The Problem with Grievances

The grievance procedure, as we know it, has been around since the 1970’s. It was developed by Acas following pressure from trade unions to balance the employer led disciplinary process. In essence, it was designed to give employees the right to raise their concerns and have them heard in a timely and effective manner. It provided a vital safety net for employees. Nothing wrong with that.

However, over the past 40 years, the world of work has changed beyond recognition – greater flexibility, increased diversity, a shift to a services based economy, digital disruption and oh yes, lest we forget, one of the deepest recessions in a generation. These are just some of the factors that we are all dealing with right now.

But the grievance procedure has not kept up. Whilst it is still available for employees to raise issues relating to contractual matters, the vast majority of grievances are now actually complaints about the perceived behaviour of a colleague or a manager.