How to Handle Complaints From Employees

As an authority figure in the work place, you must be able to handle the comments that your employees have. This should include the compliments as well as the complaints. These complaints can lead to better improvements in the work place, but more importantly, it will make the employee feel secure.

Instructions

1. Ask your employees to submit anonymous complaints. This can be as simple as a box that employees have access to like the employee lounge or break room. Placing it somewhere that is easy to see is a great way to remind employees that it is there. For safety, have a box with a lock on it. Only certain people should be able to read these complaints; managers, HR representatives and direct superiors.

2. Have an open-door policy. This can be a great outlet for your employees to complain without consequences. If you do have an open-door policy, your employees should be aware of it. Let them know that they can come in to try to solve a problem or even just vent if they need it.

3. Empathize with your employees, rather than sympathize. You probably had to start out in a similar position as them. You probably understand what you employee is talking about. Relate your experience and what you did to get beyond it.

4. Be patient. You may get an employee that demands to see results immediately. As their superior, you should tell them that you need time to think about their complaint. In return, that employee should take that time to think about it as well. Schedule a time to meet again to discuss the situation. Many times, an employee will have resolved the problem without further help.

5. Have your employee think of a reasonable solution. It is often helpful to have employees think of solutions to their own problems. If they can develop a reasonable solution that you can help with, let them know your plan of action.

6. Check in on the situation at a later date. If need be, have regular intervals to check progress. If you notice improvement, you know that the solution is working. If things haven't changed or have gotten worse, you will need to reevaluate the situation and come up with different solutions.