Though the phrase “boss is always right” still prevails in the work culture, there are many instances where bosses are found to be at fault. They are noticed of being unfriendly to their subordinates for silly or no reason. They have also used their position and seniority to harass employees. The tricks and method they apply in harassing employees are various. If your boss doesn't like you, he or she may bury you neck-deep with a workload, or force overtime on you. Worst, you may even be a victim of sexual harassment. Some have even faced harassment because of their race, age, color, religion, physical deformity, or national origin. Therefore, being prepared with skills to write a complaint letter about your boss is one of the legitimate ways to handle such situations.
How to Write a Complaint Letter Against your Manager or Boss
Writing a complaint letter about your boss may backfire on you if you cannot prove it. You need to collect enough evidence to support your claim. If you have been a victim of unfair treatment from your boss, here is how you can write a complaint letter.
Introduce yourself
Identify yourself and inform the HR the job title you are holding and the department you are working in. Along with the introduction, the first paragraph must state your purpose of writing. It should also make it clear against whom you are raising a complaint, or who the harasser is.
Note down the incidences of sexual harassment
When writing a complaint letter against someone powerful and at a senior position, you have to provide complete information to the HR about the incidences of sexual harassment. The HR will need details on when, where, and how the incident occurred. To answer these questions, include date, time, and the location of harassment.
Provide witness
Since the complaint needs to be backed with evidence, speak to your colleagues who have been a witness to the harassment. But ensure that they are ready to speak when probed by the HR. Also, include tangible evidence that you have. These could be threatening emails, or letters. If you are smart enough and have recorded conversations with your boss, produce that voice record as well.
Narrate how you are harassed
Simply stating in the complaint letter that you are a victim of persecution will do nothing good. You have to describe the incidents sequentially so that they are easy for the HR to investigate.
Mention how you reacted
During the investigation process, you will have to answer how you reacted when being harassed. There may even be a question that may hurt your dignity. For instance, the investigator will ask you whether you have excited your boss to make advances or for passing lewd comments. So, mention your reaction in the letter and give the same answer during interrogation.
The persecution that you face at the workplace may not only demoralize you, but will also force you to resign the job. Your boss could use any tricks to demoralize you, or compel you to quite the job. So knowing how to raise a complaint against him or her will keep you mentally stable.
Sample Complaint Letter Against Manager
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Steven J. Honaker Human Resources Manager ABCD Pvt. Ltd. 1315 Joy Lane Riverside, CA 92507
Date: 31 July 2017 Subject: Complaint of sexual harassment. Dear Honaker, I am Betty L. Terry working for ABCD Pvt. Ltd. as an “Account Executive” since December 2016. I am writing this complaint letter to bring to your notice the incidences of sexual harassment that I have been facing from last three months by the hands of Mr. Scotty T. Albritton who is my boss and Account Manager in Account Department. Mr. Scotty T. Albritton have been trying to get physical with me. He comes to my desk and tries to place his hand on my shoulder on the pretext of explaining me something, though it is not required. I immediately removed his hands off my shoulder and told him that I didn't appreciate his gesture. This was the first incident that occurred on Thursday, May 4, 2017. I also narrated this incidence to my colleague, Mary Johan who is working in the same department. In fact, she also noticed the indecent behavior of Mr. Albritton and disapproved his gesture. Since then, despite raising my objection against his behavior, there is no change in Albritton's behavior. Many times, he tried to overburden me with workload just to get a chance to drop me home after office. But I, being diligent and adept at my work, always finish off the assigned tasks in time and leave according to office closing time. When he didn't succeed in his plan, he tried sending me emails of going out for dinner. He also stated that he would like to have a one-night stand with me. I have attached his mails for your kind perusal. Despite my clear rejections to his proposal and gesture, he seems to be unfazed. All this is affecting my mental state and forcing me to think of resigning from the job. I request you to investigate the matter immediately and take appropriate action against Mr. Albritton for sexual harassment. I love working in this company and want to serve it for long. If investigation is going to take time, I request you to transfer me in some other department. Sincerely, Betty L. Terry |