Would Your Report This? (Work Question)

[PebblesMom]

I would say something to her in this case and just let her know that her behavior can reflect negatively on the hospital and she needs to know that she should stay professional when she is on hospital property.
I personally think that people should up hold professional standards at work or on the property. Would it change the opinions of some if this was a first grade teacher in the school parking lot? or a Preacher in a Church parking lot? I think everyone should up hold some professional standards no matter what positon they hold. This may be a good lesson for her to learn and she will not learn it if she does not realize she was caught.
My opinion of this would change if this was at the grocery store...BUT she was at her place of employment.

 

[Jennasis]

I would say something to her in this case and just let her know that her behavior can reflect negatively on the hospital and she needs to know that she should stay professional when she is on hospital property.
I personally think that people should up hold professional standards at work or on the property. Would it change the opinions of some if this was a first grade teacher in the school parking lot? or a Preacher in a Church parking lot? I think everyone should up hold some professional standards no matter what positon they hold. This may be a good lesson for her to learn and she will not learn it if she does not realize she was caught.
My opinion of this would change if this was at the grocery store...BUT she was at her place of employment.

It absolutely does not change my opinion.

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

I work in a place that focuses on children and families. We recieved a letter that stated "We had a wonderful time at __________. However, at the end of the day we were crossing the street and a car nearly hit us. The driver stopped to yell at us from their car to get the -bleep- out of the way, even though we were properly using the crosswalk. The thing that really bothered us was that it was one of your employees- still in uniform and with name tag on. Other than that, our experience was wonderful."

It's not ok to treat strangers like that- especially when you're that near to your place of employment. I would approach the person who shouted at you and let them know it was you that they yelled at, and remind them that they represent the hospital especially when they're on property. What if it had been a family who'd just lost a family member? Or someone with a temper problem who would be willing to physically go after them?

My other approach would be to anonoymously report the situation without the employee's name attached so that a reminder to the entire hospital could be sent out. They'll know who they are and hopefully will understand the possible consequences of their actions (reprimands, termination of employment, etc.- if that is an official policy in place).

 

[low-key]

shes an idiot, but I would just keep it to myself

 

[smokeyblue]

Lots of different points of view here. I was leaning twards the, nothing good is going to come of this, but the last couple of posts are swaying me the other way.

I know for sure that this statement was directed at us, she was actually looking and projecting what she was saying twards us. She was proabably only 6-8 feet away. The vendor was the first to comment "wow that was inappropriate, I hope she doesn't work here."

Now my thought is, if we were looking at a sign inside and she walked by and yelled this at us I wouldn't hesitate reporting her. Why should I treat this situation any differently because we happened to be outside?

 

[marlynnp]

So an employee, in his or her own car, trying to go home after a long day at the hospital, isn't allowed to blow off a little steam when three people are standing on a medium in between the entrance and exit to the parking lot?

Why are you on the median? Wasn't there someone else to stand? What if one of you lost your footing and got hit by this person? Maybe that's what he or she was worrying about.

Did you actually read the post? It starts with:

I was meeting with the Grounds Spvr. and a sign vendor to discuss repairing a parking lot sign. We were standing on a concrete island between the enter and exit drive lanes assessing the sign....

They weren't impeding traffic in any way!


OP, it's sound as though you hold a managerial position with the hospital. As such I would at a minimum report the incident to the offender's supervisor, if you aren't comfortable addressing it that way, then report in directly to HR.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Exactly!! Maybe they were worried about hitting you? Cause in that situation, they would be charged/blamed.

So an employee, in his or her own car, trying to go home after a long day at the hospital, isn't allowed to blow off a little steam when three people are standing on a medium in between the entrance and exit to the parking lot?

Why are you on the median? Wasn't there someone else to stand? What if one of you lost your footing and got hit by this person? Maybe that's what he or she was worrying about.

Bingo! ITA!

I agree--though I find that on these boards there are more people who want to tattle than people who don't!! I'm shocked at some of the things people post that they have tattled on or want to tattle on- seems they were never taught to mind their own business.

Double bingo!!

I am absolutely amazed at the amount of people who are so perfect, they have no tolerance for somebody having a bad day and wanting to tattle on insignificant things.

I could see tattling if the person was swerving to hit you, but venting in their own car, not so much. Especially running to HR without finding out the circumstances first.

