Navigating conflict and resolution in your workplace
Enduring a conflict or problem at work can be very difficult and it is important to try and resolve your concerns before they escalate and impact on your ability to enjoy your work or even on your overall well-being or home life.
Our specialist Employment Team can help you with advice on the process or even drafting the letter to raise your concerns. We can also consider with you whether you may have potential employment tribunal claims and any options to negotiate an agreed exit under a settlement agreement.
What are grievances?
A grievance is a concern or problem that you may be facing in the workplace. This could be anything from problems with a particular task or the terms of employment to an issue with a colleague.
How do you raise a grievance?
Most employers will have a grievance policy in place that you can follow or they should follow the ACAS Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance in any event.
Generally, it is best to try and resolve the matter on an informal basis either with the colleague concerned or with your manager, but if this does not resolve the problem, then you should put your concerns in writing.
What happens next?
The employer should acknowledge your grievance and investigate it. This may involve a series of meetings or they may invite you straight to a meeting to look at options to resolve. You have the right to be accompanied at this meeting and notes should be taken.
The outcome should be confirmed in writing and you have the right to appeal the decision.