AI Tools Change How Employees Submit Workplace Grievances

AI-assisted drafting is altering the way employees submit workplace complaints, with many grievances now structured to resemble legal documents and referencing statutes or timelines.

Human resources professionals have noted that some of these AI-generated complaints may contain inaccurate or fabricated legal citations, which can present challenges for verification and confidentiality. Employment lawyers in the UK observed an increase in such grievances between 2024 and 2025, describing them as professionally formatted but sometimes misrepresenting legal concepts.

AI tools are also being credited with making it easier for employees to express concerns they may have previously been reluctant to raise. This development is seen as lowering the threshold for participation in formal grievance procedures within organisations.

According to a 2025 survey of HR professionals in the UK, a substantial proportion suspected that artificial intelligence had played a role in preparing at least one workplace complaint they received. The survey also found that more than half of respondents considered AI-drafted grievances more difficult to address and resolve than those written without AI assistance.

What the numbers show

• 60% of UK HR professionals in a 2025 survey suspected AI involvement in at least one grievance
• One in three survey respondents believed AI was used in preparing legal claims
• 52% said AI-drafted grievances were harder to resolve

Some AI-generated workplace complaints are designed to mimic legal filings, including references to laws, detailed timelines, and specific remedies sought by employees. However, HR professionals have reported that these documents may sometimes misuse or fabricate legal citations, which can complicate internal investigations.

Employment lawyers in the UK have seen a noticeable rise in AI-generated grievance letters during 2024 and 2025. While these letters often appear to be drafted by legal professionals, they may contain inaccuracies regarding legal principles, according to reports from the period.

Experts in human resources have stated that, regardless of whether a complaint appears to have been generated by AI, employers remain obligated to investigate and respond in accordance with employment law requirements. This guidance reflects ongoing expectations for fair and thorough handling of employee concerns, regardless of the drafting method used.

Industry reaction

HR experts have advised that employers should not dismiss grievances solely because they appear to be AI-generated. They stated that all complaints must be investigated and addressed according to established employment laws and procedures.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.