Were you serious about complaining to HR? About an incident in the parking lot? Wow. Do you drive much at all? Serious question. Do you file a report against everyone that flips you the bird or loses their cool out on the roads?

Going to HR is the cowards way out.

Even if you confronted the person, what type of response do you expect? If I were the person id repeat exactly what I said in the garage. How could that possibly get me fired? I (rudely) told you to get out of my way because....can you guess why?... I was worried id hit you....I was worried one of you would fall...thats not the safest place to be you know.

I just dont see anything good coming out of it. You need to get over this and move on.

 

[goofyintoronto]

OP, it's sound as though you hold a managerial position with the hospital. As such I would at a minimum report the incident to the offender's supervisor, if you aren't comfortable addressing it that way, then report in directly to HR.

Why would the supervisor be dragged into this? This has nothing to do with how they do their job.

 

[ariel71]

I work in a "professional" job, and I'm constantly reminded that I represent the company 100% of the time. If I did this on company property, I would find myself with a pink slip the next day. Therefore, I would have a hard time biting my tongue, this person represents a company, a company whom you work for and a company who's profits rely on customers. A company is only as strong as it's weakest link and she's a weak link.

I'm flabbergasted that anyone thinks the driver's behavior is OK in any way, shape or form. I can swear like a sailor, but it's completely inappropriate to shout a profanity at anyone on your employer's property. "Having a bad day" or "blowing off steam" is an utterly meaningless excuse.

OP, I wouldn't talk the employee directly. This is not an interpersonal issue; there were two other employees present. It is a work issue and that's exactly what HR is for. It could actually make things worse for you (or even be against policy) to discuss this with her directly. You never know how someone will react.

 

[Planogirl]

Do you know this person? If you said so I missed it.

I would send them a nicely worded message directly. It's not an appropriate way to behave IMO.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Absolutely not, especially since I've heard more than one teacher and clergy person drop the f-bomb. No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, has a bad day etc. Frankly I'm glad I don't work with a bunch of people that have nothing better to do than worry about every little thing everyone else does.

OP, worry about yourself and your own conduct. Unless this person was actually verbally assaulting a patient or visitor I think you should mind your own business.

Exactly. People should mind their own business and stop tattle tailing on everyone like children. People at my work have better things to do and worry about than tell on each other. Ive been at the company for 16 yrs and never saw something like this.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I'm flabbergasted that anyone thinks the driver's behavior is OK in any way, shape or form. I can swear like a sailor, but it's completely inappropriate to shout a profanity at anyone on your employer's property. "Having a bad day" or "blowing off steam" is an utterly meaningless excuse.

OP, I wouldn't talk the employee directly. This is not an interpersonal issue; there were two other employees present. It is a work issue and that's exactly what HR is for. It could actually make things worse for you (or even be against policy) to discuss this with her directly. You never know how someone will react.

ITA, you never know how someone will react, or what she will claim you said or did. Direct conversations have blown up between staff members before, and I can only imagine how she'll react given her behavior in the parking lot.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I'm flabbergasted that anyone thinks the driver's behavior is OK in any way, shape or form. I can swear like a sailor, but it's completely inappropriate to shout a profanity at anyone on your employer's property. "Having a bad day" or "blowing off steam" is an utterly meaningless excuse.

OP, I wouldn't talk the employee directly. This is not an interpersonal issue; there were two other employees present. It is a work issue and that's exactly what HR is for. It could actually make things worse for you (or even be against policy) to discuss this with her directly. You never know how someone will react.

Lol. So im trying to picture this. You storm into HR and and tell them you want to file a complaint. When they ask why, you tell them its because a person in their car in the parking garage told you to get the bleep outta the way.

Do you have proof? Are the witness you were with willing to come in and tell their side of the story? If not, its your word against theirs.

Sorry but I think its ridiculous. but if you go thru with it, more power to ya.

 

[ariel71]

Absolutely not, especially since I've heard more than one teacher and clergy person drop the f-bomb. No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, has a bad day etc. Frankly I'm glad I don't work with a bunch of people that have nothing better to do than worry about every little thing everyone else does.

OP, worry about yourself and your own conduct. Unless this person was actually verbally assaulting a patient or visitor I think you should mind your own business.

You've heard them shout it at complete strangers in anger?

