Workplace conflicts can be incredibly stressful, especially involving a problematic co-worker.
Whether it’s a case of harassment, insubordination, or just plain unprofessional behavior, sometimes the only way to resolve the issue is by filing a formal complaint.
Sample Letters of Complaint Against Co-worker
However, crafting a well-written complaint letter can be a challenge.
To help you navigate this tricky situation, we’ve compiled 15 sample letters of complaint against a co-worker that you can use as a guide.
1. Subject: Formal Complaint Against John Doe – Harassment
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to file a formal complaint against my co-worker, John Doe, for repeated instances of harassment. Over the past several months, Mr. Doe has made numerous inappropriate comments about my appearance and has even gone so far as to touch me inappropriately on several occasions.
Despite my repeated requests for him to stop, Mr. Doe has continued with this behavior, creating a hostile work environment. I have documented each instance of harassment and have included copies of these records with this complaint.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Mr. Doe’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that measures be put in place to prevent any retaliation from Mr. Doe or anyone else in the company.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Subject: Complaint Against Jane Smith – Insubordination
Dear Management,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Jane Smith, for repeated instances of insubordination. As her supervisor, I have given Ms. Smith clear instructions on numerous occasions, which she has consistently failed to follow.
Despite multiple warnings and attempts to correct her behavior, Ms. Smith continues to disregard my authority and undermine my position. This behavior is creating a disruptive work environment and is affecting the productivity of our entire team.
I am requesting that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against Ms. Smith to ensure that she understands the seriousness of her actions and the importance of following the chain of command.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Subject: Complaint Against Bob Johnson – Unprofessional Behavior
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Bob Johnson, for unprofessional behavior in the workplace. On numerous occasions, Mr. Johnson has used vulgar language, made inappropriate jokes, and has even been caught sleeping on the job.
This behavior is not only disruptive but also reflects poorly on our company as a whole. I have attempted to address this issue with Mr. Johnson directly, but he has been unreceptive to my concerns.
I am requesting that Mr. Johnson be given a formal warning and that he be required to attend professional conduct training. If his behavior does not improve, I believe further disciplinary action may be necessary.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Subject: Complaint Against Sarah Davis – Bullying
Dear Management,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Sarah Davis, for bullying behavior in the workplace. Ms. Davis has consistently targeted me with negative comments, insults, and even threats.
This behavior has created a hostile work environment and has made it difficult for me to perform my job duties effectively. I have tried to address the issue with Ms. Davis directly, but her behavior has only escalated.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Ms. Davis’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that measures be put in place to prevent any retaliation from Ms. Davis or anyone else in the company.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
5. Subject: Complaint Against Mike Wilson – Discrimination
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Mike Wilson, for discriminatory behavior in the workplace. On several occasions, Mr. Wilson has made derogatory comments about my race and has even suggested that I was only hired to fill a diversity quota.
This behavior is not only offensive but also creates a hostile work environment. I have attempted to address this issue with Mr. Wilson directly, but he has been dismissive of my concerns.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Mr. Wilson’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that the company provide diversity and inclusion training for all employees to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Subject: Complaint Against Emily Brown – Theft
Dear Management,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Emily Brown, for theft in the workplace. On several occasions, I have witnessed Ms. Brown taking office supplies and other company property without permission.
This behavior not only violates company policy but also reflects poorly on the integrity of our team. I have attempted to address this issue with Ms. Brown directly, but she has been dismissive of my concerns.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Ms. Brown’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that the company review its policies on employee theft and take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
7. Subject: Complaint Against David Lee – Sexual Harassment
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to file a formal complaint against my co-worker, David Lee, for sexual harassment in the workplace. On numerous occasions, Mr. Lee has made inappropriate sexual comments and advances towards me, despite my clear objections.
This behavior has created a hostile work environment and has made it difficult for me to perform my job duties effectively. I have documented each instance of harassment and have included copies of these records with this complaint.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Mr. Lee’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that the company provide sexual harassment training for all employees to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
8. Subject: Complaint Against Karen Smith – Misuse of Company Resources
Dear Management,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Karen Smith, for misuse of company resources. On several occasions, I have witnessed Ms. Smith using company equipment and resources for personal gain, including using the office printer to print large quantities of personal documents.
