10 Best Employee Relations Training Courses & Programs in 2024

Strained relationships with employees can negatively impact productivity, well-being, and general job satisfaction.

Regular training on employee relations can go a long way in resolving conflicts and grievances, improving communication, and building a positive company culture.

With that in mind, here’s a list of employee relations training courses and programs that you can deliver to improve workplace relationships.

List of Employee Relations Training Courses 

This list of the top employee relations topics is based on interviews with HR professionals, surveys, and third-party listings.

1. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Training 

I strongly recommend the “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” training course to create a more inclusive and respectful workplace. This course provides a comprehensive overview of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concepts and their importance in the workplace.

In today’s globalized world, workplaces are more diverse than ever before. This diversity brings a wealth of different perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table. However, it also presents challenges in terms of ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected.

Creating a harmonious workplace where everyone can flourish is the goal of DEI training. This course teaches you about various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as how to recognize and reduce unconscious bias, how to communicate easily with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and how to foster a culture of inclusion. 

You will also learn some practical strategies for making your work environment more welcoming and supportive for all.

2. Communication Skills for Managers

Among the various skills that set leaders apart, effective communication comes at the top. It fosters a culture of open dialogue, empathy, and respect.

The “Communication Skills for Managers” is one of the best employee relations training courses, offering a comprehensive roadmap to mastering the art of effective communication.

This employee relations training for managers goes beyond language mechanics, delving into the profound impact of tailored messages, active listening, and engaging presentations.

Throughout the course, participants will discover practical techniques to enhance written communication and craft persuasive emails, insightful reports, and proposals that resonate with their audiences. This expertise extends to giving and receiving feedback, a crucial skill for fostering growth and strengthening team dynamics.

This program will equip participants with the communication skills necessary to become modern leaders. They can cultivate trust and rapport within their teams, navigate challenging situations, and inspire others to achieve their highest potential. 

3. Handling Microaggressions in the Workplace

In today’s diverse workplaces, microaggressions pose a significant challenge to employee relations. These subtle but harmful verbal or nonverbal slights, often unintentional, can create a hostile and unwelcoming environment, affecting employee morale, productivity, and retention.

Tackling microaggressions requires a proactive approach, and the “Microaggressions in the Workplace” course offered by ProProfs serves as a valuable tool in addressing this issue. 

This course imparts knowledge of the nature of microaggressions, their impact on individuals and organizations, and strategies for identifying, preventing, and addressing them. It explores the underlying causes of microaggressions, such as unconscious bias and cultural differences. 

The course is engaging and interactive, making it an effective learning experience for employees of all levels. Also, learn about the practical strategies for implementing a microaggression-free workplace culture. 

If you want to add quizzes on this topic, check this out for reference. 

4. Workplace Violence Prevention Training 

According to a recent report from NIOSH and two other federal agencies, workplace violence led to nearly 18,000 deaths over a recent 27-year period. 

This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for comprehensive training programs to prevent violence in the workplace.

As one of the top employee relations training courses,’ “Workplace Violence Prevention Training” is a valuable resource for organizations seeking to equip their employees with the essential knowledge and skills required to prevent and respond to violent incidents.    

The program is led by renowned instructor James Galluzo, a leadership trainer and consultant who helps businesses optimize their human capital. He has a rich background in human resources, strategic planning, and military service. 

In this course, participants will learn about the different types of workplace violence, including physical assault, verbal threats, and intimidation. They will also gain insight into the risk factors for workplace violence, such as substance abuse and mental health problems.
Additionally, the course provides practical guidance on implementing effective workplace violence prevention programs. Participants will learn how to develop policies, procedures, and training programs to prevent violence in the workplace. 

5. How to Create a Positive Work Environment 

In a world where many people spend more time at work than home, creating a positive and supportive work environment is essential for employee happiness, productivity, and overall well-being. 

In this course on creating a positive work environment, you will gain valuable insights into the essential characteristics of a conducive workplace. The curriculum covers a comprehensive range, from understanding what a positive environment entails to practical strategies for fostering employee development. 

This self-paced online course offers flexibility, allowing access from any device, anytime, anywhere. Interactive quizzes and real-world scenarios enhance learning, testing your understanding of concepts.

6. Workplace Ethics Training 

Workplace ethics is the set of moral principles that guide our behavior and decisions in the workplace. Having a strong work ethic is important because it can help us create a positive and productive work environment, achieve our goals and objectives, and respect and support our colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.

This employee relations training program will help you to understand and apply workplace ethics in your daily work. You will learn about core values and principles that should be followed in a workplace, such as honesty, integrity, responsibility, fairness, and respect. 

You will also learn how to recognize and analyze ethical dilemmas and challenges and resolve them using ethical decision-making models and frameworks.

In addition, you will develop the skills and competencies essential for ethical behavior, such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-awareness.

Learn how to comply with the laws, regulations, policies, and codes of conduct governing your work and report any violations or misconduct you may witness or experience.

