What is an Ombudsman?
Why do employees not simply take their problems to supervisors of the human resources
department? The reality is that employees and especially supervisors and managers are
very concerned about appearing to be unable to handle their problems. Also, from the
employee’s point of view, managers are generally not seen as being either confidential or
independent. In addition, there are numerous issues, disputes, and controversies for which
the human resources department can find it useful for a knowledgeable, internal neutral person
to identify inappropriate conduct or to obtain timely resolution to problematic disputes. An
Ombudsman is a buffer to whom employees can turn to explain alternative options and processes.
Establishing an “Ombudsman” can accomplish these goals:
An Ombudsman is appointed by an organization to be available to hear workplace concerns,
receive complaints, and make recommendations for resolution. The Ombudsman may serve
as a counselor, go-between, mediator, informal fact-finder, or upward feedback provider. He/she
provides confidential and informal assistance to employees, supervisors, and managers in dealing
with their work-related concerns.
Ombudsmen are established at enlightened companies where there is recognition of the need for an
informal but “active” approach to addressing individual concerns while at the same time enhancing
company interests.
Why do employees not simply take their problems to supervisors of the human resources
department? The reality is that employees and especially supervisors and managers are
very concerned about appearing to be unable to handle their problems. Also, from the
employee’s point of view, managers are generally not seen as being either confidential or
independent. In addition, there are numerous issues, disputes, and controversies for which
the human resources department can find it useful for a knowledgeable, internal neutral person
to identify inappropriate conduct or to obtain timely resolution to problematic disputes. An
Ombudsman is a buffer to whom employees can turn to explain alternative options and processes.
Establishing an “Ombudsman” can accomplish these goals:
An Ombudsman is appointed by an organization to be available to hear workplace concerns,
receive complaints, and make recommendations for resolution. The Ombudsman may serve
as a counselor, go-
with their work-
Ombudsmen are established at enlightened companies where there is recognition of the need for an
informal but “active” approach to addressing individual concerns while at the same time enhancing
company interests.
OMBUDSMAN
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