Welcome to another HR:ER roundup! Our HR consultancy tackled some more workplace fiascos, including an alleged affair involving HR, an employee who claimed to be kidnapped but was later found on a 5-day bender, and an employee who got a bit too festive at the Christmas party and stripped naked in front of everyone.
Truth or Lie: Employee Alleged Affair With HR
The HR Emergency:
An employee who received speeding points on the company car and blamed it on his father is facing complaints of misogyny and sexual harassment. When confronted about his behaviour, he threatened to expose an alleged affair with HR, using explicit compromising images.
We Diagnose:
- How does the employer respond to Dave’s threats to expose the affair with HR, should HR get involved?
- Is sharing explicit images in the workplace sexual harassment?
- Where does the blame lie in Dave’s repeated rule violations?
Emergency Measures:
Threatening to expose explicit images of an employee constitutes serious sexual harassment and is grounds for dismissal, but it’s pivotal to address this situation through a proper disciplinary process.
Dismissing the employee outright without addressing their previous misconduct will not hold up in a tribunal. And if terminated without following a proper process, your business could face employment claims from that employee!
Without a Trace: Employee Kidnapped!
The HR Emergency:
An employee goes radio silent for 5 days, then returns with a shocking story of being kidnapped, gagged, and only released when his captors mistakenly targeted the wrong person. Is this genuine, or a daring attempt to cover up a 5-day bender?
We Diagnose:
- What steps should we take to verify the employee’s claim of being kidnapped?
- What is an appropriate timeframe to investigate such claims before allowing the employee to return to work?
- How do we balance skepticism with support for an employee’s welfare in such unusual circumstances?
Emergency Measures:
To address an employee’s kidnapping claim, start by conducting a thorough investigation, including reviewing medical records, police reports, and CCTV footage. In this case, the employee failed to provide any which backed up our thoughts of it being a lie.
Maintain an open mind, assuming the employee’s honesty, as their account—however implausible—could expose your business to employment claims. Additionally, consider discreet workplace monitoring, such as checking social media activity, to corroborate the timeline of being kidnapped without breaching ethical boundaries.
Christmas Party Gone Wrong: Employee Strips Naked!
The HR Emergency:
Dave got a bit too merry at the work Christmas party – he climbed onto a table, stripped naked, and then told the CEO to f*ck his job after his heartfelt speech in front of everyone.
We Diagnose:
- What risks do open bars at company events pose, and how can HR manage them without ruining the fun?
- What company policies are violated if an employee takes their clothes off and makes profane statements about their job?
- Should this situation lead to a disciplinary procedure or immediate termination? Should HR set clear behaviour policies for company events?
Emergency Measures:
Implementing a “drinks at work” policy helps set clear expectations around alcohol at events, reminding employees they still represent the company after hours. Clear communication is key—employees need to know what’s acceptable, and sometimes, even adults need a reminder of proper party etiquette.
Dancing naked on a table may initially seem amusing, but it constitutes sexual harassment, creating an uncomfortable environment for everyone. Our CPD-accredited sexual harassment e-learning course can be completed from anywhere and ensures staff understand these boundaries in just 30 minutes. Get in touch to request a demo!
Are You Ready To Make Your Workplace Disaster-Free?
As we wrap up this HR:ER round-up, we hope these real-life scenarios and emergency measures save your business from its own emergency. If you’re seeking guidance on any of these topics or HR software that will keep your business out of tribunal, book an intro call today!
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