Grievance & Complaint investigations
Employee complaints are inevitable even in the most work-friendly companies. Some complaints are quickly and easily resolved, while others take more time, energy and patience. Complaints can cover everything from cleanliness of restrooms to job flexibility.
Complaints can:
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Alert you to a new or growing problem before it gets out of hand and turns into a grievance.
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Draw attention to a chronic problem you thought was resolved.
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Give you a chance to retain valued employees by attending to their concerns.
Grievances are formal complaints made by employees when they think a company or government policy, such as an anti-discrimination law, has been violated. You must address grievances in a timely manner.
A prompt response that leads to quick resolution of a complaint or grievance will boost employee morale and productivity and can forestall costly legal action.
Grievances can be expensive and time-consuming, even ending in a lawsuit.
Employees are less likely to file grievances if you:
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Stay in touch. Employees who feel like they can approach management with concerns will be less likely to allow problems to grow to a point that filing a grievance is necessary.
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Have a system in place for resolving complaints quickly and consistently, before they’re allowed to fester.
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Make sure your employee handbooks, contracts and work agreements include rules for hearing and settling disputes
Responding to a Grievance
Take all grievances seriously. Test the validity of a grievance by gathering all available facts:
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Listen carefully to the person submitting the grievance.
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Consult your company lawyer and HR professional.
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Provide an update.
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Act on the problem.