What is Grievance?
Any unfair or incorrect behavior, treatment, regulation, or condition that the management of the organization can change is considered a grievance. Any kind of complaint that is formally filed with the relevant authorities and requested to be addressed is a grievance. It could address issues that arise for the staff members while they work there. It should be mentioned that grievances should not include complaints about harassment, discrimination, or misconduct because those kinds of complaints are handled through different channels. Furthermore, a grievance is personal to the individual; but, if many employees file the same grievance and the trade union takes up the matter, it becomes contentious. Grievance needs to be settled right away; else, time will be wasted, work will be of low quality, subordination will occur, customer service will be subpar, resistance to change will occur, labor unrest will occur, etc.
Key Features of Grievance:
- A grievance is a formal complaint submitted by an employee or group of employees against an employer or organization, and it usually follows a set procedure stated in an employment contract, collective bargaining agreement, or employee handbook.
- A grievance is usually precise in nature, addressing a specific issue or concern that an employee or group of employees has with their employer or organization.
- The purpose of a grievance is to remedy the issue or concern stated while also ensuring fair and equal treatment of employees in the workplace.
- A grievance frequently requires a formal inquiry by the employer or organization to evaluate the legitimacy of the complaint and devise a settlement.
Difference between Complaint and Grievance
Complaints and Grievances are both vital channels for employees to voice their concerns and highlight issues that may need to be addressed in the workplace, and employers and organizations should have procedures in place to resolve them fairly and swiftly. Complaints may be less formal and focus more on fixing an individual’s issue, whereas grievances are often concerned with ensuring fair and equal treatment of employees in the workplace. Complaints are frequently individual-focused and may not follow a set procedure, but grievances are generally more official and may include an inquiry.
Table of Content
- What is Complaint?
- What is Grievance?
- Difference between Complaint and Grievance
- Conclusion
- Difference between Complaint and Grievance- FAQs