A Detailed Report on Employee Relations: Waitrose Case Study

This report examines employee relations within Waitrose, a British retail company. It begins by explaining the Pluralistic and Unitary frames of reference, highlighting their importance in maintaining employer-employee relationships. The report then explores the influence of trade unionism on employee relations, emphasizing its role in improving worker conditions and advocating for employee rights. It identifies the key players in employee relations, including managers, workers, government agencies, and trade unions, and their respective roles. The report further details the procedures Waitrose should follow when dealing with conflict situations, such as collaboration, empathy, and compromise. It also discusses the key features of employee relations in conflict situations, including negotiation and collective bargaining. Finally, the report analyzes the role of negotiation in collective bargaining and the impact of human resource management on employee relations, offering insights into effective strategies for fostering positive workplace dynamics.

EMPLOYEE
RELATION

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Explain the Pluralistic and Unitary frames of references......................................................1
1.2 Changes in trade unionism have influenced on employee relations.....................................1
1.3 Role of the main players in employee relations ...................................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................1
2.1 Procedures an enterprise should follow when dealing with various conflict situation.........1
2.2 Key features employee relations in conflict situations.........................................................1
2.3 Effectiveness of process used in a conflict or misunderstanding situation .........................1
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................1
3.1 Role of negotiation in collective bargaining.........................................................................1
3.2 Impacts of negotiation strategy for a situation .....................................................................1
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................1
4.1 Influence of the EU on industrial democracy.......................................................................1
4.2 Compare approaches used to gain employee involvement in the judgement making
process.........................................................................................................................................1
4.3 Impact of human resource management on employee or worker relations ..........................1
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Employee relation is defining as a relationship between employer and employee whose work
in the organisation. Both are important part of the business success, growth and development
(Employer/employee relations, 2017). An enterprise with a better connection programs gives
consistent and fair treatment to entire workers so they will be dedicated to their employments
and loyal to the organisation. It is also known as industrial and historical relations which is
worried with the emotional, practical, physical and contractual connection between manager and
its staff members (Akingbola, 2013). In simple word, communication between the employees
and management regarding workplace conflict, grievances, decisions, unions, problem resolution
and dispute of collective bargaining.
This report is based on Waitrose which is a British retail and multinational organisation in
United Kingdom. This company deals in different variety of food products and give better
services to their customers. This project discussed about the Pluralistic and Unitary frames of
references and responsibility of main players. In order to solve conflict and other issues
employee relation plays essential role. This study also shown the negotiation role in its impact on
decision making process. Impact of human resource management also influence on employee
relation in an effective and efficient manner.
TASK 1
1.1 Explain the Pluralistic and Unitary frames of references
In the each and every organisation, employer and employees are plays essential or vital
role in business success. Waitrose is a multinational and British retail company in United
Kingdom which deals is different food verities. Main aim and purpose of this enterprise to
archive higher profitability and productivity by providing quality products and services to
customers. In order to maintain better relation with among the staff members, company choose
various kinds of tools and techniques such as pluralistic & unitary frames (Bailly and Léné,
2012). Both are important and necessary for keeping long term connection with management and
workers. Those are determining under this:
Pluralistic frames of references: In this way, an enterprise is supposed as presence made
up of great and different sub-groups. Due to this, all teams has its own loyalties and
responsibilities in order to set their long term goals and objectives in given time period. With the
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help of this approach, manager of the company promotes and encourage their all workers about
its work and business functions.
Unitary frames of references: It is defining as a thinking way, mind set of values,
attitudes, practices and assumptions relating to organisational and management membership. It is
mainly lay on the declaration that in regards to attain success, development of business. With the
use of this aspects, manager of the Waitrose despite them various responsibility and must be
share similar values, objectives and goals. In this each and every employee are measured to be
reliable.
Both are important and essential for the organisation but Waitrose only consider Unitary
frames because it is useful for the business (Becchetti and et. al., 2012). With the use of this
aspects, an enterprise maintains long term relation with their employer and employees in an
effective or efficient manner. In this trade union also plays vital role in achievement of desire
objectives and values. So it is said, to growing business activities and functions unitary frames is
necessary.
