Employee Relations Specialist

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world's work marketplace. We serve everyone from one-person startups to large, Fortune 100 enterprises with a powerful, trust-driven platform that enables companies and talent to work together in new ways that unlock their potential.
Last year, more than $3.8 billion of work was done through Upwork by skilled professionals who are gaining more control by finding work they are passionate about and innovating their careers.
As a Employee Relations Specialist, you will play a crucial role in fostering a positive and productive work environment within the organization. Your primary responsibility will be to manage and enhance employee relations by promoting effective communication, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable employment laws. You will serve as a trusted advisor and mediator for employees and management, helping to build strong relationships and maintain a harmonious workplace culture.
Your Responsibilities:

1. Employee Relations Management:
• Develop and implement employee relations strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding workplace issues, concerns, and conflicts
• Investigate and address employee complaints, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Conduct workplace investigations in a fair and impartial manner, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.
• Provide guidance and support to management on employee relations matters.
• Monitor and analyze employee relations trends, recommending proactive measures to enhance employee satisfaction and engagement.
2. Conflict Resolution and Mediation:
• Facilitate conflict resolution processes between employees, supervisors, and departments.
• Conduct mediation sessions to address disputes and promote effective communication.

What it takes to catch our eye:

• Seasoned and proven skills in managing difficult ER situations, conflict management, employment law, influence skills, as well as deep and broad knowledge of Human Resources in general
• Advanced knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations. These include FLSA, EEO/AA, State Labor Code, ADA, Workers' Compensation regulations, CRD, EEOC, FMLA and CFRA.
• Demonstrated success in administering performance management systems and mentoring managers on the process of evaluating performance. Demonstrated knowledge of human resources practices in a large and highly complex organization including performance management programs.
• Superior diagnostic and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Solid business intelligence
• Ability to influence leaders and colleagues; skilled counselor, consultant and facilitator
• Strong organization skills and project management skills

The annual base salary for this position in California and Washington ranges from $105,000 - $123,000. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position in California and Washington, and individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Additionally, this position is eligible for the annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan and eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program.
Come change how the world works.
At Upwork, you'll shape talent solutions for how the world works today. We are a remote-first organization working together to create exciting remote work opportunities for a global community of professionals. While we have physical offices in San Francisco and Chicago, currently we also support hiring of corporate full-time employees in 19 states in the United States. Please speak with a member of our recruitment team to determine whether you are located in a state in which we are hiring corporate full-time employees.
At the core of our vibrant culture are shared values that form the foundation of our organization. These values revolve around trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence. Our overarching mission is to create economic opportunities so that people have better lives. We foster an environment where individuals are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, nurturing personal and professional growth through development opportunities, mentorship programs, and participation in Upwork Belonging Communities.
We take pride in providing exceptional benefits to our employees. These include comprehensive medical insurance coverage for both you and your family, unlimited paid time off, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. To explore these benefits in detail, as well as gain insights into our company values, working principles, and the overall employee experience, we invite you to visit our Life at Upwork page.
Upwork is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we never discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
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