WORKPLACE ANSWER
How do I raise a concern at work?
Understand who to speak to, whether to raise your concern informally or formally, and what may happen next.
Quick Answer
There are different ways to raise a workplace concern. Start by being clear about what has happened, what you are worried about and what you would like your employer to understand or address. Many concerns can first be raised informally with a manager or another appropriate person. If the issue is serious, informal action does not feel appropriate or previous attempts have not resolved it, you may decide to raise the concern more formally.
Not every concern is a formal grievance and not every situation gives the same legal protection. The right route for you will depend on what the concern is about, who is involved and how serious it is. This page will help you decide who to speak to, whether to raise your concern informally or formally, what may happen next and where to find more specific guidance.
What Kind of Concern Are You Raising?
Workplace concerns can involve many different situations, such as:
- How you are being treated by a manager or colleague
- Bullying or inappropriate behaviour
- Discrimination or harassment
- Pay, working arrangements or workplace policies
- Health and safety issues
- Decisions or processes you believe have not been handled properly
- Other problems affecting your work or working environment
The nature of your concern can affect who you should speak to and which process may be appropriate. Use the related WorkAnswers guidance to explore more detailed Answers on specific issues where you need them.
Decide Who to Speak To
The right person to speak to will depend on what your concern is about and how serious it is. Depending on your workplace and the issue, this might be:
- Your manager
- Another manager
- HR or the People Team
- A trade union representative
- Another person named in a relevant workplace policy (for example, a safeguarding or whistleblowing contact)
Check your staff handbook or policies to see who your employer suggests you speak to for different types of concern. If you are unsure, you can ask a trusted manager, HR or your trade union for guidance.
What If My Concern Is About My Manager?
If your concern is about your manager, you do not necessarily have to raise it directly with them. Where appropriate, you can:
- Check your employer’s procedure to see what it says about concerns involving managers
- Consider speaking to another manager, HR or another appropriate contact
- Talk to a trade union representative if you have one
If you are unsure whether your manager’s behaviour is unfair, bullying or otherwise inappropriate, you may want to read the relevant WorkAnswers guidance on unfair treatment by a manager, bullying at work, harassment or discrimination before deciding what to do next.
- Should I Raise It Informally or Formally?
Preparing to Raise Your Concern
Before you raise your concern, it can help to organise:
- What has happened, in clear, factual terms
- Relevant dates or events
- Who was involved
- Any relevant emails, messages or documents
- What you have already done to try to resolve the situation
- What you would like your employer to consider or do next
Keeping things factual and focused on what you want to happen can make it easier for the person you speak to understand your concern and respond constructively.
Answers to Common Questions
Is this a grievance or an informal concern?
Formal grievances are official written complaints following a procedural route, whereas informal concerns are usually verbal discussions aimed at resolving issues quickly without triggering a company’s full legal process.
Will I be legally protected if I speak out?
Your legal protection varies significantly based on the specific nature of your complaint and the unique circumstances; for instance, whistleblowing or discrimination claims carry specific statutory safeguards.
Can anyone join me in a formal meeting?
If you are attending a formal grievance meeting, you possess a legal right to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative to support your case and provide witness to the proceedings.
Related WorkAnswers
Practical guidance if you feel your manager is treating you unfairly and you’re unsure what to do next.
Step-by-step help if you think you are being bullied at work, including how to record what is happening and raise a concern.
Related Templates
A structured format for staff ready to escalate an issue to a formal level.
Important: WorkAnswers provides general workplace information for UK employees. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Workplace situations can depend on individual circumstances.
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Talk It Through
Not sure whether to raise your concern informally or formally? Talk through what's happened, your options and what you want to do next.