My boss informed another employee that he was requring me to seek mental counseling in order to keep my job. Is my employer able to make me seek help and is it legal for my employer to disclose this information to other employee's?
204069
I don't know if it is illegal, but it is surely inappropriate.
120725
Was anything ever signed at anytime explaining their rights to do that? If not, then NO! They have no right to get into an employees personal belongings. \n\nIs there an HR department or a higher person this can be taken to? \n\nA few years ago I got very sick at work. My face was very pale, my pupils were dialated and I was sweating, the medics came, thought I had a stroke, it was low blood sugar, but that was not good enough for my supervisor, she went through my desk while I was gone, someone said that she was thinking that I was on drugs. I turned her in and HR said that she HAD NO RIGHT to do that and she got repremanded very much for it. I was taken in and drug tested but everything turned out fine. \n\nThat is personal property and if you did not sign anything saying they can search you at anytime, then it is not their right, they do not have permission to do that. That is why you sign papers. You give them authorization to do this or that. Make the manager show you the paper giving them permission to do that. \n\nThat's odd, hoped it helped
9617
Unfortunately, you can't LEGALLY tell your boss about your co-worker's illness. However, when it comes to stuff like this, I personally tend to throw legality out the window and leave an anonymous note on my supervisor's desk. Make sure it's anonymous. The government provides for the person, people provide for the people. My instinct says your duty is to yourself and your fellow workers who are not infected.\n\nHow sure are you his mouth has pus-filled blisters in it?
98034
if you are working in an at-will state, then you can quit with minimal notice.  likewise, your employer can terminate you with minimal notice.\n\nas for whether you have any legal basis to sue based on either (a) your depression or (b) your union support, your best bet would be to talk to an employment lawyer.  unless you have documented, witnessed proof, I'd say you don't have a case.\n\nfinally as to whether or not you have free speech during work hours, you are not paid to talk about whatever you want, you are paid to work.  if you're spending time during work hours (for which you are presumably being paid) to drum up support for a union then he has a right to not pay you.  there's freedom of speech and then there's abuse of an employer.  just because you live in america doesn't mean you don't have to work for a salary.
95275
Tell your boss. She is being irresponsible.  You are being taken advantage of, you need to stand up for yourself.
431741
Sounds like your co-worker is jelous of all the extra attention you've been getting from your boss because you're more qualified than she is. It looks like you have a few options you could talk to your boss about the issue and ask if there's any way you two could be split up as it's affecting both your work ethics negatively. You could approach your co-worker and explain that you're not trying to step on her toes you're just doing your best to help out your boss and it has nothing to do with her personally. If none of those work I guess your best option would be the other job. I know if this was my problem though I wouldn't let someone else make me leave a job I loved I'd do my best to work through it by being open and honest with the other parties involved.
323350
He is probably a lot more worried about it than you are , and for good reason.  An employer is in an advantageous position over an employee just by the very nature of the employee/employer relationship, so if an employer makes any sort of move like than on an employee then he can be charged with sexual harassment, and not the other way around. If you ever chose to make any complaint against him then he would be in big trouble. You actually have the advantage here, and even though he is the employer and controls your employment,  you have the upper hand when it comes to this incident.\n\nWhatever you choose to do, it is probably better to talk to him about it.  He may be sweating bullets for all you know, once the alcohol wore of and he realizes what transpired.  He really can't fire you because if he did all you'd have to do is scream harrassment and the whole thing gets public.  You might want to tell him that it was alcohol induced and to forget about anything like that happening again.  At least you have learned your lesson with him.  If you have a problem dealing with the working relationship on a day-to-day basis then you may need to start looking for another job if only for your own sanity.  I am sure he would give you  a good reference (or else!).  He really has no choice.
470223
Your employer cannot take adverse action against you for reporting workplace harassment, it's illegal and would, as another respondent pointed out, give you the right to file suit against them. So don't worry about getting fired.  As for transferring you against your will, I'm not sure, it would depend on both state law and the specifics of the case and the positions involved.  \n\nYour state will have some sort of board to which you could take complaints regarding workplace harassment.  You should probably give your employer the chance to handle it before you file a formal complaint, but go ahead and contact that body to find out what your exact rights and your employer's responsibilities are under state law.  Check with your state's department of labor, to find out who exactly where to go.  You could also contact your state legislator to find out where to go for information.\n\nBe professional and patient, your employer should have procedures in place for dealing with incidents like this, but they'll need to investigate and develop their own paper trail before they can take action.  Be sure to keep track of who you meet with and notes on what they say about the situation and the process involved.\n\nHopefully your employer handles this appropriately and will be able to take action against the person who wronged you.  Best of luck to you in getting this resolved quickly.
