Employee Relations Specialist

The Employee Relations Specialist plays a key role in conducting HR-related duties in collaboration with the Head of Colleague Relations and business leadership to support optimal culture and engagement of the organization. This position must possess considerable skill in the following functional areas: Employee Relations, performance management, and policy administration.
You are

• A hands-on individual with a growth mindset, who acts compassionately and is motivated to deliver operational excellence and positive colleague experience
• Passionate about accuracy and can follow business processes with high attention to detail and accuracy
• An advocate for driving improvements on behalf of our colleagues
• Able to put yourself in your colleagues' shoes to create and enhance processes that deliver a positive colleague outcome and experience
• Someone who asks probing questions to fully understand an issue
• Someone who thrives by leveraging multiple resources to find the right information and communicate effectively and with empathy
• Able to effectively prioritize time sensitive situations in an efficient and responsive manner and model such behavior

You will

• Collaborate with Managers, HR, and the HR team to promote and support the corporate culture of the organization, while working closely with leaders and colleagues to cultivate positive work relationships.
• Promote high employee morale and foster strong employee engagement, belonging, recognition, and celebration of employee accomplishments.
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of the regulations and obligations pertaining to colleague management, with a focus on mitigating legal risks and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including EEO and anti-discrimination laws.
• Strengthens diversity initiatives by fostering inclusive spaces and creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to be heard, valued, and appreciated in their work environments.
• Supports Employee Relations efforts in partnership with management, HR, and leadership.
• Provides guidance and counsel to both leaders and colleagues on matters pertaining to Employee Relations.
• Collaborates with leadership, HR, Compliance and Employment Legal to address complex Employee Relations issues, including conducting comprehensive, objective, and effective investigations.
• Works with leadership during staff disciplinary actions and termination processes
• Reviews exit interviews and analyzes data to identify trends and make suggestions on areas for improvement.
• Regularly collaborates with leadership to develop and maintain job descriptions, ensuring expectations are clearly defined and effectively communicated.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and updating HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with labor laws, employment regulations and company policies.
• Ensures consistency in the interpretation and application of HR policies across the organization.
• Supports the performance management process, including goal setting, performance evaluations, and documenting performance related information.
• Maintains and updates records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

You have

• Passionate about Employee Relations and you realize the importance of providing outstanding colleague experience.
• An undergraduate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field, or equivalent professional experience required.
• 5+ years' experience in Employee Relations, or a related role required.
• HR certification (PHR or SHRM-CP) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations and resolving complex Employee Relations issues.
• Possess a high level of integrity with the ability to maintain confidentiality while managing sensitive information with discretion.
• Solid understanding of performance management processes and techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in HRIS systems, MS Office, and other HR-related software.

Location /Travel
Hybrid role -in office 3 days a week, WFH - 2 days a week. Preferred location - Bethlehem, PA
Salary Range
$82,660.00 - $135,805.00
The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.
Our Promise
At Guardian, you'll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.
Inspire Well-Being
As part of Guardian's Purpose - to inspire well-being - we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues.
Health Care

• Choice of [high deductible/copay] medical plans* with prescription drugs, including coverage for fertility and transgender inclusive benefits
• Dental plan
• Vision plan
• Health care accounts - flexible spending, health reimbursement, and health savings accounts
• Critical illness insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

• Company-paid Life and Disability insurance plus voluntary supplemental coverage
• Accident insurance

Retirement and Financial

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, plus an annual age/service-based Company contribution and an annual profit-sharing contribution, if applicable
• Complimentary 1:1 financial guidance with a licensed Fidelity representative

Time Off and Remote Work

• Flexible work arrangements (part in-person/part remote)
• Unlimited paid time off for most roles plus time off for volunteering, jury duty, voting, and bereavement
• Personal holidays for colleagues to use in recognition of religious, cultural, or civic days
• Paid parental leave and paid family and medical leave policies

Emotional Well-being and Work-Life

• Emotional well-being, mental health, and work/life resources powered by Spring Health
• Wellness programs, including fitness program and equipment reimbursement
• Child, adult, and elder back-up care support through Bright Horizons
• Adoption assistance
• College planning
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan assistance
• Commuter benefits in select metropolitan areas

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)

• Employee Resource Groups that advocate for inclusion and diversity
• J.E.D.I. certification and training programs
• Matching gifts/volunteering

Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Accommodations
Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact applicant_accommodation@glic.com.