WIBU to complain after I’ve left?

[EmanResuYraropmet]

I could really use some help deciding the best course of action on this. I’ll try to keep the background brief:

I work for a third sector organisation on a small project but leave soon for a new job. I’ve told them I’m leaving due to promotion, but the real reason is that my line manager is terrible. I’m not the only one who thinks this - it’s often discussed within other teams and there has been a high turnover of staff.

However, none of what she does is actionable or worthy of formal grievance, rather it is poor management and a hostile working environment. I could just leave without a backwards glance but other ex-colleagues are urging me to do this because their (legitimate) circumstances mean they were unable to without huge personal fallout and they want the record setting straight. I guess it would also be cathartic.

I’ve been offered an exit interview but it will be with this particular manager. If I were to do it, it would be in the form of ‘feedback’ to HR rather than a formal complaint. She is well liked amongst higher level managers and I know it will be hard for her to hear these things. Equally, I feel I owe it to my former and present colleagues to outline just how badly they’ve been treated. Also, the project, despite being small, is desperately needed to help vulnerable people but doesn’t achieve as much as it could due to the failings of this manager.

WIBU to make the complaint/give feedback? WWYD?

Will this have any impact on your career i.e. is it a small industry where you may work with her again?

And if the exit interview is with the terrible line manager then it doesn't sound like a very useful exercise. I thought an exit interview should be with someone impartial?

It would be better for the higher level managers to know the truth about her.

I would ask for an exit interview with HR. I think it may be easier to speak with someone face to face. Sending a letter after you've left seems a bit strange. Also, I'd worry a bit about the former manager getting sight of a letter at some point. If you do it verbally to someone from HR she won't know exactly what was said.

Thanks so much for the advice.

I don’t think I’ll work with her again - well I hope not - but I could work with the organisation again in the future as they run other projects.

The logistics of an exit interview might be tricky as I’m about to be signed off for the remainder of my notice period. In part due to the managers behaviour but also because of a traumatic situation in my personal life that I need time and space to attend to.

Could I request an exit interview over the phone?

It's easier to pead body language face to face. I'd go for the exit meeting. You dont have to be full on.

• or indeed, read

Ask for the exit interview with HR.
My manager is awful and I plan on letting her line manager know just how bad she is when I leave.

Decline the exit interview and email your feedback direct to HR.

Request the exit interview with HR and yes, if necessary, do it by phone or skype.

DH was in a similar situation, he contacted HR and asked that they conducted his exit interview.

He prepared a document which he read out detailing all the grievances/problems and that was it.