Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Florida

Hello,

We now have a new manager in my department, and she seems really nosey. When you inform her that you have to take time off, she wants for you to go into detail about the reason you are taking off from work. Even if it concerns a family member, she wants to know what is going on with that family member as to why you are taking off from work. It would seem to me that if someone has the time, and their work is order(of course), or if its an emergency to take off from work they should be able to. The only thing we should have to tell her is that it is for a "personal" matter.

My question is, isn't it illegal for us to HAVE to explain to her WHY we're taking off from work, especially if it concerns a medical condition or an appointment that you may not want for her to know in detail?

Thanks in advance,

KeKe


Asked on 8/11/10, 6:18 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

You are correct that she has no right to pry into your personal affairs. If your company has an employee handbook that details the steps for taking personal days, or emergency time off, review that section, copy it, and the next time that you need to see her about taking time off, put your request in writing, and attach a copy of the company procedure for personal days.

Document your time off by keeping a log or journal. Do not share personal information with co-workers that she can pressure for the information you are refusing to provide. Be prepared that she will be frustrated by this, and may want to retaliate. This is why your work related issues and discussions should be put in writing, and kept in a file outside of your workplace. Do not conduct your personal business or information on company time or computers.

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Answered on 8/17/10, 7:17 am


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