Shifting from the team dynamics of sports into employee relations allows former athletes to apply their communication, conflict-resolution, and coaching skills to foster a positive workplace culture. As an Employee Relations Coordinator, you will support the development and maintenance of strong employee-employer relationships by advising on policy, investigating concerns, and facilitating resolutions. Your experience in teamwork, fair play, and motivation equips you to help colleagues navigate challenges, improve engagement, and uphold organizational values.
What is an Employee Relations Coordinator?
An Employee Relations Coordinator serves as a liaison between employees and management to address workplace issues, clarify policies, and promote a respectful environment. You assist in drafting and updating handbooks, guide managers on performance and conduct matters, and coordinate responses to grievances or disputes. You may conduct preliminary investigations, gather facts, and recommend corrective actions. Your goal is to resolve conflicts equitably, ensure compliance with labor laws, and support initiatives that enhance morale and retention.
Degrees needed to become an Employee Relations Coordinator
Employers typically look for a bachelor’s degree in:
- Human Resources Management – Foundations in employment law, performance management, and HR best practices.
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology – Insight into workplace behavior, motivation, and organizational development.
- Business Administration – Broad understanding of corporate strategy, ethics, and organizational structure.
- Labor Relations or Employment Law – Specialized knowledge of collective bargaining, compliance, and dispute resolution.
Training paths for an Employee Relations Coordinator
To deepen your expertise, consider:
- SHRM-CP or PHR Certification – Comprehensive credential covering employee relations and legal compliance.
- Workplace Investigation Training – Techniques for unbiased fact-finding and interviewing.
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation Workshops – Best practices for facilitating dialogue and agreement.
- Employment Law Seminars – Updates on federal, state, and local labor regulations.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Courses – Strategies for fostering inclusive culture and preventing bias.
Daily tasks of an Employee Relations Coordinator
- Advising managers on performance issues, conduct concerns, and policy interpretation.
- Conducting intake meetings for employee complaints and tracking case progress.
- Gathering documentation, interviewing witnesses, and preparing investigation summaries.
- Drafting and updating employee handbooks, policy manuals, and internal communications.
- Facilitating conflict-resolution sessions or mediations between colleagues.
- Monitoring case outcomes and ensuring agreed-upon actions are implemented.
- Analyzing trends in employee feedback, exit interviews, and engagement surveys.
- Partnering with HR teams to develop training on workplace conduct, ethics, and compliance.
What working as an Employee Relations Coordinator looks like
You balance office time — reviewing policies, documenting cases, and reporting — with meetings and interviews. You collaborate closely with HR business partners, legal counsel, and department leaders. The role demands discretion, empathy, and sound judgment, as you handle sensitive information and guide colleagues through challenging situations.
Skills and qualities for an Employee Relations Coordinator
- Communication – Clear, empathetic dialogue and written reports.
- Integrity – Upholding confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Analytical Thinking – Synthesizing information to identify root causes.
- Conflict Resolution – Facilitating fair and constructive outcomes.
- Attention to Detail – Accurate documentation and policy adherence.
- Legal Acumen – Understanding labor laws and compliance requirements.
- Empathy – Balancing organizational needs with employee perspectives.
- Organization – Managing multiple cases and timelines efficiently.
Salary of an Employee Relations Coordinator
- United States: $55,000–$75,000 annually.
- United Kingdom: £28,000–£40,000 per year.
- France: €35,000–€50,000 annually.
- Australia: AUD 70,000–AUD 90,000 per year.
Work environment
Employee Relations Coordinators work in HR departments of corporate offices, government agencies, or nonprofits. You use case-management systems and collaboration tools. Hybrid and remote models are common, but in-person meetings are essential for effective conflict resolution.
Career progression
- Employee Relations Manager – Leading ER strategy and teams.
- HR Business Partner – Broad HR advisory role across functions.
- HR Director – Executive oversight of all HR functions.
- Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) – C-suite leadership in people strategy.
- Independent HR Consultant – Advising organizations on ER best practices.
Companies hiring Employee Relations Coordinators
- Large corporations such as Google, Unilever, and JPMorgan
- Public sector bodies and government agencies
- Healthcare systems and hospital networks
- Educational institutions and nonprofits
- Professional services firms like Deloitte, EY, and KPMG