How to File a Complaint With HR About Being Written Up

Filing a complaint with HR can help mitigate a write-up in your file.
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Formal write-ups in your employee file can cause you ongoing difficulty at your job. They can make it easier to fire you and harder for you to get a transfer, recommendation or promotion. If you believe a write-up was baseless or inaccurate, meet with your human resources department to present your side of the story. You need to take specific steps and should always follow the requirements specific to your company.

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Prepare to Meet with HR

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Step 1

Review the write-up in detail. Look for specific things in the write-up that are inaccurate.

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Step 2

Gather any documentation to support your view of the inaccurate items from the write-up.

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Step 3

Make a note of anything your boss said or did during your meeting that was unusual. Note if your boss said something inappropriate or didn't listen to your concerns.

Step 4

Write a statement that clearly outlines your objections to the write-up. Attach to the statement any supporting documentationt you have to back up your version.

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Contact HR

Step 1

Call your designated HR representative or contact him via e-mail.

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Step 2

Set up a meeting with your HR representative that is at least a day away from the meeting with your boss to allow yourself time to settle your emotions.

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Step 3

Express your concerns, provide your documentation and ask what the HR department can do to help. In some cases, it can remove the write-up from your file. In other cases, it will place your statement in your file next to the write-up.

Things You'll Need

  • Copy of the write-up

  • Notes from the meeting with your boss

  • Documentation regarding the incident in the write-up

Tip

Documentation is crucial to your complaint. More documentation is better.

Remain calm at all times. Take breaks and time to consider the situation before acting in haste.

Warning

Do not respond in anger or frustration to your boss or to your HR representative.

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