The Team You Will Join
Employee Relations is a specialized team within Human Resources that supports People Leaders and Employees with work environment issues. Our team acts as a steward of MetLife's culture to create a safe, impartial, and objective environment where concerns are managed with the utmost discretion. We provide coaching, consultation, and guidance in accordance with MetLife's Global Workplace Statement and Global Code of Business Ethics.
The Opportunity
This position serves as a senior level employee relations subject matter expert and is responsible for coordinating and conducting thorough, fair and impartial investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation and violations of company policies. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a safe and respectful work environment by ensuring that all concerns are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
This role is also responsible for receiving, managing, resolving and documenting other complex employee relations inquiries and issues as needed, including providing guidance and direction to managers in handling of employee matters (e.g., attendance, performance, behavior, conflict) and responding to and identifying effective solutions to address employee concerns (e.g., disagreements and disputes, interpersonal conflicts and workplace complaints).
How You’ll Help Us Build a Confident Future (Key Responsibilities)
- Working under minimal supervision, provide effective service, support, consultation and resolution of complex ER inquiries and issues, involving individuals at all levels, through the informed application of company policies, programs, procedures, and federal/state laws.
- Conduct and document comprehensive and timely investigations into employee complaints, reports of potential misconduct and alleged policy violations with the appropriate level of discretion, following established processes and guidelines.
- Present investigation findings to decision-makers and recommend appropriate actions based on the investigation results.
- Execute on the decisions made by the Decision-Maker and appropriate after-care activities.
- Prepare detailed written reports summarizing allegations, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Analyze employee relations issues and trends to identify training opportunities for employees and managers.
- Facilitate training to associates and managers in support of employee relations strategy and to address trend concerns.
What You Need to Succeed (Required Qualifications)
- 8-10 years of employee relations or human resources generalist experience
- 5+ years of investigation experience or 2+ years of experience in a dedicated investigator role
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Expert knowledge and understanding of federal and state employment laws and regulations to provide solutions that minimize risk
- Demonstrated ability to conduct multiple formal investigations simultaneously, involving all levels of interaction and providing appropriate recommendations to senior business leaders.
- Proven ability to research information, analyze data, and use sound judgment to draw valid conclusions, prepare recommendations and build plans of action.
- Ability to establish credibility, build rapport and create trust in a virtual setting.
- Excellent consultative, listening, and verbal/written communication skills; ability to influence, negotiate and convey recommendations and opinions persuasively.
- Excellent relationship management skills and ability to collaborate effectively and partner well with others.
- Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive, emotional and confidential situations in a composed, discrete and professional manner.
- Excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and use time effectively and efficiently, while shifting frequently between multiple priorities and business requirements simultaneously.
What Can Give You an Edge (Additional Skills)
- EthicsPoint case management system experience
- Oracle HRIS experience
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications
