Workplaces are made up of people – that’s a fact. Another fact, people don’t always agree. When a disagreement at work occurs, then becomes serious or ongoing, it might turn into an employment dispute. An employment dispute is a conflict between an employee and an employer, typically about rights, responsibilities, or treatment at work.
Most commonly, employment disputes involve breaches of company policy, discrimination, dismissal, pay, performance issues, or workplace behavior. While these disputes feel stressful, understanding what steps to take is a must – the process clearer and more manageable.
In this post, you will learn about three practical steps to follow when an employment dispute arises.
Raise a Formal Grievance
The first step is usually to raise a formal grievance. This means putting your concerns in writing and submitting them through your workplace’s official grievance procedure. Many disputes begin with miscommunication and/or misunderstandings – and that is rather predictable, right? Clearly explaining what the issue is, when it occurred, and how it has affected you is essential.
Try to keep your grievance calm and factual. Focus on what happened, instead of how upset you feel – even if emotions are running high. Include dates, examples, and any supporting documents if available. A formal grievance gives your employer a fair chance to respond. This also creates a record of the issue if the dispute progresses further.
Engage in Internal Meetings and Investigations
Once the grievance is raised, employers will arrange meetings or start an internal investigation. This stage is designed to gather information. It will also ensure all parties are heard and solutions are explored. If you are asked to attend meetings, do so. This is your opportunity to explain your position or respond to questions.
Prepare before these meetings – that’s the best plan of action. Review any notes you have, stay focused on the main problem, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, particularly if someone is unclear. In most cases, disputes are resolved at this stage. This happens through open discussions, adjustments at work, or agreed outcomes.
Understanding how employment disputes are handled locally also helps. You will know what to expect from internal processes and timelines. This simplifies the entire situation.
Explore External Mediation or Legal Conciliation
If the dispute is not resolved internally, external options may be available. Mediation or legal conciliation involves an independent third party. This third party will help both sides communicate and work toward a resolution. Such processes are often less formal than court proceedings. The aim is to find a practical and fair outcome.
External support is especially helpful when communication has broken down. Similarly, it helps if the issue involves complex legal rights. While not every dispute requires legal action, getting advice at this stage is beneficial. It will clarify your options and reduce uncertainty. Many disputes are resolved through mediation without every reaching a court or tribunal, though.
To conclude, employment disputes – unsurprisingly – are never easy. This doesn’t mean they need to spiral out of control. If you stay informed, organized, and calm throughout the process, the situation will become far more manageable.