What is an informal EO complaint?

An informal Equal Opportunity (EO) complaint refers to a situation where an individual communicates a concern or grievance, typically in a conversational manner, without any formal documentation or written record. This type of complaint usually entails a preliminary discussion about an incident or issue related to discrimination or harassment, allowing the complainant to seek guidance or clarification on the matter without the pressure of initiating a formal complaint process.

Informal complaints serve as an important mechanism for individuals to express their concerns and seek resolution or advice before deciding whether to escalate the issue to a formal process, which might involve extensive documentation and an official investigation. This distinction is crucial in understanding organizational protocols for addressing workplace grievances and the range of options available to individuals who may feel wronged or marginalized.