How Legal Teams Can Support HR in Employee Relations

Legal teams play a crucial role in supporting HR in employee relations. By providing guidance on employment laws, policies, and procedures, legal teams help HR professionals navigate complex legal issues and make informed decisions. In this article, we'll explore the ways in which legal teams can support HR in employee relations, including providing legal advice, drafting employment agreements, and conducting investigations.

One of the primary ways legal teams can support HR in employee relations is by providing legal advice. This includes advising HR professionals on employment laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Legal teams can also provide guidance on company policies and procedures, such as employee handbooks and termination procedures.

Another way legal teams can support HR in employee relations is by drafting employment agreements. This includes drafting employment contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and confidentiality agreements. Legal teams can also review and revise employment agreements to ensure they are compliant with employment laws and company policies.

In addition to providing legal advice and drafting employment agreements, legal teams can also conduct investigations. This includes investigating allegations of harassment, discrimination, and other workplace misconduct. Legal teams can also provide guidance on how to conduct investigations, including how to interview witnesses and gather evidence.

Legal teams can also support HR in employee relations by providing training and education. This includes training HR professionals on employment laws, company policies, and procedures. Legal teams can also provide training on how to conduct investigations and how to handle employee relations issues.

Finally, legal teams can support HR in employee relations by providing strategic guidance. This includes advising HR professionals on how to develop and implement effective employee relations strategies, including how to prevent and address workplace conflicts.

In conclusion, legal teams play a crucial role in supporting HR in employee relations. By providing legal advice, drafting employment agreements, conducting investigations, and providing training and education, legal teams help HR professionals navigate complex legal issues and make informed decisions. By working together, legal teams and HR professionals can create a positive and productive work environment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.