Our staff is available to both management and employees in discussing workplace issues. We can assist in policy interpretation and help both employees and supervisors to think through available options for addressing situations and approaching work-related conversations. Our staff can also review drafts of written communication between supervisors and employees.

Mediation & Facilitation Services

We provide mediation and facilitation services for management and staff in order to resolve workplace disputes. Mediations are structured conversations in which two mediators assist the employee and manager is discussing an issue and whenever possible coming to a mutually-acceptable outcome. Facilitations are guided conversations to assist two or more people in working through an issue and coming up with a game plan for forward movement. Go to Policy.

Training Resources

Programs in HR Training Catalog

The following training programs are regularly available on the HR Training Catalog provided by the Training & Talent Development Department in the Office of Human Resources. (The Guides are issued semiannually - one covering January-June and other July-December.)

We strongly recommend that all supervisors, business managers, and HR Facilitators take the performance management and discipline courses along with other HR policy programs offered in the Catalog. Not only will these programs provide a solid foundation in policy and application but they also give supervisors the basic concepts needed when discussing workplace situations with the Employee & Management Relations staff.

To check current availability, go to the current Catalog.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT and DISCIPLINARY PROCESSES FOR SPA EMPLOYEES - 12 Hours (Three half-days)
Effective use of the University's performance management and disciplinary processes is essential for maintaining employee productivity, fostering effective employee-manager communication, and justly disciplining improper employee performance or conduct. This program provides supervisors of SPA employees information and classroom practice with setting performance expectations and writing work plans, monitoring employee performance, providing and documenting constructive performance and behavioral feedback, writing accurate and descriptive performance appraisals, determining and documenting appropriate disciplinary action, and addressing grievances and appeals. This program includes multiple cases studies touching on a variety of performance and conduct situations.
ADVANCED HR PROBLEM SOLVING FOR MANAGERS - 8 Hours (Full Day)
Welcome to Department of P.A.I.N.! This case-study based program for supervisors presents a series of difficult workplace scenarios. Participants will identify which policies are relevant to each scenario, what additional information is required before action can be taken, then develop an action plan to address the situation and identify available resources. PREREQUISITES: Completion of 3 core policy programs (SPA Hiring: From Posting to Probation, SPA Classification & Compensation Management, and Performance Management and Disciplinary Processes for SPA Employees).

Customized Trainings & Presentations

The above-listed training programs can be customized for departmental trainings and presentations. We can adjust the length (eg, 1 hr, 2 hr, half-day), content (eg, workplans, managing attendance, case studies), and audience (eg, just managers, just employees) based on your current needs.

We can also provide specially-designed trainings and presentations on other employee relations topics, such as harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, or other specific workplace situations.

Contact your Employee & Management Relations Consultant for more information.