Managing employee relations in the NHS in the ‘new normal'

Abstract

The paper presents a detailed analysis of employment relations in the NHS, as the Service emerges from the pandemic and into a ‘new normal’. Working with the Healthcare People
Management Association and CMP Solutions, the study is based on 229 survey responses and 22 in-depth interviews with HR leaders, senior practitioners and union representatives. In assessing the potential efficacy of a culture change, key findings include concern over: the capability and capacity of line managers; the key role of HR; staff wellbeing; ways of more effectively managing conflict, where relationship and personal issues figure high as significant reasons for workplace disputes