of employment, labour relations and business immigration. Dave regularly advises employers with respect to all aspects of the employment relationship, including employee hiring and termination, human rights and harassment issues, workplace safety, policy development, employment standards and disability and accommodation issues. He has also represented clients in the Ontario Superior Court and Court of Appeal on wrongful dismissal claims, and represents clients in labour arbitrations and at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and the Workplace Safety Insurance Appeals Tribunal. Dave holds a B.A. from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania and holds an L.L.B. from the University of Toronto.
I really enjoyed this session.
Great.