Abstract:

It is imperative that there is sufficient cooperation between employers and employees so that employees can meet the targets set by the employers. Yet in many organisations there have been reports of employee dissatisfaction, up to the level of downing their tools to demand increment in salary and benefits and better conditions of service. In Nigerian commercial banks, there have been complaints of poor pay, poor conditions of work, and excessive use of contract staffing among others. Hence, this study investigated the role of employee relations in enhancing job performance in selected deposit money banks in Nigeria. A mixed method approach was employed and a total of 379 questionnaires were administered to respondents. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted for managers of the selected banks. Based on the outcomes of the quantitative and qualitative approach, the study concluded that employees who have a mutually respectful relationship with their employers are more likely to be happy, loyal and productive in the long-run. The study recommended that banks’ staff should be encouraged and motivated with equitable remuneration. The study further recommended that efforts should be made to strengthen quality of banks’ staff to facilitate improved performance.