She very well could have yelling at a patient, visitor, vendor, donor, etc. She had no idea who they were. But I guess it would be better to address it after something like that occurs. It's not like anyone's saying she should be fired. A reminder that she represents the hospital and should conduct herself accordingly isn't inappropriate.

Do you all really think that if you were leaving work and someone was in the doorway that you could shout the same thing at them without repercussion?

 

[ariel71]

Lol. So im trying to picture this. You storm into HR and and tell them you want to file a complaint. When they ask why, you tell them its because a person in their car in the parking garage told you to get the bleep outta the way.

Do you have proof? Are the witness you were with willing to come in and tell their side of the story? If not, its your word against theirs.

Sorry but I think its ridiculous. but if you go thru with it, more power to ya.

Where did anyone use the words "storm into HR"? Perhaps you also missed the fact that there were two other people present, one of which was an outside vendor. So yes, there are witnesses.

 

[jlima]

I work at a hospital. I was meeting with the Grounds Spvr. and a sign vendor to discuss repairing a parking lot sign.

The Grounds Supervisor who was with you may have already reported her. Ask him if he did. He may have already informed HR that there was a witness to the situation - you.

I guess there are 4 options, do nothing, email the person, email their supervisor or officially write them up through HR.

If the other guy didn't already report her, talk to her supervisor face to face rather than email. Tell her supervisor what you witnessed, and that you're torn on reporting her or not; and be sure to mention that there was a 2nd supervisor present. Her supervisor may want the incident documented; and if that's the case, then report her. If she has anger issues, you're probably not the first person she's raised her voice at.

I would not send an email; if you never report her to HR, the email between you and her supervisor will live forever in your employer's email archive. And never email something you don't want blown up on a courtroom wall.

 

[Poohforyou]

I work in a hospital and cursing at a coworker will get you suspended at my job, respect for others is not optional. Given this lady's overreaction in the parking lot, you have no idea what other complaints she may have against her (these are rarely singular events).

Saying the f word itself is not the same as directly cursing at someone, and even then it's unprofessional.

I have never on my worst day cursed at a stranger, and have never been cursed at. I'm kind of surprised some folks seem to think this is common behavior and okay. If someone cursed at me like that, I'd be shocked.

Wow, and you live in New York .

I personally don't go around cursing at people but I also don't tattle when I hear someone at work letting it rip. The OP doesn't know with absolute certainty that her co-worker was cursing at her. My position is that the OP should mind her own business and let the co-worker dig her own hole.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Where did anyone use the words "storm into HR"? Perhaps you also missed the fact that there were two other people present, one of which was an outside vendor. So yes, there are witnesses.

Yes im very well aware that there are wintnesses thank you. My point is, are they willing to come forward and complain to HR? Most people I know have better things to do. Sorry but I think if you go out of your way to get someone in trouble then you must have a lot of time on your hands with nothing better to do. I would not waste my time with something as ridiculous as this. People have a bad day. Get over it.

I just think that its sad that something like this still bugs you enough that youre willing to go out of your way to report it.

 

[Tralliam]

Lots of different points of view here. I was leaning twards the, nothing good is going to come of this, but the last couple of posts are swaying me the other way.

I know for sure that this statement was directed at us, she was actually looking and projecting what she was saying twards us. She was proabably only 6-8 feet away. The vendor was the first to comment "wow that was inappropriate, I hope she doesn't work here."

Now my thought is, if we were looking at a sign inside and she walked by and yelled this at us I wouldn't hesitate reporting her. Why should I treat this situation any differently because we happened to be outside?

The bolded is what would help me make my decision. Your vendor commented to you, their contact, that it was innapropriate. What if they decided that they didn't want to do business with the hospital because of this. Another sign vendor may do inferior work for more money. That directly impacts the bottom line of the hospital.

If the vendor had laughed and said something like "someone's having a bad day" I would probably do nothing.

 

[Social Worker Sue]

This isnt a perfect world where nobody gets mad at eachother or uses foul language. We are human. It happens.

So where do we draw the line? If you have 2000 employees on a large work campus just dropping F bombs and insults because they are angry and stressed, well, that doesn't sound like a healthy work environment.

Just the other week, a man called a little boy the N word on a plane. He also smacked him. He was stressed. His son was ill and actually died the next day. He was on the flight to go see him and the little boy was crying.

But, let's take away the smack. Let's say he just screamed the N word at the little boy. Should THAT be allowed? Afterall, he was having a bad day