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Seven in ten employers report rise in AI-assisted grievances as manager confidence remains low
New WorkNest research reveals that 70% of employers have seen an increase in grievances they believe were drafted using AI tools such as ChatGPT. At the same time, only 12% are confident their managers can handle complex grievance cases.
Our survey of more than 900 HR and business professionals found that over a third of employers (37%) have experienced a significant increase in suspected AI-assisted grievances.
These complaints are often longer, more detailed and more likely to refer to employment law, workplace policies and formal procedures. While the use of AI does not make a grievance more valid, it can make the issues harder and more time-consuming for managers to unpick.
Mental health adds to the complexity
AI is not the only factor making grievances more challenging.
Mental health and wellbeing considerations were identified as the biggest source of complexity, cited by 40% of respondents. This was followed by:
Cases involving multiple employees - 30%
Discrimination allegations - 29%
Ongoing performance or conduct issues - 28%
Employers have also noticed changes in the types of workplace complaints being raised. Over the past two years, respondents reported increases in:
Bullying and harassment - 43%
Mental health-related concerns - 40%
Discrimination allegations - 35%
Interpersonal conflict - 34%
These cases can require employers to balance legal obligations, procedural fairness and employee wellbeing. When several issues overlap, even experienced managers may struggle to determine the right approach.
Only one in eight employers confident in managers
Despite the growing complexity of workplace grievances, just 12% of employers are confident that their managers have the skills to handle difficult cases.
This capability gap can create additional risk for organisations. Poorly managed grievances may lead to delays, inconsistent decisions, damaged working relationships and potential legal claims.
Alice Brakenridge, Senior Employment Law Adviser at WorkNest, said:
“AI is changing the nature of grievances. Employees now have access to tools that can produce lengthy, professionally written complaints referencing legal concepts, workplace policies and procedural issues.
“That does not mean the underlying complaint has more merit, but it can make cases more complex, time-consuming and intimidating for managers to navigate.
“Employers should also remember that AI is not always factually accurate. It can produce incorrect information, cite outdated law or refer to rules from other jurisdictions. AI should be treated as an assistant, not an adviser, and expert guidance should be sought where necessary.”
Grievance-related support is growing
The findings reflect a wider trend in the support employers are seeking. Grievance-related enquiries now account for a significant proportion of the HR advice WorkNest provides to SMEs and other organisations.
Alice added:
“Employers are increasingly dealing with sensitive grievances involving mental health, bullying and discrimination. These cases need to be managed carefully, balancing legal responsibilities with the wellbeing of everyone involved.
“The fact that only one in eight employers is confident in their managers’ ability to handle complex grievances is concerning. As workplace disputes continue to evolve, organisations need clear procedures, capable managers and access to the right advice.”
How employers can prepare
Employers cannot prevent every grievance, but they can make sure their organisation is better equipped to respond. Practical steps include:
Reviewing grievance policies to ensure they remain clear, accessible and up to date
Training managers to recognise and respond to complex or sensitive complaints
Looking beyond the presentation of a grievance to identify the underlying concerns
Checking any legal claims or references rather than assuming AI-generated information is accurate
Keeping clear records of decisions, investigations and communication
Seeking advice early where cases involve discrimination, mental health, whistleblowing or potential legal claims
Need support managing a difficult grievance?
Complex grievances can take up significant management time and expose your organisation to unnecessary risk if the process is not handled correctly.
WorkNest’s Employment Law and HR specialists can help you assess the issues, follow a fair process and make confident decisions at every stage.
Speak to our team about grievance support.
Research based on responses from 921 HR professionals and business leaders surveyed by WorkNest during an online webinar in July 2026.
Complex grievances can take up significant management time and expose your organisation to unnecessary risk if the process is not handled correctly.
WorkNest’s Employment Law and HR specialists can help you assess the issues, follow a fair process and make confident decisions at every stage.
