Principal Employee Relations Partner

Your work days are brighter here.

At Workday, it all began with a conversation over breakfast. When our founders met at a sunny California diner, they came up with an idea to revolutionize the enterprise software market. And when we began to rise, one thing that really set us apart was our culture. A culture which was driven by our value of putting our people first. And ever since, the happiness, development, and contribution of every Workmate is central to who we are. Our Workmates believe a healthy employee-centric, collaborative culture is the essential mix of ingredients for success in business. That's why we look after our people, communities and the planet while still being profitable. Feel encouraged to shine, however that manifests: you don't need to hide who you are. You can feel the energy and the passion, it's what makes us unique. Inspired to make a brighter work day for all and transform with us to the next stage of our growth journey? Bring your brightest version of you and have a brighter work day here.

About the Team

Works closely with management in the implementation of corporate policies related to human resources, organizational and employee development at the business unit or division level. Consults with employees and managers to address root causes of human resources issues, attempting to resolve employee relations issues with a systematic approach. Participates in company-wide programs and initiatives (e.g., salary review, stock renewal, workforce planning, and organizational change). Assists senior management in the development of solutions through organizational development and cultural and process-oriented perspectives. Key skills and abilities include coaching, influencing, facilitation, presentation, communication, process development, analysis and problem solving.

About the Role

We are searching for a Principal Employee Relations Partner to join an exciting and rapidly growing company in Pleasanton. The purpose of the Senior Employee Relations Partner role is to enable achievement of Workday's organizational and business objectives through solving complex employee relations matters across all levels of the organization. Experience managing multiple competing stakeholder demands in a lightning-fast and ever-changing environment is a must! This role is critical to scaling and growing the capabilities, processes and systems that help Workday deliver an exceptional experience for our workforce.

The Employee Relations Partner will:

• Drive the implementation of Employee Relations strategies, guidelines, and procedures including effective communication and guidance for managers and employees. Ensures consistent application across the organization and within the HR Partner teams.
• Conduct and lead complex, high-risk and/or sensitive confidential investigations related to employee issues and claims, prepare investigative summaries, and make recommendations on next steps and appropriate actions.
• Advise and influence business leaders and the HR Partner teams through resolving employee relations matters and mitigating risk to the company.
• Identify, analyze and implement sound resolutions to complex employee relations issues.
• Initiate a proactive, strategic approach to employee relations by identifying and analyzing ER data/metrics for themes, trends, and root cause identification. Share findings with key partners to develop and deliver an integrated plan that links to organization and people strategies.
• Establish, build and maintain strong relationships with business groups including employees, managers, HR and Legal.
• Effectively anticipate the unintended consequences and broader impact of decisions and recommendations, identify alternate courses of action, and facilitate gaining alignment with key stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and anticipate future legal changes and partner with in-house Employment Counsel to provide options and recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to assess the impact of policies and practices and make recommendations to address areas of inconsistency or practice improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal employment regulations and provide a regular assessment of how the company is doing relative to current regulations and articulate risk in all areas.

Required Expertise, Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent demonstrable knowledge of current employment law and best practices in Employee Relations policies, principles, and procedures.
• Able to advise a range of stakeholders on Employee Relations issues balancing legal compliance with business need.
• Strong analytical skills, with an ability to analyze information to identify the root causes of problems and proposing realistic and practical solutions to address them based on knowledge and understanding of the organization and its operating environment.
• Capable of applying discretion and sound judgment while managing complex processes, decisions and handling sensitive information.
• Exceptional coaching, facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
• Extensive expertise managing complex employee relations issues, including workplace investigations.
• Strong influencing skills leveraging business acumen, expertise and data.

• Ability to accomplish results and desired outcomes through formal and informal structures.
• Ability to finalize complex investigations quickly to minimize disruption within the organization.
• Advise and influence all levels of management around complex employee relation decisions, e.g. performance management, business conduct, terminations, restructuring and policies, guidelines and practices.
• In partnership with our Leadership and Organization Effective team, design leadership modules on management practices based on Employee Relations trends and themes.

About You

The Principal Employee Relations Partner reports to the Director, Employee Relations and Global Mobility. The role is global in scope and will partner closely with the HR Partner teams, Employment Counsel, Internal Audit, and other HR teams such as Talent Acquisition, Compensation and HR Operations. Some domestic and international travel will be required.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

10+ years of exempt level HR experience

5+ years directly managing complex employee relations issues

5+ years advising leadership regarding HR practices

MBA/MA or JD preferred

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As a federal contractor, Workday is requiring all new hires to verify that they are fully-vaccinated against COVID-19 within 72 hours of beginning employment with Workday, consistent with applicable law. Workday is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are not vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief, medical reasons, or other legally-protected reason should contact [email protected] to explore what, if any, reasonable accommodations or exemptions Workday is able to offer.

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Are you being referred to one of our roles? If so, ask your connection at Workday about our Employee Referral process!