How To Become An Employee Relations Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is an employee relations manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Sandi Dornhecker

Important factors like employee relations and communications influence employee engagement and satisfaction the most. That is why numerous organizations spend tons of funds to make employee relations better and improve their workplaces. For this purpose, they also look to hire hardworking employee relations managers. These managers try to improve collaboration and relationships between employees and organizations.

Talented employee relations managers resolve issues and conflicts within the workplace, develop workshop activities and orientation among new members and trainees of the team. Their main goal is to maintain a good healthy relationship between the organization's management and employees. They also offer technical support on every employee program and discuss their concerns professionally and quickly.

Dedicated managers earn more than $39.06 per hour. If you want to own this collaborative position, you need a bachelor's degree in business or HR management. But various experienced managers also hold a master's degree in the related field.

What general advice would you give to an Employee Relations Manager?

Sandi Dornhecker

Vice President of Human Resources, Chicago Zoological Society

To always remain positive. The job market has been flooded with unemployed workers, so the competition may be much steeper than usual, although I've read some articles that say this may not be the case as the number of quality applicants in the workforce remains the same. If you haven't found a position in your desired career yet, take positions and work when and where you can. Give it your all while you are working, strive to excel in your performance, no matter what your job is, and be a dedicated worker while you are there. If one is looking for employment, take your time to review the job(s) and requirements of the positions you are applying for to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications and/or are able to speak to how your skills are transferable; don't just take a shotgun approach. Write a customized cover letter for each position you apply for that reflects how your knowledge, background, and skills apply to the position and why you are interested. Answer all on-line application questions honestly and thoroughly. Write a thank-you note, if you are granted an interview. When you start a new job, be a sponge. Learn as much as you can and be willing to go the extra mile. This is a unique year to start one's career, and a graduate can learn unique lessons in both positive and challenging experiences.

ScoreEmployee Relations ManagerUS Average

Salary

6.4

Avg. Salary $81,465

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 5.71%

Black or African American 7.65%

Hispanic or Latino 11.14%

Unknown 5.09%

White 70.01%

Gender

female 59.08%

male 40.92%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an employee relations manager

Explore employee relations manager education requirements

Most common employee relations manager degrees

Bachelor's

73.0 %

Master's

15.7 %

Associate

7.0 %

Start to develop specific employee relations manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Performance Management	9.01%
Management System	6.56%
Conflict Resolution	4.96%
Labor Relations	4.95%
Employment Law	4.86%

Research employee relations manager duties and responsibilities

Lead office through OFCCP audit and manage compliance with a conciliation agreement.
Manage and publish several cost-savings models for Sr. level management.
Provide litigation support to counsel which include representation at depositions, mediation and settlement conferences, and trial document preparation.
File EEO-1, ACA annually.

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