1.2 Changes in trade unionism have influenced on employee relations
Trade union has reformed the workers and the enterprise condition or situation a lot. It is
designed for the great trading approach in all over the world and the enhanced labour or worker’s
conditions in the company (Revision: Trade unions employee relations employee participation
employment law, 2017). They give the improved wages policies and plans for the staff members
of the business entity and also concerned the humanity.
Trade union was adopted in 1831 internationally. All employees are hired in the foreign
firm tool the pressure or came down to tension to strike and incursion with the desire and wants
for maximising wages. Trade union were formed to give the labours and employees of the
organisation the fortification compared to manipulation and to take the development in the
working situations. Main aim and purpose of trade union is to provide better and healthy working
environment to their workers (Day, 2011). It is formed or emerged to enhance the living and
function situations of the staff members and business entity. In order to protect and encouraged
the rights of employees as well as defend their interest in an effective or efficient manner.
TU have the little group of persons with the big aims or objectives. In the organisation,
they play vital role in recruiting knowledgeable and skilled candidates who can easily gain long
term and desire objectives in certain time period of company (Hou and Reber, 2011). Changes in
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the trade union largely impacts on employee’s relation because it is a main part of maintaining
effective relation. In this they give different opportunities to their junior with motive of
increasing their self-moral and standard.
1.3 Role of the main players in employee relations
Employee relation: In each and every business entity relation between employer and
employees is very important part of their success. in order to maintain better and long term
connection, company provides different facilities to their staff members such as incentives,
bonus, fair remuneration, healthy & safety working environment. In the Waitrose, there are
different key players which are plays vital role in employee relation are as follows:
Managers: They are main part of the company who can give full efforts in development
and growth of the organisation (Fu and et. al., 2015). In this, they try to provide different
programs and section to their all staff members & development, conferences and seminars etc. so
all are attending this and increase their basic knowledge and skills as well as share their all issues
and views about company operations.
Workers: They are also important part of the company, in order to complete all work in
given time period, due to this worker put their all efforts effectively. They responsible for giving
proper direction and motivation to their junior staffs (Hendrix and et. al., 2012). So in this, co-
workers mainly focused in achieving desired goals and objectives of firm. They are also essential
persons in keeping better connection with management and employees in a systematic manner.
Government agencies: Main role and responsibility of the government is to make
effective policies, rules and regulation in regards to retain better link with employer and
employee (Fuertes and et. al., 2013). However, Waitrose has to proceeds into consideration
various legislations such as minimum wages, health & safety and labour act so that effective
atmospheres can be provided to the staffs.
Trade Union: It is defining as a group of different person who has same purpose in respect
to attaining common goals and objectives of company. In this they try to organise different
sections to their employee with motive of reducing conflict and misunderstanding as well as
keeping long term connection with administration (Kim and et. al., 2012).
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TASK 2
2.1 Procedures an enterprise should follow when dealing with various conflict situation
In each and every organisation, conflict is a big problem which is face by different
employees in the business. It is creating the negative effects on employee relation which is not
good for the company success. This issue takes the great issues like disputes and strikes in the
company. In this situation, Waitrose face less productivity and profitability as well as decrees
sales. But it will support the administration in regards to identify effectiveness and efficiency of
effective judgement. In the enterprise, conflict and misunderstanding are main problems which
highly effects on business performances (Harvey, 2012). In order to deals with different issues,
Waitrose follows effective process which are determine under this:
Collaboration: It is very important and essential part of solving and dealing with conflict.
In this manager of the company provide different facilities and services to their staff members
such as fair remuneration, effective working hours, friendly & safety environment, incentives
and other services (Harvey, 2012). In this their main role is to conduct different programs such as
conferences, meetings and other section where workers can share their issues, ideas, through and
problems. So it can be reduced all conflict and problems in the company.
Empathy: It is known as a workplace where large number of the employees are work with
motive of achieving long term goals and objectives of the company. It will make the better and
long term connection with entire workforce in order to increase productivity and profitability of
the firm. It can give effective and healthy relation which is needed by all workers because in this
they share their common goals with each other (Hendrix and et. al., 2012). In order to solve
conflict and other disputes, upper level management easily and freely communicate with their
employees which result is higher growth and success of industry.
