How To Present Work Problems To HR - Work

We handpick every product we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.Work|Career Advice|Frustrations at WorkHow to Present Work Problems to HRBy Chron Contributor

Knowing how to talk to Human Resources (HR) about a job can bring relief from a situation that is affecting your work. When you have problems at work, you might struggle with whether you should overlook the issues or bring them to the attention of HR. If you decide to present your work problems to the HR department, gather all the relevant information and prepare the statement of your problem so you can discuss the matter calmly and rationally.

The goal of HR departments is to strengthen the employer-employee relationship. Many employers such as the University of New Hampshire have established HR protocols for fairly handling complaints and grievances. The only way that can happen is for employees to bring forward their problems honestly and be willing to work with HR to resolve them.

How to Approach HR

Read your employee handbook so that you understand the process for addressing work problems. Employee handbooks or policy manuals generally describe the steps employees should take to file workplace complaints and resolve them through assistance from the HR department. Follow the precise steps; to follow the recommended procedures may result in your problems not being addressed in a timely manner or not being handled at all.

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In the absence of an employee handbook or guidelines for resolving work problems, speak with your immediate supervisor first. If you are uncomfortable doing that, or if you believe your supervisor is the reason for your problems, go to your supervisor's manager. The next step in most complaint-resolution procedures is to notify the HR department.

Compile Documentation

Gather your documentation and materials concerning the work problems. If a specific incident constitutes your complaint, be prepared to provide HR with relevant materials, such as time sheets, production records, performance appraisals and any other documents that will substantiate your complaint. Include names of witnesses who observed the problematic behaviors you're describing such as an overly critical supervisor with a bad temper.

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How to Complain to HR About Your Boss

Prepare a chronological statement of the events preceding your complaint, the actual work problems you are having and any matters related to the issues you are experiencing at work. For example, if your supervisor simply doesn't like you and provided you with a poor rating on your last performance appraisal, your statement should include an explanation about why you disagree with the supervisor's rating.

Include a summary of any conversations you had with your supervisor about the appraisal and the outcome of those discussions with your supervisors. In addition, include any work records that prove your point -- that you demonstrated a higher level of performance than the rating you received from your supervisor.

Schedule a Meeting with HR

Schedule a time to discuss your problems with an HR staff member. If possible, schedule the meeting for late in the day, so you can leave work soon thereafter if you tend to react emotionally to work issues. Calmly express your concerns to the HR staff member, refraining from exhibiting a confrontational or negative attitude or tone.

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Convey the message that you are interested in resolving your problems and that you will work with the HR department to ensure you reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution. Be prepared to provide a statement to HR and attest to the accuracy and truthfulness of your statement.

Follow Up on Your Complaint

Contact HR to follow up on your complaint and to offer any additional assistance or information the HR department needs to resolve the matter. Avoid discussing your complaint with friends and coworkers; it's likely you were asked to maintain strict confidentiality anyway.

According to the National Law Review, certain types of complaints such as sexual harassment require an employer to conduct an investigation. Be patient if HR is doing an investigation. Don't threaten your employer with legal action. If you believe that's your only option, keep that to yourself and consult a lawyer.

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References

• University of New Hampshire: Fast and Impartial Resolution (FAIR) Complaint and Grievance Process
• The National Law Review: Workplace Complaints? Really Nothing to Complain About

Resources

• Boston.com: From Whiners to Winners: Channeling Employee Complaints

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Tips

• Don't threaten your employer with legal action. If you believe that's your only option, keep that to yourself and consult a lawyer.

Chron Contributor