Workplace Conflict Resolution

Resolving a problem in the workplace

After having tried to resolve the grievance within an informal capacity, and having still not reached an agreement or improved state of affairs, the employee should (in accordance with the ACAS code) raise the problem in writing with their employer.

The employer should then arrange a meeting to investigate the employee’s complaint. After the meeting, the employer should communicate to the employee in writing the outcome of the meeting and details of any action to be taken to resolve the problem. When communicating their decision, the employer should advise the employee of their right to appeal.

If an employee wishes to appeal a decision, they should do so in writing, detailing the basis of their appeal.  The appeal should then be dealt with at a hearing, conducted if possible by a manager with no involvement in the earlier proceedings. Again, the outcome of this hearing should be communicated in writing to the employee.

When handling grievances, records should be kept formally; these records should be detailed and specific. The employer should give, in writing, the name of the person that the employee may apply to seek redress from.

In order to follow the Code, the employee must do the following:

• Seek to resolve the issue informally and, if this is not possible, avoid unreasonable delay in submitting the written grievance.
• Make every effort to attend meetings.
• If not satisfied with the outcome, submit a written appeal setting out the reasons why the outcome was dissatisfactory.

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