Workplace Relations Adviser
What the work is
Assists employers in setting terms and conditions of employment. Resolves disputes by undertaking negotiations with staff on matters such as rates of pay and conditions of employment.
Would you enjoy the work?
These are the main tasks in the official description. Mark how each one sounds to you.
- Undertakes negotiations on terms and conditions of employment in the workplace
- Examines and resolves disputes and grievances on behalf of the employer
- Studies and interprets legislation, awards, collective agreements and employment contracts, wage payment systems, and dispute settlement procedures
- Provides industrial relations advice
- Manages employee relations
- Promotes a positive work environment
- Mitigates risks associated with industrial disputes
- Manages employment discipline and performance management processes
Try it
A simulation and a case study from this kind of work, set in the people and culture team of a fictional medium sized manufacturing company. They are fictional.
The kind of days you could have
Good days
- A new starter's first week goes so smoothly that they feel part of the team by Friday
- Two colleagues who were not speaking sit down and sort it out with your help
- You find the right person for a role and see them grow in it
Hard days
- A manager wants to act on a rumour before anyone has heard the other side
- You hold confidential information and cannot say a word to a worried colleague
- A tough conversation about someone's job leaves you drained for the evening
Written by Career Calling as a general guide. Real roles vary by employer and place.
Work a mission
Step into a simulated workplace in this field, with a brief from your manager.
Description and tasks: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, 2024, Version 1.0 (opens another site), occupation 222132, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. The skill guide above is our plain English summary.