Employee Relations

Employee Relations serves as a communication bridge between employees and management. It facilitates open dialogue for healthy relations within the workplace, ensuring that employees feel heard, valued, and supported.

Employee Relations consultants are advocates for both employees and the organization, working to create a harmonious and productive work environment where both individual and organizational needs are met. They are readily available to provide advice, share information, and facilitate solutions that foster positive employee relations.

The team’s expertise spans a wide range of areas including, but not limited to:

• Understanding and applying employment policies
• Adhering to disciplinary standards
• Addressing grievances
• Managing performance effectively
• Navigating challenges associated with remote work
• Consulting on job separations
• Setting and meeting workplace expectations
• Resolving workplace conflicts
• Dealing with personal issues that may impact job performance

Employee Relations Support Areas:

Employee Relations Values

1. We value accountability on the part of all employees, and believe that accountability is best achieved through mutual understanding of responsibilities and the commitment to execute.
   
2. We value actions and decisions that are based on a full understanding of the facts that are presented.
   
3. We value the perspectives and interests of the employee, supervisor, and manager on employee relations issues, but we advocate for what is in the best interest of the organization.
   
4. We value supporting the institution in accomplishing its mission and objectives through high-quality, timely service.
   
5. We value an employee’s honest input, even if that input identifies significant deficiencies in the organization and the presentation of that input without fear of retaliation.
   
6. We value the professional, respectful, and fair treatment of each employee regardless of circumstances.
   
7. We value compliance with employment laws, but our actions are not driven by fear of the legal environment.
   
8. We value early intervention by supervisors when employee concerns are identified.
   
9. We value diversity in the workplace, while also valuing consistency of treatment for similar situations.
   
10. Unless an offense requires immediate dismissal, we value a reasonable, fair opportunity for performance improvement. 

Confidentiality Statement

Employee Relations provides a means by which  employees and managers can share private, personal, and sensitive work-related information in order to get help and advice. Employee Relations is available to provide guidance and will keep information received in consultation with employees and managers confidential to the extent requested and allowed by law.

When information is shared with an Employee Relations member that indicates a person or property is in danger, harassment/discrimination has occurred, or a serious violation of Virginia Tech or Commonwealth of Virginia policies has occurred, Employee Relations will communicate with the appropriate person or office as required by law.

Discretion will be used by Employee Relations in communicating sensitive information.  Individuals receiving the information will be urged to use discretion in order to protect the person who reported the situation to the extent possible.

Retaliation against any person who reports a situation that is then referred for investigation is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Acts of retaliation should be reported to Employee Relations immediately.