What Managers Can Do When Workers Are Complaining?

Workers complaint about a manager mean the workforce is out of balance. The issue here is why the workers are complaining? How frequent is meeting held? Frequent meetings with workers can put a stop to the disgruntle staff. Getting in touch with workers at the very beginning to find out what their needs are will help to address issues that would otherwise cause work disruption. Sometimes it is something very simple that if not address will cause problems.

Should management address employees complaint?

A complaint should be handled ASAP. Management can call a meeting with the complainer or with the whole staff to address the issue. A feedback box is a great idea to give workers the opportunity to offer suggestions to management. When workers suggestions are acted on they feel valued that their suggestions are accepted by management. Having a brainstorming session with staff will help to generate ideas on how the department can improve services. This will take the burden off management to be the problem solver.

Appreciative Inquiry

"Basic Assumption: An Organization is a Problem to be Solved...a Mystery to be Embraced" (David L. Copperrider & Diane Whitney, 2005). http://appreciativeinquiry.cwru.edu/intro/whatisai.cfm

Allowing staff to solve their own problems is part of the Appreciative Inquiry Model (David L. Copperrider & Diane Whitney, 2005). The Appreciative Inquiry uses a "4-D" cycle (Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny). It looks at problem solving as a way to identify, analyse the causes of a problem and look at possible solutions. Action planning is part of the treatment. This is a great model for businesses to apply especially during staff disruption.

Managers, donot wait until things get out of hand to deal with issues. Ask for staff input at the onset especially the complainer and see what happened. A healthy workforce is a productive one.

Annmarie Edwards
Workforce Expert
http://www.ariaresearchgroup.com
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