Employee relations (ER) is a vital function within any organisation, shaping the day-to-day experiences of employees and ensuring a healthy, productive workplace culture. While senior HR professionals often take the lead in handling complex ER issues, entry-level HR roles play a crucial supportive role in this process.
From answering basic queries and observing team dynamics to escalating concerns and enforcing policy, junior HR staff are often the first point of contact for employees. Their involvement in employee relations not only supports the wider HR function but also lays the groundwork for their own professional growth in human resources.
This guide explores the importance of employee relations, the responsibilities of CIPD in Bahrain in this area, and how they can effectively contribute to maintaining positive and productive working relationships across the organisation.
What Is Employee Relations?
Employee Relations (ER) refers to the management of the employer-employee relationship. It encompasses policies, practices, and procedures that influence how employees interact with their organisation, their managers, and each other.
At its core, employee relations is about:
- Promoting fair treatment
- Maintaining positive communication
- Preventing and resolving conflict
- Supporting employee engagement and job satisfaction
- Ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards
For HR professionals, fostering strong employee relations means aligning people management with business goals while ensuring a respectful, supportive, and inclusive work environment.
Why Employee Relations Matters in HR
Positive employee relations lead to:
- Lower turnover
- Higher productivity
- Better morale
- Fewer grievances
- A stronger organisational culture
Conversely, poor ER can result in:
- Workplace conflict
- Legal disputes
- Disengagement
- Absenteeism
- Damage to employer reputation
Thus, employee relations is not a “nice-to-have”—it’s a strategic necessity. Even at the entry level, HR professionals contribute to these outcomes through everyday interactions, documentation, communication, and support.
Key Employee Relations Responsibilities in Entry-Level HR Roles
Entry-level HR professionals, such as HR assistants, HR administrators, and HR coordinators, are not typically involved in high-level ER strategy or dispute resolution. However, they play an essential supportive role that feeds into the larger ER function.
1. 📞 Handling Day-to-Day Employee Queries
One of the most common ER tasks at the entry level is addressing basic employee questions, such as:
- “How do I apply for leave?”
- “What’s the policy on remote work?”
- “Who do I speak to about a workplace issue?”
Providing accurate, clear, and consistent information builds trust and helps prevent small misunderstandings from escalating.
2. 📝 Maintaining Employee Records
Accurate recordkeeping is critical in employee relations. Entry-level HR staff help by:
- Updating employee files
- Recording absences and lateness
- Documenting training or disciplinary actions
- Tracking probation and performance review dates
These records become essential when dealing with disputes, audits, or performance management.
3. 🧾 Assisting in Policy Communication
Entry-level HR staff help ensure all employees are aware of:
- Workplace policies (e.g., anti-harassment, grievance procedures)
- Changes to procedures (e.g., hybrid work arrangements)
- Their rights and responsibilities under employment law
They may contribute by preparing onboarding packs, sending policy updates, or answering clarification questions.
4. 🗣️ Supporting the Grievance and Disciplinary Process
While junior HR professionals do not usually lead investigations, they may be asked to:
- Take notes during disciplinary or grievance meetings
- Schedule appointments and notify parties
- Prepare documents for line managers or senior HR staff
- Ensure confidentiality is maintained throughout the process
This exposure is invaluable in learning how employee relations issues are formally managed.
5. 🧠 Escalating Issues Appropriately
A key responsibility in entry-level HR roles is recognising when an issue needs to be escalated. For example:
- Suspected bullying or harassment
- Unusual patterns of absence
- Repeated employee complaints
- Breaches of health and safety
Early identification and escalation help resolve issues before they worsen.
6. 💬 Promoting a Positive Workplace Culture
Entry-level HR professionals support engagement and morale by:
- Assisting with employee recognition schemes
- Organising social or wellbeing events
- Welcoming new starters
- Modelling professional and respectful behaviour
These small actions contribute significantly to overall employee satisfaction.
Skills Needed for Supporting Employee Relations at Entry Level
To be effective in supporting ER, entry-level HR professionals need a blend of technical, interpersonal, and organisational skills:
🔹 Communication Skills
Clear verbal and written communication is essential for answering queries, writing policies, or noting discussions.
🔹 Confidentiality and Discretion
Handling sensitive information responsibly is a must in all ER matters.
🔹 Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Understanding and responding to employee concerns with compassion and neutrality builds trust.
🔹 Attention to Detail
Accurate records and documentation are vital in supporting fair outcomes.
🔹 Knowledge of Employment Law and Company Policy
Even at the entry level, a basic understanding of key legal concepts is expected.
Challenges Faced by Entry-Level HR in Employee Relations
While entry-level roles are highly valuable, they come with challenges:
❗ Lack of Confidence
New HR staff may feel unsure when answering sensitive queries or raising concerns.
Solution: Regular training, shadowing experienced colleagues, and having access to HR manuals or policies can help build confidence.
❗ Balancing Approachability with Professionalism
Being friendly and approachable is important, but HR must maintain boundaries.
Solution: Understand your role clearly—support, but don’t advise beyond your scope.
❗ Dealing with Resistance or Hostility
Sometimes, employees may be frustrated, and HR becomes the target of their emotions.
Solution: Use active listening, remain calm, and escalate when needed.
❗ Navigating Confidentiality
Knowing when and how to share information can be tricky.
Solution: Follow internal guidelines and always consult a manager if unsure.
Best Practices for Entry-Level HR Professionals in ER Support
To support employee relations effectively, entry-level HR professionals should follow these best practices:
✅ Know Your Policies
Familiarise yourself with your organisation’s HR policies and procedures. Confidence in policy knowledge helps you answer questions clearly and consistently.
✅ Build Relationships
Get to know line managers, team leaders, and employees. Good relationships lead to better communication and early identification of issues.
✅ Keep Detailed Records
Document everything—conversations, absences, complaints, and follow-ups. This protects both the employee and the organisation.
✅ Stay Neutral
Avoid taking sides. Present facts and escalate issues to the appropriate level when necessary.
✅ Ask Questions
If you’re unsure how to handle a situation, speak to your HR manager or a more senior colleague. Learning through experience is part of the role.
How Entry-Level HR Roles Lead to ER Career Growth
Supporting employee relations at entry level provides a strong foundation for future HR specialisms. It helps you:
- Understand organisational dynamics
- Learn about conflict management
- Gain experience in policy interpretation
- Improve your interpersonal and communication skills
As you progress, you may move into roles such as:
- Employee Relations Officer
- HR Advisor
- HR Business Partner
- ER Specialist
- Learning & Development Officer
Each step builds on the practical experience gained in those early support roles.
Conclusion: The Value of Entry-Level HR in Employee Relations
While senior HR professionals may lead formal ER processes, it is often the entry-level HR staff who provide the first line of support—answering queries, observing concerns, and maintaining accurate records. Their contribution is both practical and strategic, helping organisations maintain fair, respectful, and engaging workplaces.
Supporting employee relations in entry-level roles is more than just admin—it’s about being the eyes, ears, and voice of HR across the business. With the right training, mindset, and support, junior HR professionals can make a real difference while building the foundations of a rewarding career in human resources.
