The Challenge
Grievances rarely come out of the blue.
By the time a formal complaint lands on your desk, frustration has usually been building for some time. It can feel overwhelming to know what to do next.
As an SME leader, you might be worried about:
- Handling the process fairly without losing control of the situation
- Saying or doing the wrong thing and escalating the problem
- Losing impartiality when emotions are already running high
- Tribunal risks, legal costs, or damage to team morale
You don’t need to navigate this alone.
How LighterHR Helps
We make the grievance process clear, structured, and fair.
Our role is to guide you step by step so you can stay compliant, protect your business, and bring a difficult situation to a managed outcome.
Our support includes:
- Acting as an impartial sounding board before you take action
- Drafting letters, meeting invites, and outcome documentation in plain language
- Advising on how to run grievance meetings fairly
- Managing the process for you if impartiality is difficult internally
- Supporting you with next steps if the grievance doesn’t resolve the issue
Employee Grievance Support for SMEs
A grievance can start small but escalate quickly if not handled properly—which is why SME leaders often need guidance to navigate the process. Whether an employee raises concerns about management decisions, workplace conflict, or treatment at work, it’s vital to act fairly and follow the right steps.
At LighterHR, we support you through every stage of the grievance procedure with practical, plain-spoken advice—helping you manage issues confidently while protecting your business.
Levels of Support
Choose the level of support that fits your needs:
Advisory – we’re on the phone or email to give you confidence and direction.
Guided – we draft documents and talk you through each step.
Fully Managed – we take on the grievance process end-to-end, giving you impartiality and peace of mind.
Why SMEs Trust Us
Plain-spoken, practical advice – no jargon, just clear steps
CIPD-qualified consultants with years of SME experience
Compliance assured – all processes aligned with ACAS guidelines
Calm, human approach – because HR is about people, not just policies
Client Story
“LighterHR quickly took the pressure off. Their calm clarity helped us manage a grievance professionally—and sensitively.”
Simon Froom
Managing Director, Knowall IT
Key Questions
What if I’m named in the grievance?
We can act as the impartial case manager, running hearings and providing outcome documentation independently.
What if the employee resigns or goes to tribunal?
We’ll help you follow a fair process and reduce the risk of claims, even if the issue escalates.
How long does a grievance process take?
Every case is different, but we’ll help you keep the process structured and timely to minimise disruption.
Ready to Act?
Grievances can feel draining, but the right support makes all the difference. With LighterHR at your side, you’ll have clarity, compliance, and confidence throughout the process.