Introduction to grievances
Contents
Informal resolution
In organisations where managers have an open policy for communication and consultation, problems and concerns are often raised and settled as a matter of course.
Employees should aim to settle most grievances informally with their line manager. Many problems can be raised and settled during the course of everyday working relationships. This also allows for problems to be settled quickly.
In some cases outside help such as an independent mediator can help resolve problems especially those involving working relationships.
What is a grievance?
Grievances are concerns, problems or complaints that employees raise with their employers.
Anyone working in a business may, at some time, have problems or concerns about their work, working conditions or relationships with colleagues that they wish to talk about with management. They want the grievance to be addressed, and if possible, resolved. It is also clearly in management's interests to resolve problems before they can develop into major difficulties for all concerned. Issues that may cause grievances include:
- Terms and conditions of employment
- Health and safety
- Work relations
- Bullying and harassment
- New working practices
- Working environment
- Organisational change
- Discrimination
Grievances may occur at all levels of seniority within a business.
Why have a procedure?
Your employees (and, in England, Wales and Scotland, workers) must be given information about who they can apply to if they want to raise a grievance about their employment in a written statement.
It must state how the grievance should be raised (e.g. in writing) and any further steps needed to make it (which generally means setting out the rules and procedures in the written statement or in a separate policy).
Fairness and transparency are promoted by developing and using rules and procedures for handling grievance situations. These should be set down in writing, be specific and clear. A written procedure can help clarify the process and help to ensure that your employees and workers are aware of their rights, such as their right to be accompanied at grievance meetings.
Training
Management and employee representatives who may be involved in grievance matters should be trained for the task. They should be familiar with the provisions of the grievance procedure, and know how to conduct or represent at grievance hearings. Consideration might be given to training managers and employee representatives jointly.