Employee Relations – Industrial Employee Relations Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Employee Relations for High-Impact Publications

Employee Relations has established itself as a vital resource for scholars examining the intricacies of workplace relationships, labor dynamics, and human resource management practices. Published by Emerald Publishing, this journal focuses on the evolving landscape of employee-employer interactions in modern organizations. Researchers are drawn to Employee Relations for its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to advancing knowledge in industrial employee relations. The journal's content spans theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, and practical implications, making it a go-to publication for academics worldwide.

Founded in 1979, Employee Relations has grown alongside the shifting paradigms of work, from traditional industrial settings to contemporary gig economies and remote workforces. Its international perspective ensures that articles address global challenges, such as diversity in the workplace, employee well-being, and conflict resolution. With a history of publishing influential pieces, the journal continues to foster dialogue among HR professionals, policymakers, and academics. The emphasis on high-quality research positions Employee Relations as a key venue for those aiming to contribute to the field of industrial employee relations.

One of the journal's strengths lies in its accessibility to diverse audiences. Articles are crafted to bridge academia and practice, offering insights that inform both scholarly debates and organizational strategies. Researchers appreciate the journal's timely publication schedule and its role in disseminating cutting-edge findings. Whether exploring union-management relations or employee engagement strategies, Employee Relations provides a platform for impactful scholarship.

For those considering submission, Employee Relations offers clear guidelines and supportive editorial processes. The journal's reputation for fairness and expertise enhances its appeal. As workplace issues become more complex, the need for robust research intensifies, and Employee Relations remains at the forefront.

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Overview & History

Employee Relations, launched in 1979 by Emerald Publishing, has evolved into a cornerstone journal in the study of workplace dynamics. Initially focused on British industrial relations, it has expanded to encompass global perspectives on employee management. Over the decades, it has documented key shifts, including the rise of HRM, the impact of globalization on labor markets, and the effects of technological advancements on employment relations. Today, it serves as an essential archive for understanding historical and contemporary labor issues, with a circulation that reaches academics, practitioners, and policymakers across continents.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The journal's scope includes a wide array of topics within industrial employee relations, emphasizing empirical and theoretical contributions. Key areas encompass human resource management, labor law, organizational behavior, and employee rights. It welcomes interdisciplinary approaches that integrate sociology, economics, and psychology into employment studies.

Key Journal Metrics

Employee Relations demonstrates strong performance in academic metrics, reflecting its influence in the field. These indicators help researchers evaluate its suitability for publication.

Indexing and Abstracting

Employee Relations is widely indexed, ensuring broad visibility for published works. It appears in prestigious databases such as Scopus, Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), and ABI/INFORM. Additional coverage includes EBSCO, ProQuest, and the Directory of Open Access Journals for select open-access content. This indexing facilitates citations and accessibility, benefiting authors' research dissemination.

Publication Model and Fees

The journal operates on a hybrid model, allowing authors to choose between traditional subscription-based access or open access. For open access, an Article Processing Charge (APC) of £2,510 (approximately $3,200 USD) applies, waivable under certain conditions for authors from low-income countries. Subscription access is available through institutional libraries, with no fees for standard submissions. Emerald Publishing supports green open access via self-archiving policies, as detailed on Sherpa/RoMEO.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled through the ScholarOne platform, requiring original, unpublished manuscripts of 6,000–8,000 words. Authors must adhere to APA referencing style and include abstracts, keywords, and declarations of interest. The process involves initial editorial screening followed by double-blind peer review, typically taking 8–12 weeks. Detailed guidelines are available on the journal's official site, emphasizing ethical standards and plagiarism checks.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial board comprises distinguished scholars from leading institutions. Editor-in-Chief Paul Haynes from the University of Westminster leads a team with expertise in HRM and industrial relations. Notable members include experts from the UK, USA, and Australia, such as Professor Adrian Wilkinson from Griffith University, ensuring diverse and rigorous oversight. Their collective experience spans decades, guiding the journal toward excellence.

Why Publish in Employee Relations?

Publishing in Employee Relations offers researchers enhanced credibility and networking opportunities. Its targeted audience in industrial employee relations amplifies the reach of your work, potentially influencing policy and practice. The journal's stable metrics and Emerald's global distribution network provide long-term visibility. Authors benefit from editorial feedback that strengthens manuscripts, positioning them for career advancement in academia.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Employee Relations compares favorably with peers in scope and metrics, distinguishing itself through its international focus on practical applications.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To maximize chances of acceptance in Employee Relations, align your manuscript with current calls, such as those on employee resilience post-pandemic. Ensure robust methodology and clear implications for practice. Engage with recent issues for contextual relevance. Collaborate with co-authors for diverse insights, and revise based on reviewer comments. Utilizing resources like Rate My Professor can help identify potential collaborators. Track submission timelines via the academic calendar to stay organized.