Subject Line: Formal Complaint regarding Chuck Baker
To HR,
I am writing to formally report someone on my team in procurement, Chuck Baker.
Chuck has drawn a lot of attention with his negative behavior and attitude ever since he started working with us, which is what prompts me to now issue a formal complaint about him.
Chuck has taken credit for my work on several occasions. He has also repeatedly made inappropriate comments about my gender and color, which have made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome at work. He routinely interferes with my workflow by approaching me with derogatory comments which he claims are “just for fun”. This is making it extremely difficult for me to adequately complete my work and to effectively move forward with the team.
As an example, last week, Chuck lied that I was to blame for a project issue. The truth is that he procrastinated so much that he did not get his work done in time. Instead of keeping his cool and admitting his mistake, he tried to make me take the fall by pronouncing that I had messed up, no doubt hoping that I would be too afraid to stand up for myself. Through conversation with other team members I know that this tactic has worked for him in the past. He has actively and unfairly hurt my reputation and created an atmosphere of dread and mistrust at work.
I urge you to take this problem seriously and to hold Chuck accountable. I want HR to make sure that this does not happen again. Additionally, Chuck must apologize for his offensive comments and for claiming credit for my work.
Thank you for your time and for taking this matter seriously.
Kind regards,
Harriet
Re: Formal Complaint Regarding Chuck Baker
Dear Harriet,
We appreciate you contacting us and submitting this formal complaint against Chuck. We acknowledge the gravity of your worries and take them seriously. We are also aware of the effect this has had on your reputation and that it may have made you feel awkward at work.
We sincerely apologize for the incident and want to thank you for your understanding. At this time, we are unable to provide specifics, but we can promise you that the issue is being addressed and that the situation will be handled appropriately.
We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we recognize your concerns. Please understand that this is a very delicate matter, and an appropriate reaction is of the essence. Chuck Baker, same as yourself, is a highly valued employee. We kindly request that you accept our apology and take the high road in this matter by forgiving Chuck.
Thank you,
Dave DavidsonHR Manager
Re:Re: Formal Complaint Regarding Chuck Baker
Dear Dave,
Thank you for your response to my complaint against Chuck. I appreciate that you are giving attention to the situation and taking action. Your response, however, has not satisfied me, and I believe that there are more fitting and productive ways to handle the matter.
Taking the high road as you suggest would be an inappropriate response. Chuck must be held accountable for his professional misconduct. Apologizing for making disrespectful comments, taking credit for my work, and putting me on the spot like that can only be the beginning. This constitutes a breach of contract, and I cannot stand by and let it happen without consequences.
Reading your response has saddened me, and I see no other way but to come forward as a whistleblower and expose the company for tolerating bullying and harassment if HR does not take proper action.
Sincerely,
Harriet
Re:Re:Re: Formal Complaint Regarding Chuck Baker
Dear Harriet,
I understand your frustration and I apologize for the challenging circumstances you are dealing with.
I want to reassure you that we are actively addressing your concerns and that the company takes your complaint very seriously. Despite the complex nature of the issue, we will do our best to mediate between all affected parties. We are setting up meetings with Chuck and the rest of your team to question them about the situation.
We value your feedback and your contribution to our company. We hear you. We are aware that this is a trying period. Please be patient and give us a chance to make things work out well for everyone.
Once again, thank you for your cooperation. If you have any more queries or worries, don't be afraid to share them with me.
Kind regards,
Dave DavidsonHR Manager
- Imagine you are an HR manager working with Dave and you hear about Harriett’s case. How would you react to Harriett’s complaint? Discuss your reasoning.
- Can you remember an incident at work or at school where you felt mistreated? Write a formal complaint about the situation and address it to the person in charge. Be sure to include concrete examples.
- Discuss: How often do uncomfortable situations arise at the office and how often are they addressed? If there is a discrepancy, why do you think that is? Do you believe that professional misconduct should always be reported? Why or why not?