A survey conducted by portable building specialists Bunkabin found that 22 percent of UK workers do not know how to make a complaint about their workplace.
The survey of 1,022 respondents also found that while 78 percent of workers know how to make a complaint, only 16 percent of respondents had made a workplace complaint.
The majority of complaints pertained to the physical condition of workplaces, with a significant number of workers expressing concerns about their environment not being in good repair.
Specifically, 18 percent of respondents’ complaints reported issues with damp, 13 percent cited poorly fitted windows, and 7 percent complained about uneven flooring.
Luke Rothwell, Director at Bunkabin, comments on making a complaint:
“In light of these findings, we urge employers to take immediate action in two key areas. It is vital to improve communication about complaint procedures to employees. Ensuring that all workers know how to voice their concerns is an essential step in fostering a safe and responsive working environment.
“The high number of complaints about the physical state of workplaces indicates the need for thorough reviews and timely repairs. These figures are not only indicators of the physical state of many workplaces but also point to potential issues in employee safety and job satisfaction.
“The lack of awareness about complaint procedures among a fifth of workers may mean that many other grievances are going unnoticed and unaddressed. This could lead to deteriorating working conditions and dissatisfaction among employees, possibly affecting their overall productivity and well-being. Addressing issues such as damp, poorly-fitted windows, and uneven flooring can significantly enhance the quality of the working environment, contributing to improved employee satisfaction and productivity.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
