Are you thinking about submitting a formal written complaint to the human resources department at your workplace? If so, here’s a question: When was the last time you took a look at your employee handbook? Because now would be the time to do so.

The Importance of Following Protocol When Submitting a Formal Written Complaint

You may be wondering why it is so important to look at an employee handbook when submitting a formal written complaint at your workplace.

Let’s start with what an employee handbook is.

Employers have prepared a handbook with guidelines for their employees to follow in various situations in many workplaces. One of the most common situations outlined in employee handbooks is harassment or discrimination.

In situations in which you might need to submit a formal written complaint because someone is harassing or discriminating against you, your handbook will have the details you’ll need.

For example, the book might give you information on who to submit your complaint to. It might specifically tell you that a specific supervisor needs to be notified, or to inform the human resources department, or even that a particular hotline needs to be called.

What If You Don’t Have an Employment Handbook?

Now, not all employees are given employment handbooks at their place of work. In other words, it’s possible that only certain positions have handbooks at your workplace, and your job might not be one of them.

Furthermore, not all employers create employment handbooks, to begin with. According to law, it is not necessarily a requirement, though it is often recommended.

For this reason, if you do not have an employee handbook to reference, make sure that you are reporting and handing in your formal written complaint to someone above you. This might be your supervisor or maybe a human resources department.

Of course, sometimes, if you don’t have an employee handbook, your company might not have a human resources department either. And in this case, if you have any questions about what you should include in your formal written complaint and where you should submit it, a lawyer might be your best bet.

Our experienced lawyers at Knoll Law Group would be happy to answer any questions related to formal written complaints regarding harassment or discrimination.

Were You Discriminated Against or Harassed in the Workplace?

If you have experienced discrimination or harassment in the workplace, Knoll Law Firm can help.

Our firm has been around for over thirty years. Since 1989, we have been proud to represent individuals and employees who’ve been wronged or harmed in the workplace.

No matter your situation, give us a call to see if we can help. No individual should ever have to endure a toxic environment in their place of work. Contact Knoll Law Group today to discuss your case and legal options.