Preparation for Discussions and Hearings

Employee Relations Division staff is available to help employees, supervisors or managers prepare for discussions regarding challenging issues. We can clarify relevant rules and guidelines, help each party state their issues and concerns clearly (orally and in writing), and provide coaching and guidance in how to approach issues positively. Our goal is to help employees and managers achieve a win-win outcome and enhance their working relationships.

When someone requests our assistance, we provide honest feedback to help employees and managers make informed decisions about available options. Our commitment is to treat all issues with the greatest discretion and respect, and to maintain appropriate confidentiality.

We are available to help employees formulate grievance statements, if needed. Upon request, we can also advise managers regarding their proposed response to such grievances. Our perspective is neutral – our role is to make sure both parties state their issues in a way that is clear and complete.

Facilitation and Mediation

When employees and managers are unable to resolve issues on their own, we may be of further assistance. Conflict Resolution & Collaboration between management and employees is good business practice which allows two sides to reach a resolution to a problem or a conflict. A new guide for Conflict Resolution/Collaboration is under development and will be posted to the site shortly.

Upon request, and with the agreement of both parties, Employee Relations Division staff will facilitate discussions between employees and managers. To request this service, complete the Mediation Request Form or contact Employee Relations at 464-3506. Again, our goal is to enhance understanding and to help create more productive working relationships.

Disciplinary or Grievance Hearing Advocates

Some employees who are facing disciplinary meetings or who initiate grievances may feel they need someone to help them present their viewpoint. Beyond the Employee Relations services mentioned above, employees may wish to have additional assistance. For additional information on the grievance process, see A Simplified Guide to Filing a Grievance .

Employees in these circumstances may ask anyone of their choosing – co-worker, friend, relative, attorney – to assist them or speak for them at a disciplinary or grievance hearing. (Employees who plan to have an attorney at a County meeting must notify their department at least two days in advance of the meeting.)

Some Pinellas County employees have volunteered to provide disciplinary hearing or grievance assistance to other employees, and have received authorization from their departments to spend a reasonable amount of work time for this purpose. The Employee Advocate Program is a function of the Employees Advisory Council (EAC). Under the EAC’s program, Employee Advocates attend training in employee grievance and disciplinary processes and other County courses regarding policies, procedures, and presentation skills, which are available to all County employees. Logistically, Employee Relations serves as a contact point for employees seeking the assistance of an Employee Advocate, however, their services are not controlled or supervised by Pinellas County. The EAC's Employee Advocate program web page provides information about this service. To request an Employee Advocate contact Employee Relations at 464-3506.

Employees and Advocates may be granted a reasonable amount of work time to prepare for cases. It is the responsibility of the employee and the Advocate to request this work time from their own departments. Often, it may be necessary for Employee Advocates to perform these voluntary services outside their normal work hours. Employee Advocates receive no additional compensation for their efforts.

The services provided by Employee Advocates or by sympathetic friends or co-workers can help employees feel more comfortable in dealing with these challenging situations.

Other Resources:
Overview of other functions handled by Employee Relations

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