HR question

[Nickee67]

I maybe stupidly filed a grievance because i found out colleague spread rumours about me. Personal stuff. Am I being unreasonable for raising complaint for that? Would HR even consider such a trivial issue

I asked the person about the rumours, they admitted it but didn't offer an apology, they said they did it due to x,y,z...

This is following threats a few months earlier to expose me to workmates....

Without knowing the context of what it was about I’d say they would treat that seriously as it could be considered bullying

Would HR even consider such a trivial issue

Do you think it's trivial or are you asking if HR would consider it trivial?

It's really hard to say without knowing the context I'm afraid.

How much of it happened in the workplace ?

I don't think it's trivial but unsure if HR would share those views so wondering if typically HR considers spreading rumours as trivial

Have you spoken to your line manager?

I think HR would expect you to do that first if you haven't already.

ETA: I expect it would depend on the rumours, how they affected you and if the person is willing to admit.

Threats outside work

Rumours spread at work to work colleagues during their shift

I spoke to line manager and also spoke to the colleague privately and they admitted it but rationalised it by saying they did it due to x,y,z...

I felt they didn't understand impact as one colleague admitted they distanced themselves after hearing the rumour I tried to correct them but damage had been done

So that's when decided to tell HR

What did your line manager say?

Am I being unreasonable for raising complaint for that?

Absolutely not. Nobody should be discussing your personal business at work. Even if what they're saying is true, it's incredibly unprofessional.

Would HR even consider such a trivial issue?

If it's causing you issues at work, or stress/upset etc, of course they will.

What they actually do about it will depend on various factors.

If the rumour is that you're responsible for the silent farts in the office, they'll likely just have a chat with her about her professionalism.

Are the rumours true? If not it would certainly be looked at as more malicious. Presumably they are given that you say she's previously discussed 'outing' you over them.

You did the right thing.

They'd speak to him but he minimised and saw no issue so the escalation to HR

This is bullying and harassment.

You have the right to work in an environment without fear that your colleague is spreading malicious rumours about you to others on site that will interfere with your reputation and ability to work cohesively as a team/organisation.

Report away and stick to your guns.

Yes a good HR team will take this seriously and it needs investigating. Could be bullying and harassment and employers have a responsibility to keep their employees safe. You did the right thing. People who do that to others and don’t see the impact won’t stop of their own accord. You should be supported through the process but if not then seek advice from ACAS or a Union.

Thank you. Hopefully they do investigate thoroughly. The verbal threat will be the hardest to prove. Is spreading rumours gross misconduct if proven ??

You need to look at your bullying policies

Your employer should have a Bullying and Harrasment policy, a Grievance Policy and a Disciplinary policy. If they don’t, you can read up on the subject in the ACAS website.

HR will take it seriously if it is impacting your ability to do your job.

Where things get a bit woolly with Grievance is first, you’ll typically be asked what outcome you would like to see from the process. Second, almost any grievance involves consideration of mediation.

I would suggest you record your evidence, super handy if you’ve got screen shots, and pull up a witness list. Your manager should have recorded even an informal meeting and the admission by the employee.They should typically acknowledge your compliant usually within 5 working days.

Breach of any policy is misconduct. It’s whether there is sufficient evidence to make it stick.

Unfortunately I had to resign due to the impact of the rumours so I don't have access to their policies. They've asked for witnesses, screenshots etc which were given and they're discussing with HRBP who I'm not sure what their role is

But I'll check the ACAS website- thank you

A bit of context, this case involves aspects of domestic abuse which spilled over into the workplace and the rumours & threats to expose were part of the abuse. It's all complicated and very awkward, I'm sure HR doesn't know which way to go with it but I was tired of living in fear hence the disclosure to them.

HR are not decision makers, your complaint may be filed with them but it would be passed to your line manager or another manager for review and investigation. It depends on what was said as to how seriously they take it but it could be bullying.