7 Tips to Complain at Work without Backlash

TLDRLearn how to effectively complain at work without facing retaliation or negative consequences. Employment lawyer Branigan Robertson shares seven tips to help you address workplace issues and minimize the risk of backlash. These tips include providing practical solutions, focusing on illegal activities, sending written complaints, and more.

Key insights

💡Provide practical solutions to the problem you're experiencing, which don't cost the company a fortune.

Focus on specific actions and behaviors that you believe to be unlawful.

💼Send your complaint to the right person according to your employee handbook or use your best judgment.

👍Complain selectively and avoid whining about petty issues, as it may diminish your credibility.

🖊️Send a written complaint, preferably via email, and keep a copy for your records.

Q&A

What should I include in my complaint?

In your complaint, include practical solutions to the problem without being threatening. If possible, focus on specific actions and behaviors that you believe are unlawful.

Who should I send my complaint to?

Refer to your employee handbook for guidance on who to send your complaint to. If policies and procedures are not specified, use your best judgment to determine the appropriate recipient.

How specific should my complaint be?

Keep your complaint focused on the most important issues rather than listing multiple complaints. Avoid sending lengthy emails filled with unnecessary details.

How can I minimize the risk of retaliation?

By following the tips provided in this video, such as being professional, providing practical solutions, and avoiding excessive complaints, you can minimize the chances of facing retaliation.

Is it legal to secretly record my complaints?

While it may vary depending on your jurisdiction, in many states, secretly recording your verbal complaints can be deemed unlawful. It is safer to send a written complaint and keep a copy for your records.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Being an ethical person at work can be challenging when addressing problems.

01:23Seven tips to help you address workplace issues and minimize retaliation.

05:56Avoid excessive complaints and focus on the most important issues.

06:49Send written complaints, preferably via email, for a paper trail.

07:47Avoid secretly recording your verbal complaints, as it may be unlawful.