Submitted by jay2k on
in
Forums
Hello Manager Tools Friends,
Earlier today one of my employees walked into my office and asked "How much physical harm do you have to bring on a person before you get fired?". I told the employee any physical harm you bring on a fellow employee would result in immediate termination.
The employee went on to say that the person he sits next to on our team is constantly sniffling and it is driving him "nuts". The other employee suffers from allergy issues and is on medication, but he does sniffle a bit.
I was caught off guard on how my employee approached the situation, and I do not feel I handled the situation very well. I asked the employee if he had said anything to his teammate, which he replied he had but it was still driving him crazy. I then froze a little and said I appreciated him coming to me about it and I would see what I could do.
As I sit here and think about it, I"m not sure what to do. Therefore I wanted to throw it out to the forum and see what your thoughts would be. Thanks!
I had a team member with a
I had a team member with a persistent cough. Someone complained to my manager while I was on holiday, and she stepped in and moved the cougher. Different issue.
Allergies are more like a disability. Not contagious, not preventable. I would first try and create some empathy, and ask for tolerance.
I'm interested to see what others say.
The sniffle is NOT the issue
I'm all about having a fun, joking environment at work, but there are some things you just don't joke about. Racial discrimination, sex, and workplace violence top the list. I sincerely hope your direct was joking.
Sure, solve the immediate issue. My personal approach is to ask the complainer what they recommend. Maybe allowing them to wear headphones if it is appropriate in your workplace. Maybe move the complainer if it makes sense. Don't take action against the allergy sufferer. MJOYCE is right, this is absolutely a disability. Google "ADA in the Workplace" for more details.
But strong adjusting feedback with written documentation in your notes, to the complainer is the minimal response. That is assuming you feel the direct was joking. If not, you need to take much stronger action. The direct needs to understand, in no uncertain terms, that comments like this are not appropriate.