A colleague behaved awfully outside work. Should we report them?

 

My friend told me this story and when I said it sounded like something from a Work Therapy article, they told me I could pass it on, as long as we changed some things.

On a weekend, my friend was out with friends, some of them colleagues. They were on a main street. A car drove past and a man who seemed drunk yelled obscenities out the window. They all turned and several of them, including my friend, said they thought they recognized the man as someone they worked with.

One of the friends was adamant it was him, but others, including my friend, weren’t 100 percent sure. Later, they approached their boss and explained what happened. The boss took it seriously but warned they had to be certain if they wanted to make a formal complaint. What should they do?

Jobadvisor:

The situation your friend and their colleagues faced is a delicate one. Here's how they could approach it:

1. Gather More Information:

• Encourage the friend who was most certain of the identification to share any specific details they remember, such as the car's make and model, license plate number, or any distinctive physical features of the man.
• Ask other colleagues who were present if they can recall any additional details that might help confirm the identity.
• If possible, try to discreetly obtain a photo of the suspected coworker and compare it to their memory of the man in the car.

2. Consider the Potential Consequences:

• Making a false accusation could have serious repercussions for both the accused coworker and the accusers themselves. It's important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before proceeding with a formal complaint.
• If the accusation is proven false, the accused coworker could face damage to their reputation and potential legal action.
• The accusers could also face disciplinary action from their employer for making a false accusation.

3. Discuss with the Boss:

• Explain to the boss that they are still unsure about the identification and need more time to gather information.
• Ask the boss if there is a confidential way to discreetly obtain a photo of the suspected coworker for comparison.
• If the boss is receptive, ask if they would be willing to speak to the suspected coworker privately to gauge their whereabouts on the night in question.

4. Seek Legal Advice:

• If the group decides to proceed with a formal complaint, it's advisable to consult with an employment lawyer to understand their rights and the potential legal implications.
• The lawyer can provide guidance on how to gather evidence, document the incident, and present a strong case.

5. Alternative Approaches:

• If the group remains uncertain about the identification, they could consider other options, such as:
  • Reporting the incident to the police, providing as much detail as possible about the car and the man's behavior.
  • Filing an anonymous complaint with the company's HR department, expressing concerns about a potential employee misconduct issue.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to proceed with a formal complaint rests with your friend and their colleagues. They should carefully consider all the factors involved and make a decision that they feel is best for themselves and their workplace.