Compromise: It is identifying as a last process which is follows or select by the Waitrose
in regrades to decreasing this issues in a systematic and effective manner. In this way, manger
give different reason of conflict such as addition time of working, job cuts and other causes to
workers. Apart from this condition, organisation can negotiate this issue which support the staffs
in order to maintain their better relation and gain long term development and success in
competitive marketplace (Kunju Mathew and Jones, 2012).
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2.2 Key features employee relations in conflict situations
Industrial relation is the reliable and real obligation of the person in order to acquire the
advantages of the long term and effective connections in an enterprise as well as business
environment also. Great connection with management and workers is important part because it
will increase the performance and effectiveness of the business entity and generating the safe&
healthy atmospheres in an organisation. Employee relation can be retained by the minimum
conflict and no misunderstanding at working place (Hou and Reber, 2011). Issues regarding to
obstacles can be resolved and removed by the generating enhanced employment situation,
bonuses, incentives, proper working hours to the workforce, commitment and loyalty towards
function or work etc.
The main purpose of Waitrose with respect to the beyond case is to give the accurate
rights to the staff’s members. So in this workers of the company or the related manager should
have ignored the struggle by considering with them effectively.
There are certain key features in order to maintain better relation with employees and employers
are as follows:
Negotiations: It is important features od addressing conflict and misunderstanding of
management and worker (Li and Yeo, 2011). In this situation, business manager is responsible to
negotiates all issues in an effective and efficient manner. Obstacles problems such as job cuts
and addition time of working are address by the employer.
Collective bargaining: It is defining as the elevated voice of the particular team for their
common rights (Kim and et. al., 2012). In this way, company give conduct different sections
such as conferences, seminars and meetings in order to share their all issues and common goals
with each other.
Ineffective communication: It is identifying as the cause of arguments and obstacles in
an enterprise (Fuertes and et. al., 2013). Proper and effective communication reduce the
misunderstanding issues. In this situation, opinion and feedbacks of the workforce is needed in
regards to known conflict reason.
Grievances: It is defining as the interpersonal connection with the issue about is the
grievances. in order to sort out all issues and problems in the organisation, company
interpersonally assist the workers by providing accurate working period, job security and other
valuable support.
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2.3 Effectiveness of process used in a conflict or misunderstanding situation
Above process which is important because with the use of this company easily solve all
issues which are present in the organisation. In this Waitrose apply the effective procedures
which includes Collaboration, Empathy and Compromise. All these are important and beneficial
part of the business success and development because all these solves the conflict in an essay and
systematic manner. Collaboration support the manger in regards to organise various programs to
their employees. So all are attending this section and share their common goals, interest, issues
and other thoughts with each other (Kunju Mathew and Jones, 2012). Another is empathy with
also assist the manager of the company to achieve long term and desire objectives and targets of
the business entity in given time period. In this process company take better connection with
their junior manager who required healthy and friendly working environment. So it is also solved
the conflict issue by gaining effective communication with their upper level management.
Last process is Compromise, in this all workforce are negotiate their all problems in an
effective and efficiency manner. Thus, all activities are important and beneficial for the company
in order to addressing conflict in a proper way (Fu and et. al., 2015). All those process are
effective for the business organisation in order to apply as well as sort out all work based issue in
the company. Waitrose Is a multinational and British retail firm which deals in different food
products and effective services to their customer. In the firm, there are large number of the
employees are work with each other but some time it will crates the conflict in between manger
and their workers. Because some workforce is not understanding about the business policies and
advanced technology (Li and Yeo, 2011). In order to knowing some knowledge regarding this,
so it will consume more time and shown as a conflict which is face by all staff members.
