grievance vs written complaint

[neanderthal]

Hi All, have nc'ed for this one to try to avoid outing myself.

I have resigned and submitted a written complaint and asked for a written response from the company to issues I have had at work, which are only part of why I'm leaving.

I know I should have complained then resigned but the timings didn't work out.

HR have just asked me whether I want my complaint treated as a grievance. Their email is worded slightly oddly, which makes me feel like they are trying to trip me up.

My instant response would be, 'No, happy to keep it less formal as long as I still have the right (and the time, only a few weeks left) to enter a grievance if I choose.'

I don't really want to have meeting(s) unless I really have to as I am off with stress and would like to prepare for them properly & I feel like what's the point of getting more stressed to get the same response?

If I ask for it to just be responded to in a less formal way, is there any downside to this?

In my line of work (public sector) it's important to try and resolve a conflict informally before grievance stage as due to recent changes this can be taken into account if or when the issue gets to grievance level.

Also, it really depends on what you are looking for as an end result. If it is something that you feel may be resolved informally then that is definitely the best route to take first.

There is nothing to stop you going down the grievance route at a later date if you need to.

Depends what you want as a result as BusyLittleSpider said.

HR are right to ask you. If it's a grievance there will be a procedure and you have rights to be accompanied, to appeal the outcome etc. They are right to ask whether you want your concerns dealt with using the formal procedure or not.

yes it's something that I feel could be resolved informally & that's the route I'd like to take. Just was hoping someone with more experience/insight would give me a heads up if I was missing something before I tell them that.

Thanks for your hepful advice!

If you were planning to bring a legal claim you'd need to raise a formal grievance, however as it's something you think could be resolved informally I'm guessing not. Stick with informal if you feel more comfortable.