Employee Opportunities to Respond

Grievance programs and the use of one or more alternative dispute resolution methods provide a forum for employees to challenge an employment decision.

Grievance Programs

A grievance procedure allows employees a formal avenue through which to seek a forum and possible redress if the employee thinks he or she has been wronged in some way. These programs often serve a "therapeutic purpose." Even when an employee does not get the result he or she wishes, having had the opportunity to be heard may help to ease the employee's frustration or dissatisfaction.

An internal grievance program should have a minimum of two steps and probably no more than three: