Employee Relations Manager
Casinos and casino hotels need a wide variety of employees in order to run efficiently. Some casinos have over 1,000 employees; larger ones may employ 2,500 people or more. The Employee Relations Manager usually works in the human resources department. The person makes sure employees are kept abreast of what’s happening within the casino. The Employee Relations Manager also helps keep employees satisfied with their jobs.
The Employee Relations Manager acts as a liaison between management and employees, bringing employee problems to the attention of management, and, conversely, explaining management policies to employees. In order to do this, the person must meet with management to learn about new policies or changes in existing ones.
The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for handling staff communications. This may include developing and writing letters, memos, flyers, posters, and employee newsletters. In some settings, the Manager hands some of these duties on to an assistant. In this event, the person is responsible for editing and checking the written communications. Many feel that one of the plusses of working in a casino environment is that it is somewhat like an extended family. The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of employee events. These activities not only boost morale, but help everyone relax while getting to know one another on a different basis. The Employee Relations Manager may develop functions such as picnics, parties, dances, and basketball or softball games.
The Employee Relations Manager may be responsible for working with union shop stewards. The individual must attend their meetings and relay information to management. In some cases, he or she works with other management people negotiating union requests. Other duties of the Employee Relations Manager working in a casino or casino hotel may include:
- Conducting training seminars and workshops for employees
- Investigating and answering employee grievances
- Negotiating with employees regarding grievances
- Arranging events to recognize casino employees for long or outstanding service
- Supervising others in the department
What Salaries does the Employee Relations Manager have?
Employee Relations Managers earn salaries ranging from USD 45,000 to USD 80,000 annually. Factors affecting earnings include the geographic location, size, and prestige of the specific casino or casino hotel, as well as the education, experience, and responsibilities of the individual. Generally, those working in larger facilities who are responsible for greater numbers of employees earn higher salaries.
Employment Prospects for the employee Relations Manager
Employment prospects for Employee Relations Managers are fair. They generally can be found in mid-sized and larger facilities. In smaller properties, the director of human resources or personnel director may handle the functions of the Employee Relations Manager. Individuals usually work normal business hours. They may be required to work overtime or on weekends when emergencies arise, during negotiations, or when employee events are scheduled.
Advancement Prospects
Employee Relations Managers may advance their careers by locating similar jobs in larger casinos. Individuals climb the career ladder by being promoted to human resources or personnel director. There are also Employee Relations Managers who go into public relations as well.
Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree is usually required to become an Employee Relations Manager in a casino or casino hotel. Work experience may sometimes be accepted in lieu of formal education. A broad educational background with courses in group dynamics, negotiation, arbitration, labor relations, human resources, personnel, public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, English, business, writing, and psychology will be useful.
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
Individuals interested in becoming Employee Relations Managers should have experience in the human resources field. Employee Relations Managers should be personable people who genuinely like others. Individuals need good communication skills with the ability to speak articulately to groups of people. They must be able to write clearly and accurately. Employee Relations Managers additionally must have good understanding of the attitudes of both employees and those in management. General knowledge of group dynamics, negotiations, and arbitration is also needed.
Unions and Associations
Those interested in learning more about careers as Employee Relations Managers may obtain information from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) or the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), as well as the human resources departments in casinos and casino hotels.
Tips for the next Employee Relations Manager
1. Visit the human resources departments of casinos and inquire about job openings. Send or fax a résumé and a short cover letter.
2. Many casinos have job hotline numbers. These offer current job opportunities available at the facility.
3. Openings are often advertised on the Internet. They may be located via the home pages of casino hotels. They may also be found by doing a search of “Casino,” “Casino Hotel,” or “Gaming Job Opportunities.”
4. Jobs may be advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as “Casino/Gaming Opportunities,” “Employee Relations Manager,” “Employee Relations,” or “Casinos/Casino Hotels.”