TASK 3
3.1 Role of negotiation in collective bargaining
Collective bargaining: It is defining as a process where different number of employees are
present and share their common goals, profits, opinions and views with administrator about job
opportunities. It will give better and significant way with the aid of effective decision which is
take better place between employer and employees within company (Schoemmel and Jønsson,
2014). In the procedure of collective bargaining. All employees have their own rights to choose
good services and products. In this, entire workforce exchanges its views and issues to
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management in an easy manner. So in this business entity provides effective and healthy working
environment to their workers in order to retain long term relation with them. Apart from this,
negotiation plays vital and important role in the process of collective bargaining which are
determine under this:
Negotiation assist business entity to getting an accurate conclusion: It will support the
organisation in order to motivate and promote their employees about their work and activities. In
this way, entire workers are follows up strong and formal conversation with the administration
who are emphasis conflict and misunderstanding issues in their company. So it is essential and
important aspects of reducing and addressing all conflict in a proper manner.
Negotiation assist in enhancing the effectiveness of collective bargaining process: Main
role and responsibility of the negotiation in the process of collective bargaining is solving the all
problems in a systematic way (Loretto and et. al., 2013). In this, Waitrose use effective tools and
techniques of communication with motive of solving struggle. In this situation, they follow
specific practices and work policies within an enterprise which assist in prevailing the issues or
problems. They also play vital role in increasing the efficient and performances of collective
bargaining essentially.
3.2 Impacts of negotiation strategy for a situation
Negotiation strategy is selected be employer and employee which impacted the enterprise in
an effective manner (Day, 2011). It is providing the advantages to both parties as well as
enhanced long term relation. It is also very important and beneficial for reducing conflict and
misunderstanding in the organisation. Management and workers have discussed the obstacles
issues and negotiate as well as decided to maximise the wages of the employees. This strategy
protecting and encouraging the human rights and providing improved & better working
environment in an enterprise. There is certain negotiation strategy which is involved in this
situation are as follows:
Competitive strategy: It will help of the manager in order to identifying the needs and
demands of the customers. Process of negotiations which is complete by the legal authorities
with the assist of experienced customers (Morris, 2012). It is not useful and valuable in conflict
situation because this will be cutting the job prospects in order to emphasise the company which
created misunderstanding in worker’s groups.
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Cooperative strategy: It is very essential and beneficial which is follows by the Waitrose in
their business operations and functions. With the use of this aspects, an organisation resolves all
conflict and issues in a systematic manner. In this situation, different departments ae available
for decreasing obstacles and increasing productivity and profitability of the company. It is help
in order to increasing performance and effectiveness of the company in minimum time period.
So it is applying by the business in achieving long term goals as well as reducing entire issues in
a proper way.
TASK 4
4.1 Influence of the EU on industrial democracy
Industrial democracy: It is defining as a structures of democracy in activities of both the
management and workers of the industry (Schoemmel and Jønsson, 2014). It will consider
involvement of the employees and employers in the judgement making process. In this both are
share their responsibility and power with each other as well as put their own opinion in the
conference.
Impacts of Europium Union
 It is giving the industrial equality in the United Kingdom.
 European Union enhancing the democratic approach in the organisations and industries
of the EU countries (Becchetti and et. al., 2012).
 It is giving the enhanced industrial and organisational connection in the country.
Co-determination practices: It is known as a best practice model which is presented in
Germany. In this work council and organisation structure includes in two levels such as
supervisor and administrative. So in this all employees are work with enjoy and give their full
efforts the involvement of decision making process. In this both parties are promoted and
encouraged in an effective or efficient manner.
European work Councils: It is identifying as a legal authority which represent entire
employees in Europe. They support the business owner about the decision which impacts the
working condition of country.
Settlement on European union: This will be tapered in 1993 by Maastricht. Main aim of
objectives of this is to improving and increasing business performances & effectiveness in
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systematic manner (Tsirikas and et. al., 2012). Due to this, both monetary and economic union
are establishing on the effective policies which are mainly include in this.
Discussion directive: It is essential and important to give proper rights to the workforce who
are functioning in the entity. In year 2005, it was highly impacted that cover certain areas such as
Economic job condition, employment framework and exchange views form the management.
