‘Plummeting employment relations’ to blame for grievances

Almost 40% of business HR managers believe poor relations between line managers and staff are the main reason for the increasing number of grievances lodged last year, a new survey has revealed.

The joint survey produced by King’s College London and a City law firm found that the amount of HR managers blaming relationships have massively increased from 1% in 2008 to 39% in 2009.

Over 5,000 senior HR professionals took part in the survey and the recession has been labelled the major catalyst for plunging relations, with the most common employment cases revolving around bullying and harassment.

“There’s a very strong picture that a lot of employers have large aspects of their workforce who are discontented and not satisfied,” said Stuart Woollard, Managing Director of King’s College London HR Management Learning Board.

“Management have had to be tougher, conditions are more stressful, and there are higher levels of uncertainty, so there has been deterioration between senior and line managers and the people being asked to make sacrifices.”

However, the survey also showed that 79% of HR departments are actively trying to improve relationships, while 91% are aiming for more effective management, and Mr Woollard believes this is key to surviving the hostile atmosphere fashioned by the recession.

“If you could re-motivate and energise the workforce, then it’s likely grievances will come down,” he added.