Start a Grievance
We know that even thinking about raising a grievance can feel overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally exhausting. If you're here, it means something isn’t right—and that takes courage to face. At Marcas, we’re here to make sure you don’t have to navigate this alone. By understanding the details of your situation, we can guide you step-by-step with the right tools, support, and expert advice tailored to your experience. You deserve to be heard—and we’re here to help you raise your voice with clarity, confidence, and care.
Raising a Grievance
Grievance Policy
A grievance policy is a set of rules that explains how employees can raise concerns or complaints about problems they face at work—like unfair treatment, bullying, discrimination, or issues with pay or workload. It outlines the steps to follow when making a complaint, who to talk to, and how the issue will be handled.
The goal of the policy is to make sure every employee is treated fairly and that their concerns are listened to and resolved in a clear, respectful, and timely way. You can usually find your workplace’s grievance policy in the employee handbook, on the company intranet, or by asking your manager or the HR department for a copy. if your company does not have a grievance policy refer to acas (www.acas.org.uk)
Raising a Grievance
Raising a grievance involves formally notifying your employer of a concern or issue you are experiencing in the workplace—such as unfair treatment, harassment, discrimination, or problems related to your role, pay, or working conditions.
This typically begins with submitting a written statement outlining the details of your complaint to your line manager or HR department. A formal meeting is then arranged to discuss the matter, during which you will have the opportunity to present your concerns and any supporting information.
The employer will carry out an investigation, speak with relevant individuals, and aim to reach a fair and reasonable outcome. You will receive a written response outlining the decision and any next steps.
What to expect
When you raise a grievance at work, you should expect a structured process that includes submitting your complaint in writing, attending formal meetings, and possibly being involved in an investigation. The process can be emotionally draining and time-consuming.
It may take several weeks or even months to reach a resolution, and talking about difficult experiences—especially if they involve bullying, discrimination, or unfair treatment—can be stressful and upsetting. In fact, research shows that over 60% of employees who go through a grievance process find it emotionally exhausting, and around 40% report feeling anxious or isolated during the experience.
It's important to prepare yourself emotionally, seek support where needed (such as from HR, a union rep, or mental health services), and remember that the purpose of the process is to ensure your concerns are taken seriously and handled fairly.
How to prepare
Preparing for a grievance involves both practical steps and emotional readiness to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity. Start by clearly identifying the issue—what happened, when, who was involved, and how it has affected you. Keep a detailed record of events, including dates, times, emails, messages, or witness accounts if available. Write your grievance in a calm, professional tone, focusing on facts rather than emotions.
Review your company’s grievance policy so you understand the process and what to expect. It can also help to speak with a trusted colleague, union representative, or HR adviser for support. Emotionally, be prepared for the process to take time and possibly involve difficult conversations. Taking care of your mental well-being, staying organized, and setting realistic expectations can make a big difference as you move through each stage.