402642
If you have an anonymous system for employee complaints, then use it to bring this to their attention. This kind of stuff isn't conducive to a healthy workplace, I would think someone in upper management would want to know. However, if you are working in a smaller company, you will have to decide if you feel its safe to speak up or not. \n\nNo, its not normal.
143641
Your employer is within their rights to request a written documentation of your work restrictions or modifications from your physician. Your physician does not have to give them further details but it will ease your way with your employer if you can indeed back up the restrictions with a diagnosis at least. Companies are required to treat medical information with confidentiality and most companies will even keep medically related information in a separate file from your personnel folder.\n\nIf your restrictions are a result of a worker's compensation claim, then your employer is entitled to a diagnosis and as well any work restrictions or modifications as well as an expected return to work estimate. This can be extended, amended or you can be released from these restrictions by your physician at any time.\n\nIf your company is unable to accommodate your work restrictions they must attempt to find a comparable position for you within the company or, if work comp related, you will be placed on what's known as temporary total disability.\n\nDiscuss your fears and any concerns with your physician. They should be well versed in your states medical disclosure laws as well as HIPPA compliance.
611380
Do not hesitate to tell your new employer about your condition.  If you hide it, and it comes out later, you'll have no recourse.  Mental illness is the condition or conditons you've described.  Disability is assigned when it interferes with your ability to function independently in your life whether it be simple things like self care (bathing, eating, dressing) or more complex tasks like working, driving or managing a household.  The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) is very well known by your employer.  You should discuss your work-related concerns with your physician as well.  The ADA applies to mental disability as well.
444169
Where do you work?\n\nMany companies offer their employees Employee Assistance Programs. These are entirely confidential, and your employer will not know about it. Most companies know that drug addiction is a societal problem, and accept the fact that some of their employees are going to have that problem. This is why good companies have these EAPs for the benefit of their employeers.\n\nSomeone has already mentioned Narcotics Anonymous. That is a good resource. \n\nCall you county mental health department, or visit its web site.
31189
emergency petitons for psychiatric evaluations are NOT an arrest.. nor are they availible for review by an employer.. the American Disablities Act prevents this.. and gives you ground for a law suit if it is used against you.. you do need to make your employer aware of your conditon.. \n\nif he fires you.. you will file a claim with the ADA.. chances are they will deny your claim if you didnt make them aware of your illness prior to employment.. after the ADA reviews this .. you will be given a "right to sue" letter.. (whether the ADA find validity in your claim or not-- you still have to go through this) \n\nonly after the proceedings with the ADA can you get a lawyer involved.. he will argue that you didnt make your employer aware of your illness prior to employment because they would have not hired you in the first place.. \n\nmany lawyers work probono and have a field day with employers like these.. \n\nbottom line.. mental illnesses such as Bipolar.. are a disabilty furthermore.. you may also be eligible for Social Security.. so you dont have to put up with narrowminded employers..
72286
Id ask about it.  Most new employee paperwork says something to the effect of: "And anything else we ask you to do..." on it.  So you may have to attend.  That said, I'd tell him you are busy with pre arranged commitments you can't get out of.  Don't give details, just stop there. Ask him/her if it's 'required' to keep your job.  Just come out and ask.  Sadly though, it all really depends on what kind of boss you have.
127421
Absolutely there are laws to protect you, but what you have stated is somewhat vague, you should try asking a more specific questions, where did the icident take place home, work? what kind of harassment? sexual, physical,or verbal was it your boss or a coworker.
88703
Your concern for your fellow employee is very noble.It could be several things.I think you are wondering if he has a communicable disease(one you could catch)If he continues to be sick and won't help himself,you could express your concern to your human resource manager.There is only so much you can do.Good Luck
577496
I know being in michigan that an employer can tell other places of business that yes, you did work at that company and the dates worked there.  They CANNOT state whether you have been fired or quit.  They CANNOT state how you worked at that place of business or they CANNOT say what type of person you are or if you have any jail time.  Seek legal cousel if you think you had an unjustice.  They may be able to steer you in the right direction.