Difference between Complaint and Grievance
Basis |
Complaint |
Grievance |
---|---|---|
Meaning |
A complaint is a statement of grievance that is directed toward the immediate supervisor. |
A grievance refers to any disagreement or complaint raised by an employee on an event, choice, or matter between the employer and employee that negatively impacts the employee’s performance. |
Purpose |
Complaints may or may not be formal, and they can be raised by both represented and unrepresented employees. |
Grievances are typically more formal and are often part of a structured process outlined in labor agreements or employment contracts. |
Focus |
Person-based, but they can also pertain to broader issues such as workplace policies or practices. |
Grievances often focus on issues affecting a group of employees or involve violations of collective bargaining agreements. |
Resolution |
Addressing the problem or worry of the individual is the main goal of resolution. |
The goal of resolution is to guarantee that workers receive fair and equal treatment at work. |
Confidentiality |
Generally not kept confidential. |
Kept confidential. |
Time Frame |
Specific deadlines may or may not be followed. |
Specific deadlines are followed follow. |
Who Files it? |
The individual who voices their concerns about unfairness or unjust treatment—the complainant—files a complaint. |
On the other hand, the party who feels wronged or treated unfairly, or the aggrieved party, may seek redressal. |
Issue |
Complaints frequently center around matters impacting a cohort of workers or entail breaches of collective bargaining agreements. |
On the contrary, the grievance is generally raised for substantial matters, notably those involving a breach of the rules of the collective bargaining agreement. |
Difference between Complaint and Grievance
Complaints and Grievances are both vital channels for employees to voice their concerns and highlight issues that may need to be addressed in the workplace, and employers and organizations should have procedures in place to resolve them fairly and swiftly. Complaints may be less formal and focus more on fixing an individual’s issue, whereas grievances are often concerned with ensuring fair and equal treatment of employees in the workplace. Complaints are frequently individual-focused and may not follow a set procedure, but grievances are generally more official and may include an inquiry.
Table of Content
- What is Complaint?
- What is Grievance?
- Difference between Complaint and Grievance
- Conclusion
- Difference between Complaint and Grievance- FAQs