Employer tries to help; Employee wants help, just not what’s offered “We support your recovery 100%,” said Manager Avery Roberts. “It’s been a long road to this point, and it’ll be one ahead. But with the help of AA, I believe you’ll have your license to operate back soon.” Employee Dannie Kunkle nodded in agreement. […]
Fired for Stealing Pennies or Because the Boss Doesn’t Believe the Disability?
She took some coupons; he dissed her condition “We need to talk now,” employee Rita Lorenzo said as she stepped into the manager’s office. Mark McAndrew stood, hand up, palm forward to stop Rita. “Hold on,” he said. “I don’t really have time. Just stepping out. Got to meet with loss prevention.” “You have an […]
Bending the Rules or Interfering with FMLA?
Manager was always bending the rules when it came to communicating; why stop now? “I’m glad to see you’re doing better,” said Manager Roe Hawkins. “But I don’t understand what you’re doing here.” “Um, it shouldn’t be a great mystery,” said the employee, Brian Durkin. “I’m here to work.” Roe slowly shook her head side-to-side, […]
Tired of the Sexual Connotations, Employee Quits and Claims Hostile Workplace
Can a series of sexual-in-nature comments add up to a hostile workplace? “James, I believe you can improve,” said Supervisor Gwen Thomas. “We’ve talked about where your performance has slipped and we identified how you can improve. Anything else before I document our conversation?” Employee James Peck clenched his fists tightly and thought carefully before […]
‘When I Say Every Sunday, I Mean Every Sunday!’ Is That a Reasonable Accommodation?
Employee expects everyone to help with ‘reasonable accommodation’ “I just don’t think it’s fair to ask one more person to fill in for you,” said manager James Stewart. “We’ve bent over backwards to help you for years now. It’s high time you bend a little.” “Bend?” Trinity Stevens said. “By standing tall for my principles, […]
Employee Wants Every Accommodation that Comes to Mind
Manager says, ‘Enough is enough!’ But is too much accommodation never enough? “I’m all ears,” said Manager Jerome Hughes. “But, if you’d like, we can discuss what’s on your mind in my office.” “Not necessary,” said employee Edith McNamara. “As a matter of fact, I’d like to keep the conversation short. You know how talking […]
Employee fired over bad attitude or bad health? Court decides
The legal do’s and don’ts when medical issues affect performance. Melanie waited for Jeff to sit down in her office. Then she said, “Listen to this,” as she pressed the voicemail button on her phone. It was a message from a longtime customer: “Yesterday, after I made a simple request, your employee Jeff began shouting […]
Timing of ‘treatment’ plan creates work conflicts
“Hi, Lynn, sorry to interrupt. Do you have a minute to talk?” HR manager Lynn Rondo looked up from her computer screen and saw employee Becca Martinez standing in her doorway. “Sure, Becca. Come on in,” Lynn said. “What can I do for you?” “I wanted to modify my work schedule a little so I […]
She claims her supervisor causes her PTSD and wants a different one
HR manager Lynn Rondo was daydreaming about her upcoming beach trip when Maggie Moore appeared in her doorway. “Hi, Lynn, I need to talk to you,” Maggie said as she walked inside. “What’s up, Maggie?” Lynn asked, snapping back to the present. “I wanted to talk with you about switching my manager again,” Maggie replied. […]
Religion prevents him from working busiest day of the week: Now what?
Supervisor must make the right call on employee’s rights. Maddie studied the written request from Alex and then responded to him: “You want every Saturday off because you’re a new convert to a religion that has Saturday as its day of observance?” “That’s right,” Alex confirmed. “Let me explain what the problem is,” Maddie said […]