The situation: An employee or group of employees create an issue that impacts business and your reputation. Regardless of what it is, you have to take it seriously, and have an escalation response plan outlining each step as the issue develops.
What works: Working directly with the employees to address their concerns. Transparently answering questions and providing factual information. Maintaining privacy of everyone involved. Working with legal counsel and human resources.
The takeaway: Ignoring employee issues never really works, plus it is not a best practice. You will be judged on how you manage the issue, regardless of the circumstances.
