Transformational Industrial (IR) and Employee Relations (ER)

Labour Management, Workplace Relations, Negotiation & Mediation Skills

Course topic:

HR Management

Format availability:

In-Person

Duration:

5 Days

Introduction to the course

This Transformational Industrial (IR) and Employee Relations (ER) training course will provide participants with a thorough understanding of Labour and Industrial Relations (IR). Industrial Relations is concerned with the maintenance of the employment relationship, essentially how trade unions and management of an organisation interact.

Industrial Relations has undergone many changes over the past decade, but it continues to be a critical area for all organisations. Industrial Relations is about employers and unions communicating and negotiating effectively. It is about seeing the ‘big picture’ and helping the organisation take appropriate action to maintain good working relationships at all levels. This dynamic and interactive workshop will help you transform your industrial relations, so it meets the needs of all stakeholders over the coming decade.

This KC Academy training course will highlight:

  • Employee Relations (ER & IR) – What it is and What it should be?
  • The economic, legal & social perspectives of IR
  • The employment relationship and the psychological contract
  • Negotiation skills for collective bargaining
  • How to manage workplace conflict?
  • An Introduction to Mediation Techniques

Course details

By the end of this Transformational Industrial (IR) and Employee Relations (ER) training course, participants will learn to:

  • Develop a collaborative approach to labour & industrial relations
  • Examine techniques and methodologies for enhancing & transforming IR
  • Appreciate the importance of employee engagement and empowerment
  • Understand the people factors in IR
  • Critically analyse the possibilities of effective conflict resolution
  • Utilise mediation skills as a practical intervention into disputes

Participants in this Transformational Industrial (IR) and Employee Relations (ER) training course will receive thorough training on the subjects covered by the training course outline with the facilitator utilising a variety of proven adult learning teaching and facilitation techniques.

This training course is very participatory and interactive. It involves skill practice in a group setting. Training methodology includes individual and group activities that will intersperse the sessions.  A variety of practical sessions, relevant case studies, simulations, and group games and activities are programmed into this course.

  • An appreciation of the benefits of transformational IR in the workplace
  • A focus on best-practices in labour and industrial relations
  • Stronger labour management relations
  • Reduced time and costs spent on grievance arbitration
  • Promoting and supporting collaboration in negotiations

  • Improve your effectiveness as a trade union delegate or official
  • Develop practical, transferable skills and competencies
  • Better understand the future of labour and industrial relations
  • Practical skills in the practice of mediation
  • Learn about the modern role of the union official or delegate

  • Union Delegates and Officials
  • Employee Relations (ER) Personnel
  • Industrial Relations (IR) Personnel
  • Human Resource Management (HRM) Professionals who need to understand Industrial Relations & Employee Relations
  • Those managers who would benefit from an understanding of trade union issues
  • Anyone who wants to learn practical skills in labour negotiation and workplace mediation

Daily Agenda

DAY 1:
Transformational Employee, Labour & Industrial Relations
  • The Context for Labour, Employee & Industrial Relations
  • Understanding the Functional Role of Trade Unions
  • Trade Unionism in Africa, The Gulf, and Globally
  • Current Trends in Employee & Industrial Relations
  • The Nature of the Employment Relationship and the Psychological Contract
  • Employee Relations: Economic, Legal & Social Perspectives
DAY 2:
Vital People Factors in the Workplace
  • Collective Negotiation and Consultation
  • Techniques and Processes to Manage Grievances Efficiently
  • Dignity at Work: Workplace Bullying Example
  • The ‘Flexible Firm’ Model and the Labour Utilisation
  • Involvement, Participation, and Employee Voice
DAY  3:
Negotiation Skills for Collective Bargaining
  • Collective Bargaining
  • A Win-Win Approach to Negotiation
  • Stages of Negotiation & the Coleman Raider “Bare-bones” Model
  • Exploring Competition and Cooperation
  • Introduction to Reframing Techniques
  • Cultural Differences that Affect Negotiation and Collective Bargaining
DAY 4:
Managing Conflict and Workplace Mediation Skills
  • Understanding Conflict
  • Analysing your Conflict Handling Behaviour (styles)
  • Resolving and Managing Conflict – avoiding conflict escalation
  • The Abilene Paradox and Avoiding Groupthink
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
  • Understanding Arbitration, Conciliation, and Mediation
DAY 5:
Practical Techniques of Mediation
  • The Mediation Processes
  • Issues Suitable for Mediation
  • The Mediator’s Role
  • The 5-step Framework for Effective Mediation
  • Reaching and Formalising Agreements
  • Personal Action Planning

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no prerequisites. Our courses are open to students of all backgrounds who are 18 years of age and older. All courses are conducted in English. Video lectures include English subtitles and the option to slow-down, pause, or replay lectures for better retention. Discussion boards are a critical component of each of our courses; therefore, we suggest students have a conversational knowledge of English when pursuing a Certificate of Completion. For any of the art writing courses, students need to be 100% proficient in written English.

You should have an up-to-date web browser such as: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer. For more detailed information, please see the guides for supported browsers and basic computer specifications. Our Online Courses can be accessed on a mobile or tablet device, although we strongly encourage you to have access to a desktop or laptop computer and reliable internet connection for certain course components. Former students have told us it is easiest to read discussion threads and complete written assignments on a laptop or desktop computer.

Registration is available on our website. Just follow these simple steps: Click the “Apply Now” button in the top right corner of your screen. Select “Online Courses.” Choose your course(s). You will be asked for basic contact information and your credit card payment. We require full payment at the time of registration and all tuition is billed in US dollars. Be sure to check with your bank or credit card company, as your financial institution may charge a foreign transaction fee.

Our classes are kept small, at no more than 30 students, to better facilitate and encourage personalized interaction with the instructor and fellow participants. Your classmates come from all over the globe and contribute their global perspectives and experience. Some are currently working within the arts while others are just beginning. All classmates share in their passion for the art world.

It is recommended that you begin your course promptly. If you do need to start the course a few days late, contact your instructor as soon as possible after the course has opened to discuss your options. Registration closes on the Friday after the course begins.

Enroll now

Click on a date to enroll and save your seat
Kigali
26-30 May 2025
Fee: $5,950
Dubai
04-08 Aug 2025
Fee: $5,950
Dubai
01-05 Dec 2025
Fee: $5,950
Course customization available
Course customization available

This training course is available to be conducted at your own pace & at your own time. Request for a quotation now and our training advisor will contact you shortly

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