Grievances in the workplace are usually related to the way employees feel they have been treated by co-workers or an employer.
Informal Employee Grievances
Informal employee grievances are minor matters that can be resolved by the parties sitting down together and coming to a resolution. They are usually made verbally, by phone or unsolicited email.
If a grievance is not resolved informally, the parties need to move on to a formal process usually involving an employment lawyer.
Formal Workplace Grievance Procedures
Formal grievances are more serious matters where people feel they have been victimized, discriminated against or significantly adversely affected.
A formal employee grievance is usually made in writing and some companies even use a form devised for the purpose. A prepared form is usually an indication that the company or organisation has grievance procedures in place.
Some employers take the view that the grievance does not have to be in writing if it concerns serious matters like sexual harassment, victimisation or discrimination. Once an employee raises such a major issue about a co-worker or supervisor, the employer has an obligation to investigate the grievance formally.
If an employer does not have workplace grievance procedures in place, the employment solicitors at John F. Morrissey and Company can help set them up as part of your policies and procedures.