This behavior not only violates company policy but also reflects poorly on the integrity of our team. I have attempted to address this issue with Ms. Smith directly, but she has been dismissive of my concerns.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Ms. Smith’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that the company review its policies on the use of company resources and take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
9. Subject: Complaint Against Tom Johnson – Violation of Company Policy
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Tom Johnson, for repeated violations of company policy. On numerous occasions, I have witnessed Mr. Johnson violating safety protocols, including failing to wear required protective equipment and disregarding established procedures.
This behavior not only puts Mr. Johnson at risk but also endangers the safety of the entire team. I have attempted to address this issue with Mr. Johnson directly, but he has been unreceptive to my concerns.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Mr. Johnson’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that the company review its safety policies and take steps to ensure that all employees are properly trained and held accountable for following established protocols.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
10. Subject: Complaint Against Rachel Davis – Insubordination
Dear Management,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Rachel Davis, for repeated instances of insubordination. As her supervisor, I have given Ms. Davis clear instructions on numerous occasions, which she has consistently failed to follow.
Despite multiple warnings and attempts to correct her behavior, Ms. Davis continues to disregard my authority and undermine my position. This behavior is creating a disruptive work environment and is affecting the productivity of our entire team.
I am requesting that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against Ms. Davis to ensure that she understands the seriousness of her actions and the importance of following the chain of command.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
11. Subject: Complaint Against Mark Wilson – Harassment
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to file a formal complaint against my co-worker, Mark Wilson, for repeated instances of harassment. Over the past several weeks, Mr. Wilson has made numerous derogatory comments about my religion and has even gone so far as to leave offensive religious materials on my desk.
Despite my repeated requests for him to stop, Mr. Wilson has continued with this behavior, creating a hostile work environment. I have documented each instance of harassment and have included copies of these records with this complaint.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Mr. Wilson’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that measures be put in place to prevent any retaliation from Mr. Wilson or anyone else in the company.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
12. Subject: Complaint Against Jennifer Brown – Unprofessional Behavior
Dear Management,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Jennifer Brown, for unprofessional behavior in the workplace. On numerous occasions, Ms. Brown has engaged in gossip, spread rumors, and made negative comments about other employees, including myself.
This behavior is creating a toxic work environment and is affecting the morale of our entire team. I have attempted to address this issue with Ms. Brown directly, but she has been unreceptive to my concerns.
I am requesting that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against Ms. Brown to ensure that she understands the seriousness of her actions and the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful workplace.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
13. Subject: Complaint Against Chris Davis – Violation of Confidentiality
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Chris Davis, for violation of confidentiality. On several occasions, I have witnessed Mr. Davis sharing confidential client information with individuals outside of our company.
This behavior not only violates company policy but also puts our clients’ trust in our company at risk. I have attempted to address this issue with Mr. Davis directly, but he has been dismissive of my concerns.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Mr. Davis’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that the company review its policies on confidentiality and take steps to ensure that all employees are properly trained and held accountable for maintaining client confidentiality.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
14. Subject: Complaint Against Lisa Johnson – Misuse of Company Time
Dear Management,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Lisa Johnson, for misuse of company time. On numerous occasions, I have witnessed Ms. Johnson engaging in personal activities during work hours, including excessive personal phone calls and internet browsing.
This behavior not only violates company policy but also affects the productivity of our entire team. I have attempted to address this issue with Ms. Johnson directly, but she has been unreceptive to my concerns.
I am requesting that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against Ms. Johnson to ensure that she understands the importance of using company time productively and efficiently.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
15. Subject: Complaint Against Michael Brown – Creating a Hostile Work Environment
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to file a complaint against my co-worker, Michael Brown, for creating a hostile work environment. On several occasions, Mr. Brown has engaged in aggressive and intimidating behavior, including yelling at other employees and making threats.
This behavior has created a fearful and stressful work environment and has made it difficult for me and other employees to perform our job duties effectively. I have attempted to address this issue with Mr. Brown directly, but he has been dismissive of my concerns.
I am requesting that immediate action be taken to address this situation and ensure that Mr. Brown’s behavior is properly dealt with. I am also requesting that measures be put in place to prevent any retaliation from Mr. Brown or anyone else in the company.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Filing a complaint against a co-worker is never an easy decision, but it is sometimes necessary to ensure a safe, respectful, and productive work environment.
By using these sample letters as a guide, you can effectively communicate your concerns and request appropriate action from your company’s management or human resources department.
Remember, it’s important to document any instances of misconduct and to follow your company’s established procedures for filing a complaint.
By taking action and speaking up, you can help create a better workplace for yourself and your colleagues.