How to Address Problems with a Fellow Employee to Your Boss by Letter

Grace Ferguson reports:

"Before you lodge a complaint, examine its relevance...Think about how your co-worker’s behavior affects your ability to work. Be honest about your reasons for coming forward at this time...Start the letter by briefly stating your reason for writing it. Explain that due to a series of incidents that arose between you and the co-worker, you feel it’s time to make an official complaint. If you have already tried to handle it on your own, share that information, too...Next, write what happened between you and the employee. List each incident separately and the respective dates. Stick to the facts and maintain a neutral tone when describing what happened...Write how the [co-worker's] actions affect your ability to work. State your job duties and your goal to meet them. Point out how your co-worker’s actions are preventing you from fulfilling your objectives. Say that you would appreciate the company's help in stopping behavior that doesn't belong in the workplace. Make a photocopy of your signed and dated letter...Approach your manager professionally and explain the situation. Explain that you’ve written a letter, which contains specifics of the matter. Then present the letter to your boss. If you[r] boss is unable or unwilling to deal with it, contact your human resources department. Give HR a copy of the letter."