Grievance Management

 

Grievance Management

Figure 1: Grievance handling system & procedures

 

What is grievance management?

According to, indeed, (2024), & Sharma, (2022), when workplace policies or contract terms are broken, an individual or group of employees may file a formal employee complaint known as a grievance. Grievances are usually lodged in unionized workplaces when the terms of the collective bargaining agreement are violated. Employee complaints are frequently raised in nonunionized workplaces when a published corporate policy is misread or misapplied.

The formal technique for addressing these complaints is your grievance procedure. It describes the procedures for filing a complaint from an employee and the actions your business will take to address the matter. This usually entails an inquiry, a choice, its implications, and an appeals procedure.

 

Figure 2: Types of grievances

Types of employee grievances

1. Individual grievances
2. Group grievances
3. Union grievances

 

Tips for Successful Grievance Handling

Figure 3" How to handle grievance

According to, IQ, (2024), you may feel anything from anxiety to anger to illumination when handling employee issues. It will be easier to come to a decision that suits everyone if you keep control and a positive outlook while adhering to your grievance management policies and procedures. A study conducted by XpertHR found that throughout the previous two years, employee complaints had increased in almost one-third of firms. Their primary worries include relationships with supervisors and coworkers, as well as bullying and harassment. Promote a moral and open work environment to proactively avoid grievances in these areas.

Figure 4:Steps to handling grievances

Nothing should be taken personally -

The majority of the time, workers are not intentionally seeking to harm you or your company. They genuinely worry about their security or welfare. Step back and attempt to understand things from their viewpoint.

Remain focused on the topic at hand -

You should not discuss other matters at a grievance meeting. Don't get distracted or place blame; instead, concentrate on finding solutions to the issues raised in the grievance. You can only settle one grievance at a time, so make sure the offended employee stays within the limits of the complaint as well.

Resolve the complaint right away -

Workers want to be taken seriously. Quick action

 

Grievance Handling Procedures

Figure 5: Model grievance procedure

According to, indeed, (2024), and IQ, (2024), You'll need to move fast to resolve employee grievances in order to prevent small concerns from becoming serious ones. Making sure that all of the grievance handling procedures are documented should be your first goal. This guarantees consistency when handling future employee concerns and protects your company in the event that the employee initiates litigation

Grievance Filing Methods- Adapt the procedures for filing employee grievances to the demands of your staff and the size of your company.

Employees can be asked to speak with their boss or submit a grievance directly to Human Resources. There might be a need for a formal, dated grievance letter. Alternatively, you may permit staff members to use an online grievance site to submit their complaints.

Many companies require that grievances be filed by employees no later than 30 days following the most recent action that gave rise to the issue.

 

Figure 6: Step-ladder grievance procedure

Conclusion

Keeping a healthy work environment, resolving conflicts, and managing employee engagement and satisfaction all depend on efficient grievance handling and management. Organizations can reduce risks, improve employee relations, and cultivate a culture of trust and accountability by handling grievances in an open and equitable way. Additionally, managing and addressing grievances is essential for efficient organizational development and human resource management

 

References

indeed, 2024. indeed. [Online]
Available at: https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/grievance-procedures-for-a-workplace
[Accessed 09 04 2024].

IQ, C., 2024. Case IQ. [Online]
Available at: https://www.caseiq.com/resources/effective-grievance-handling-the-ultimate-guide-for-employers/
[Accessed 09 04 2024].

Sharma, D., 2022. Risely. [Online]
Available at: https://www.risely.me/grievance-management-a-complete-guide-for-a-managers-success/
[Accessed 09 04 2024].