Handling
Employees' Complaints
Whatever the type of dispute or complaint resolution
procedure - either an informal
procedure or a case-by-case
approach - it should:
- resolve disputes in a timely manner
- provide a binding resolution
- involve those who must live with the decision
- be externally defensible, in case the decision is
subsequently challenged
- be perceived as being fair overall
If employees feel that they are being treated with respect
and fairness, they are more likely to accept the resolution you
suggest, even if it is not exactly what they wanted or expected.
Be sure to treat all complaints seriously:
- Make sure that you understand the problem. Allow the
employee to talk without interruption.
- Ask questions until you have a clear understanding of the
facts. If the employee discusses the problem in
generalities, probe for specific facts.
- Ask the employee what he or she would like to see in the
way of a resolution. If the employee wants another employee
fired over a minor problem, there may be more to the
employee's anger than meets the eye.
- Remain calm and in control; do not lose your temper or
become accusatory.
- Establish a record by taking notes. This will also assure
the employee that you are taking the matter seriously. You
may want to have the employee write down the complaint, as
well. This can be part of the formal documentation.
- Repeat the complaint. This will ensure that you and the
employee agree on the facts and the issues.
- Don't make a decision until you have obtained all the
facts. If you must talk to others, explain that to the
employee. Also explain that you cannot act on a complaint
until you have the other party's side of the story. It is
better to postpone a decision than to make one that you
would regret or reverse later.
- Check to see if any of the business's other policies (if
there are any) address the problem. Have there been other
similar cases? How were they handled in the past?
- Consider the source and gather information about the
complaining employee. The more you know about the employee,
the easier it will be to handle the complaint.
- Advise the employee of the decisions as soon as possible.
Determine the most appropriate time and place to meet with
the employee.
- If the employee's complaint is without merit, explain it
to the employee in a pleasant, low-key manner.
- If the complaint is sound, thank the employee for calling
it to your attention so that you can resolve it.
- Follow through with corrective action as soon as possible.
Delay may result in other problems.
- Check back with the employee after taking action in order
to determine if the issue has been completely resolved to
his or her satisfaction.
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