Grievance at work

Most people know what a grievance at work is—but far fewer understand the consequences of raising one. In this episode, Chris Sutton and Simon Fenton explore what really happens when workplace frustrations reach breaking point, why some issues should be tackled sooner rather than later, and how a simple complaint can quickly evolve into something much bigger. From office politics and workplace conflict to allegations of bullying and harassment, they unpack the realities that employees and employers often underestimate.

The conversation also reveals the difficult balancing act employers face when a grievance lands on their desk. What happens when a complaint is made against a manager? What if a grievance intersects with a redundancy process? And why can trying to avoid formal procedures sometimes make matters significantly worse? This episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of the most sensitive areas of employment law.

Whether you're an employee wondering whether to speak up or an employer trying to navigate a difficult workplace issue, this discussion highlights the importance of timing, process, and understanding what a successful outcome actually looks like.

Key Takeaways

• Why raising a grievance may already be a sign that the problem has gone too far
• The workplace issues that should never be ignored
• When an informal conversation can be more powerful than a formal complaint
• The hidden risks employers face when investigating grievances
• What happens when multiple workplace processes collide
• Why the outcome people want is often different from what they first expect