Employee Relations

Employee Relations Officer

Established in 2022, the Employee Relations Officer (ERO) role was created to invest in the development of faculty and staff, enhance communication across the college, and foster trust and consistency in people practices. The ERO seeks to continue building our culture by supporting the College’s mission and offering resources, guidance, and influencing policy through data analysis that focuses on providing a positive employee experience.

The ERO is a neutral and unbiased thought partner and subject matter expert on team leadership and supervision, as well as formal or informal communication about individual or team performance. The ERO is also responsible for the timely and unbiased resolution of formally filed employee grievances.

The ERO provides feedback for staff and faculty about:

  • Communicating with supervisors or direct reports
  • Retaining and developing team and individual talent
  • Developing performance in yourself or a direct report
  • Handling conflicts/disputes

What the ERO Can Do

  • Facilitate formal employee grievances through a neutral, unbiased, thorough, and timely process
  • Give feedback on how to informally resolve concerns and refer employees to the mediation program when appropriate
  • Help improve or resolve issues related to employee behavior and performance
  • Advise and assist with progressive discipline
  • Formally document and monitor a concern or employment-related matter
  • Enhance consistency in how managers apply employment policies and procedures
  • Provide a private setting for employees to seek guidance on policies and practices across the district

What the ERO Can’t Do

  • Conduct investigations
  • Handle issues related to illegal discrimination
  • Personally facilitate a mediation
  • Take action on behalf of an individual or party
  • Mandate actions that employees or supervisors take
  • Provide a guarantee information that is shared will remain confidential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Ombudsperson and the ERO?

The ombudsperson is an informal resource available to ACC faculty and staff. You should contact the ombuds when you:

  • Need to talk to someone “off the record”
  • Want to resolve a problem informally
  • Need help communicating about something
  • Are seeking a facilitated conversation and the other party is agreeable
  • Seek resources or referral

What is the difference between HR and the ERO?

The Human Resources Department hosts a critical function of the employment life-cycle. The office can support with:

  • Questions about an HR service function; Employee Benefits, Leave/ FMLA, Retirement, ADA, Workday
  • Questions about existing talent and performance development programs, tools, or resources; Performance Management, Professional Development, PEP/ Annual Evaluation 
  • Discrepancies or questions regarding benefit elections, onboarding/ employee orientation, hiring process, creating a new position, or other transaction
  • Concerns regarding an employee’s compensation, re-classification of a role, or department reorganization

Who does the ERO report to?

To maintain the principle of unbiased neutrality, the ERO reports to the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance. The Office reports directly to the executive vice chancellor of Finance & Administration.

How can I contact the ERO directly?

The ERO is available to meet in-person or virtually. The following are various ways to schedule a meeting:


Quick Links

Resolution of an Employee Grievance (AR)

Submit an Employee Grievance (ACC Login Required)

Equal Opportunity Compliance Office

Respect in the Workplace Campaign

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