4.2 Compare approaches used to gain employee involvement in the judgement making process
Employees participation: It is defining as the process and activities of acquiring
considered in decision making process of the enterprise. It will provide the rights in order to put
their own opinion in the judgement making activity. Involvement of the workers is raising the
voice in peace with the procedure (Williams and Horodnic, 2015) It is also known as
motivational approach which is provide by company in order to motivate their employees
regarding its work and functions. In this business entity provides different tools and techniques
in regards to attract large number of the participation for its workforce. So in this, Waitrose can
increase their profitability and productivity level.
Representative contribution: It is identifying as an important element where management,
workers and union are discussed their certain issues with the business (Loretto and et. al., 2013)
(Morris, 2012). In this different parties are come together and each and every are given their own
opinion regarding conflict in a smooth manner. But it is also having negative effects on the
employee’s participation and involvement are constrained that can hinder their opinion.
Examination of attitudes: It is known as an innovative and new methods where large
number of the employees provides their views and opinions about determination of procedures,
job estimation and measurement of employees and business performance approach (Bailly and
Léné, 2012).
Quality circle: It is also identifying as an effective technique where management of the
Waitrose can get innovative plan about work based issues such as conflict, misunderstanding and
obstacles etc. It is also having negative effects which is identify as a constraint in the
contribution of workers who have more ability and skills.
4.3 Impact of human resource management on employee or worker relations
In each and every business organisation, human resource management is a very important
and essential part of them. In the enterprise they play essential role in recruiting and selecting
knowledgeable and skill candidates (Williams and et. al., 2011). They have responsibility and
9

duty to give effective and positive environment to their employees. In this they provide better
training and development programs to their workforce in order to increase their basis knowledge
regarding particular subjects. So they are motivated and encouraged in a proper manner, due to
this they required flexible atmospheres, work security and safety and other benefits (Akingbola,
2013). HRM is connected with the employee or industrial connection which occupied on the
quality, communication, duties, roles, responsibilities, contributions, and flexibility. All these
quality help of the human resource in order to create harmony and healthy environment. Main
role of the HR in the company is to give necessary and important information to their all
workforce about training requirements, changes in business, applying in advanced and
innovative technology. In this situation, business owner can communicate easily with their all
employees so they can work smoothly in the organisation.
In this human resource manager also apply the effective communication which is very
important part of the business success and development (Winkelmann-Gleed, 2011). In this they
can easily communicate with their all employees and provide full satisfaction to them. So they
work with their full efforts and try to increase sales and revenue of the organisation. Better
communication sort out the all issues such as conflict, misunderstanding, obstacles and other
initial difficulties in the workplace. Management of the Waitrose must transfer their all
information and data to the workers in order to create positive working atmospheres.
HRM also conduct different programmers and sections where all staff members are
come together and share their opinion, views in the process of decision making. In this feedbacks
of the clients and employees can assist to business manager to identify whole situation in own
mind. Involvement or participation of the workers support employees to present their ideas and
increase productivity or effectiveness of the organisation. But is also generate the negative
effects on the employee’s high contribution (Zide and et. al., 2014). In this situation,
management of the Waitrose can enhance the individual attention which can impacts on revenues
and profit of organisation. Therefore, Waitrose and their employees can deliberate the
involvement which contingent on the business effectiveness.
CONCLUSION
As per the above mentioned report, it can be that employee relation is very important and
vital part of the business success and development. Different tools and techniques are used in
order to motivate employees towards their work and business functions. Manager, employee,
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government and employer are plays essential role in the growth of company. In order to reduce
conflict and misunderstanding, manager of the organisation apply certain process to decrease this
issues. Negotiation role in collective bargaining and its effects on strategy which impact on
employee relation. In regards to maintain better connection between employer and employees,
manager can have motivated them towards its work or functions. Workers involvement is very
vital and significant part of business entity in order to increase their sales or revenues. Human
resource management is important department in each and every organisation that play essential
role in recruiting and selecting knowledge candidates who can easily maintain relationship
between manager and workers.
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Online
Employer/employee relations. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/business-theory/people/employeremployee-
relations.html>.
Revision:Trade unions employee relations employee participation employment law. 2017.
[Online]. Available through:
<https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/revision/politics/trade-unions-employee-relations-
employee-participation-employment-law>.
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