When you’re dealing with troubles at work, it can be tough to know how to handle the situation. From verbally abusive co-workers or discrimination from your employer to feeling unsafe in your work environment or facing harassment in any form, being treated unfairly is never something that should be left alone.
Speaking up and filing a formal complaint is crucial for your physical and mental well-being, as well as for the future of the company and the safety of other staff members.
If you’re facing an issue like any of these, here are a few tips to help you handle your complaint.
Start With a Verbal Report
First of all, it’s a good idea to report the issue verbally to someone early on, so that you know someone is aware of the problem while you begin the process of gathering information and writing up a formal complaint.
In less serious cases, a verbal complaint can be enough – the issue might be addressed immediately and you won’t need to take anything further. However, if you know you want a specific outcome and may require investigation and discipline, you’ll need to take it further and file a formal grievance letter.
Submit it in Writing
After you’ve made someone aware of what you’re facing, you need to begin the process of filing a formal complaint in the form of a written letter to HR or your direct employer. Make sure to include all the important and relevant information in your letter.
Try to include as much evidence as possible and be prepared for the investigations that will likely follow.
Be Prepared For Backlash
Unfortunately, employees who file complaints are often met with backlash and further unfair treatment from employers who feel attacked or threatened. You may feel targeted and unsafe. If this is the case, remember that you can get legal assistance for issues like workplace retaliation, since this is prohibited by law.
While this is not always the case, you need to be emotionally prepared for the fact that your boss might react badly to the issue.
Keep Your Emotions in Check
During this time, it’s important that you take measures to manage your stress. Try to remove your feelings as far as possible from the conversation when addressing the problem, and instead focus on facts and evidence that back up your claims.
Letting your anger get the better of you might complicate the matter and implicate you in ways that could be damaging to your case, so try to remain neutral and professional.
Document Everything
Finally, try to ensure that you document everything efficiently and effectively. Begin this process from the very first time you are faced with the issue at hand. Try to record what happened, what was said by whom, who else was present, where the incident occurred etc.
Also, be sure to document and record your experience with the grievance process. If the case is elevated, this information might become important.