Look at the complaint boxes at office who keep on complaining even for small things like the boss, the office mate, those on payroll, the bathrooms not functioning, and the lack of sunlight in the cubicle. These people usually complain without hoping for change but because negativity has become embedded in their personalities at work. Such complains does no good and creates a toxic environment that sets everyone on edge. A valid complaint like office mate wears too much perfume, or speaks so loudly on personal calls that the entire office knows what she eats each night for dinner. In these instances, there may be a proper reason for complaining – something really is wrong that needs to be changed – but chances are if the complainer is only grumbling about it under his or her breath, nothing is going to change. Instead, the person who is having the problem must discuss the problem with the coworker. But how does one do this without causing friction in the office?
When complaining make it easy for the person to understand.
Don’t generalize your complaint into a broader criticism. Be specific and direct.
Start with positivity then go to the original complaint then again ending it with positive and good phrases.
The medium you use to complain is also important:
If you complain by phone, we will try to resolve your complaint immediately.
If this is not possible, we will take your details and contact you as soon as possible.
If you complain in writing, by letter, fax or email, we aim to respond within 20 working days. If it is not possible to give you a full reply within this time (for example, if your complaint requires more detailed investigation), we will tell you what is being done and when you can expect a full response.
We will acknowledge where things could have been done better, and tell you what will be done to avoid the same thing happening again. Equally, if we do not uphold your complaint, we will let you know why.
As per survey the top complaints from employees were as follows:
1. Higher salaries – pay is the number one area in which employees seek change.
2. Internal pay equity, particularly having concerns with “pay compression” (the differential in pay between new and more tenured employees).
3. Benefits programs, particularly health/dental, retirement, and Paid Time Off/vacation days. Specifically, many employees feel that their health insurance costs too much, especially prescription drug programs.
4. “Over-management” (A common phrase seen in employee comments is “Too many chiefs, not enough Indians”).
5. Pay increase guidelines should place greater emphasis on merit.
6. The Human Resource department needs to be more responsive to their questions and/or concerns.
7. Favoritism.
8. Improved communication and availability (both from their supervisors and upper management).
9. Workloads are too heavy and/or departments are understaffed.
10. Facility cleanliness