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Sector Modules10 min read

HR & Mediation

Learn how members file workplace grievances (signed or anonymous), how the HR committee works cases through investigation and mediation, and who can see each case.

HR Grievances & Mediation

Human resource administration in a cooperative depends on members being able to raise problems safely and see them handled fairly. The HR & Mediation module gives members a confidential way to report workplace issues and gives your HR committee a case queue to investigate and resolve them.

1. Filing a Grievance

Any member can file a report from the HR & Mediation page:

  • Category: Harassment & Bullying, Discrimination, Workplace Safety & Hazard, Compensation & Hours Dispute, Ethics & Compliance Violation, Operational Conflict, or Other Workplace Issue.
  • Details: A short title, a factual description (dates, locations, witnesses), and optionally the member the report concerns.
  • Anonymous Reports: Choose "File Report Anonymously" to receive a one-time access key instead of attaching your name. Keep the key safe: it is the only way to follow the case, and OwnFold stores only a hash of it, so nobody can recover it for you.

2. Case Workflow

Workspace administrators act as the HR committee and move each case through these stages:

  • Submitted → Under Review: Intake and initial assessment.
  • Investigation: Fact finding and review.
  • Mediation: Dialogue and negotiation between the parties.
  • Resolved or Dismissed: The case is closed with an outcome.

The committee and the reporter (or the holder of an anonymous access key) can exchange comments on the case throughout.

3. Privacy Rules

Cases are visible only to the people who need them:

  • HR Committee: Administrators see the case queue, except for cases where they are the named respondent.
  • Reporters: Signed reporters see their own cases under "My Reported Grievances"; anonymous reporters open their case with the access key.
  • Respondents: Named respondents never see the case through the app. Audit entries for anonymous actions carry no member ID or IP address.

This module covers grievances and mediation only. OwnFold does not manage benefits, run payroll, or connect to payroll providers; see Timesheets for exporting approved hours as a payroll CSV.