Which of the following statements accurately describes grievances?

Grievances are complaints or concerns that typically arise when individuals feel they have been treated unfairly, particularly in the workplace setting. This category of issues can encompass a wide range of situations, such as disputes over working conditions, discrimination, or violations of company policy. The essence of a grievance is the assertion of a perceived injustice that prompts an employee to seek redress.

This indicates why the second option accurately captures the nature of grievances. Employees often express their grievances as a way to address and rectify situations where they feel their rights or dignities have not been respected. By acknowledging grievances as potential reactions to unfair treatment, we recognize their significant role in maintaining workplace harmony and employee morale.

The other options do not reflect the full scope of what constitutes a grievance. Grievances can certainly be verbal, but they can also be documented formally, as opposed to being limited to just verbal complaints. Not all grievances remain unresolved; many can be addressed through dialogue, mediation, or policy frameworks already in place. Lastly, grievances can often lead to formal complaints depending on their severity and the response to the initial grievance—thus, they are typically the first step in a formal complaint process rather than an informal assertion.