7. Code of Conduct Training 

To me, the Code of Conduct training is more than just a set of rules. It’s a reflection of our dedication to maintaining a high standard of integrity in our workplace. We can create a safe workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

That’s why I recommend the Code of Conduct training for enhancing employee relations. This HR employee relations training program is a roadmap for our employees, guiding them to behave and conduct themselves at work. 

It helps to ensure that everyone understands and abides by the regulations that apply to their role, which reduces the risk of legal trouble. The training also promotes open communication, empowering employees to report code violations without fear of retaliation.

8. Active Listening Skills

Active listening is crucial for employee relations. When managers and employees actively listen to each other, they better understand each other’s needs and perspectives, leading to better communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

So, if you want to maintain better employee relations, it’s essential that employees at all levels, be it senior or junior level, understand the benefits of active listening. This employee relations training course aims to cultivate active listening skills and transform participants into effective listeners. 

It provides insights on listening attentively to others and understanding what they are saying, enabling appropriate responses. The course also defines active listening and lists 10 key active listening skills that can aid in resolving workplace conflicts through improved communication.

The instructor, Amber Rose, is a program manager and coordinator for a nonprofit organization with a master’s in management and a specialization in human resources. She brings years of experience in management, spanning the retail and nonprofit industries, to the course.

This experience gives her a unique perspective on the importance of active listening in the workplace.

9. Workplace Conflict Resolution

Workplace conflict is a natural part of any workplace, but it can become harmful if it remains unaddressed. Unresolved conflicts can lead to decreased productivity, employee turnover, and even legal battles. That’s why managers and employees must have the skills to resolve conflict constructively.

This Workplace Conflict Resolution training program gives managers the necessary skills to identify and resolve workplace conflicts. The course aims to transform destructive situations into opportunities for building positive relationships.

The course discusses various topics, including an introduction to conflict, conflict styles, our responses to conflict, perception and conflict, workplace conflict, and dealing with difficult employees. Managers and human resource teams who take this course will have the ability to transform potentially harmful situations into healthy relationships.

The course equips employees with the appropriate tools and strategies to use conflict to enhance productivity. The ultimate objective of this course is to foster a harmonious and productive work environment.

10. Building Trust With Your Team

I know that trust is the foundation of any successful team. That’s why I recommend the Building Trust With Your Team Training Course.

This employee relations training course taught me that authenticity, logical thinking, and empathetic leadership are essential for building lasting trust with my team. I learned how to create a transparent and open environment where my employees feel valued and heard.

The course discusses logical thinking, authenticity, and empathetic leadership as the main ingredients for building lasting trust within a team. These elements are crucial in creating a transparent and open environment where employees feel valued and heard.

This program includes worksheets and assessment quizzes to gauge knowledge retention at the end, ensuring that the concepts are not only taught but also understood and ready to be implemented. If you want, you may also add some team-building activities for better learning outcomes.

Empower Your Team with the Best Employee Relations Training Courses

Employee relations training courses can teach your team members how to communicate effectively, resolve conflict respectfully, and build strong relationships with each other.

I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that employee relations training has had on my team. They’re more engaged, more productive, and more satisfied with their jobs. 

All I can say is that investing in employee relations training is one of the best things you can do for your team. When employees feel supported, they perform better and deliver better outcomes. 

When selecting employee relations training programs, prioritize content that aligns with your company’s needs, covering topics like conflict resolution and communication skills. Opt for programs offering flexible schedules to accommodate diverse work hours. To enhance engagement, look for interactive elements like case studies and role-playing. Verify the program’s credibility through reviews and accreditation. 

A pro tip: Use a Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver and track courses effortlessly. LMS platforms streamline employee training, ensuring accessibility and progress monitoring, ultimately maximizing the effectiveness of your chosen programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is employee relations training?

Employee relations training is a training program that teaches managers and employees how to build and maintain positive relationships in the workplace. It covers topics such as communication, conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, performance management, and workplace harassment and discrimination.

Why is employee relations training important?

Employee relations training is essential because it helps to create a more positive and productive work environment. Employees who feel valued are more likely to be engaged. This can increase productivity, better customer service, and reduce turnover.

Who should undergo employee relations training?

All managers and employees should undergo employee relations training. However, such training is important for managers responsible for creating and maintaining a positive work environment for their team members.

How does employee relations training benefit a company?

Employee relations training can benefit a company in several ways. It can help reduce employee turnover, improve employee engagement, increase productivity, and create a more positive and productive work environment.

What are the best practices for effective employee relations?

Here are some best practices for effective employee relations training:

• Make sure the training is relevant to the needs of your employees and managers.
• Use various training methods, such as lectures, discussions, role-playing exercises, and case studies.
• Provide opportunities for employees and managers to practice what they have learned.
• Make sure the training is ongoing and that employees and managers have access to resources to help them implement what they have learned.

In addition to training, organizations can do several other things to promote effective employee relations, such as:

• Creating a clear and concise employee handbook.
• Having a process for employees to raise concerns and grievances.
• Providing employees with opportunities for feedback and development.
• Recognizing and rewarding employee contributions.
• Promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion.