Overview
Staff performance and institutional values combine to make Brown University one of the unique and esteemed universities in the nation. The University must continue its commitment to attract, develop and retain the best staff.
Few people go through their work lives without ever encountering difficult situations. Many are able to use their own resources to address these issues. However, it is often helpful to seek a different, professional perspective. For this reason, Employee Relations in Human Resources will assist you with your work life at Brown and the working relationships you have with staff and supervisors. We will listen carefully and confidentially to help individuals identify and analyze work life concerns involving relationships with staff and supervisors. Employee Relations will also help staff and supervisors brainstorm possible solutions, assess the risks and rewards associated with each solution, provide information based on past situations, and help staff and supervisors to understand Brown’s policies and practices to determine the best course of action.
Employee Relations offers assistance in a variety of ways including developing and interpreting policy, assisting departments in meeting and solving problems, and resolving disputes. Employee Relations supports both administrators and employees in solving problems at the lowest level possible to promote effective working relationships. In dealing with problems while they are still small issues, the Employee Relations staff recommends that the employee should first try to resolve the problem with their immediate supervisor, or others in line management before coming to Human Resources. However, when this is unsuccessful or not possible, the Employee Relations staff is often able to use informal methods to bring the matter to closure.
Members of the Employee Relations staff work with departments, managers, and individuals to remove barriers to effective job performance. We do not attempt to act as advocates for either employees or managers involved; rather, we assist employees with problem-solving and mediation support. Conversations are kept confidential unless disclosure would be helpful and is agreed upon in advance, or if the disclosure involves a very serious situation which requires immediate action. The Employee Relations staff is available to assist staff in dealing with a broad range of issues, ranging from communication to work expectations.
Employees are encouraged to partner with Human Resources and find out how the Human Resources Department and the Human Resources Generalist assigned to their department can assist them.