Employee Relations & Engagement Flashcards

According to SHRM competency standards, what is the most important factor in building a positive employee relations culture?

Answer: Trust between management and employees

SHRM identifies trust as the foundation of positive employee relations, enabling open communication, collaboration, and organizational commitment.

What is the correct order of progressive discipline steps in a typical U.S. organization?

Answer: Verbal warning, written warning, suspension, termination

Progressive discipline follows an escalating sequence: verbal warning, written warning, suspension, and finally termination, giving employees opportunities to correct behavior.

What is the primary purpose of an employee engagement survey?

Answer: To measure employee commitment, motivation, and connection to the organization

Engagement surveys measure employees' emotional commitment and connection to the organization, providing actionable data for improving workplace culture and retention.

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which employee activity is protected?

Answer: Discussing wages and working conditions with coworkers

Section 7 of the NLRA protects employees' rights to engage in concerted activities, including discussing wages, working conditions, and other terms of employment with coworkers.

What is a stay interview and when should it be conducted?

Answer: A proactive conversation with current employees to understand what keeps them engaged

Stay interviews are proactive conversations with current employees to identify factors that keep them engaged and potential issues that might cause them to leave, conducted regularly rather than at exit.

What is the best approach for handling a workplace conflict between two employees?

Answer: Mediate the dispute privately, focusing on interests rather than positions

Effective conflict resolution involves private mediation that focuses on underlying interests rather than stated positions, seeking a mutually acceptable solution.