UW HR Complaint Resolution with UW HR Consultant

View UW HR Complaint Resolution with UW HR Consultant

For concerns related to workplace conflict, you can reach out to a human resources (HR) consultant. The conflict may be caused by personality differences, miscommunication, or behaviors that violate University policy such as discrimination or harassment. Though we encourage you to handle interpersonal conflict by speaking directly to the other individual as your first course of action, sometimes you may need support in resolving a situation. The University offers several options for help. University policy prohibits retaliation against people who bring a complaint or participate in the complaint process. 

Types of Complaints / Topics Addressed

Interpersonal Conflict in general and specifically, any complaints alleging a violation of Executive Order 31, the University policy that prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation that involves staff or academic student employees. HRCs handle employee relations concerns like workplace accommodations, performance management, interpersonal relationships. The HRC handles things on a case-by-case basis and may provide direction to Title IX, Office of Civil Rights, SafeCampus, as needed.

Disclaimers

Retaliation protection:
University of Washington policy prohibits retaliation against people who bring a complaint or participate in the complaint process. An employee who engages in retaliatory conduct is subject to appropriate corrective action, including dismissal. 

Exception to confidentiality:
Any information shared in emails, tools, or reports may be subject to public records requests or released under federal and state law. 

Process

What information you need to submit, what happens after

Supervisors:
Departments must partner with UW Human Resources when they become aware of any complaints alleging a violation of Executive Order 31, the University policy that prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation that involves staff or academic student employees. Please contact your HR consultant in advance of beginning any investigation. 

Staff:
Contact your HR consultant if your supervisor was not able to effectively resolve the complaint, if issues with your supervisor are part of your complaint, or if you simply prefer assistance from someone outside your unit. When you seek help, be prepared to offer specific details about the time, date, and events related to the concerning behavior. 

The HRC typically talks to folks over the phone or via email. HRCs consult, but are not trained mediators. 

When does reporter hear back?

Varies

Point of Contact Info

Anita Gross, HR Consultant for School of Medicine
Phone: 206-616-4433
Email: anitag16@uw.edu 

Find contact information for other HR Consultants here: https://hr.uw.edu/contact-us/   

Other Considerations

Responsibility to cooperate: Situations involving complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation require a greater degree of responsibility in that every University employee is: 

• Required to report any complaint of discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment, or retaliation that they receive. 
• Encouraged to report any inappropriate, discriminatory, or retaliatory workplace behavior they observe.