Boss asked when will my family issues be over? Should I go to HR?

I’ve been having weekly 1x1 and I am doing a mundane and tedious task everyday that’s not related to my job title nor what I was told I would be doing during my interview. They could literally hire an intern to what I’m doing. To make matters worse I am having some family issues (my mom is clinically depressed and my grandmother is having health issues) so it’s effecting my job. I told my boss that I own up to my low productivity (working from home) and I have family issues going on. After I told her she immediately asks “when will it be over?” In a very harsh sassy tone. Out of all the terrible bosses I had I’ve never been told anything like that before. It was kinda hurtful and out of the blue. I was in such shock I just yeah it will be done soon. Family stuff never ends, but my God... should I go to HR about this? Or let it go? I am looking for other jobs at the moment.

17 Comments
 

Don't go to HR, it's not going to make anything better. Also hard to interpret such a comment over the phone, or maybe you boss is just a little low on EQ. On the other hand she deserves to know what she can expect from you going forward. She needs to inform the staffer and/or needs to make hiring decisions too. Also give her some perspective, you cant be ineffective forever in a job.

Focus on getting that new job, but make sure you can commit to what's required there to not end up in the same position again.

 

I’ve kept the communication up with her. Every time I send a team member an email I CC her, I always IM/email when I have questions, etc. Hell I even work during lunch. I slept on it last night and kept thinking how rude it is to ask anyone that. I get her perspective, but our team is in compliance with everything. Still trying to find a job in these weird times.

Greed is Good!
 

This is a very nuanced situation; going to HR could prove to be a double edged sword. Bottom line, I don't think your boss said anything illegal and you should check with an employment lawyer if you think she did.

Ideally, you'd go to HR and let them know your situation and her comment so that you have a file/history if things really go south. That being said, if your HR department is just a way for management to squash employees, don't do it.

 

See the company I work for encourages people to use the “whistle blower” line and/or go to HR with any issues. You are right it is a double edge sword. Since COVID they’ve upped the emails about it. I’m not a sensitive p*ssy, but I do ask for respect since I give her that and then some everyday.

Greed is Good!
 

Something similar happened to me recently, this is really nuanced and depends on whether you like your job. If you don’t, it could be a good idea to start looking for something new like @CRE mentioned. I’m not really sure what would be the best way to go around it if you like where you’re at since you obviously wouldn’t want it to look like insubordination or anything.

Quant (ˈkwänt) n: An expert, someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing.
 

Real talk: you are not entitled to indefinite productivity drag due to your personal life. Your boss might have phrased it indelicately but it's a legitimate question to figure out how they can plan around it. Sounds like they're giving you some latitude on this - it's unreasonable to expect accommodation and for them to never ask about it again.

There is nothing you can gain by going to HR.

 

could have been a natural response for her to question it. If it continues to happen or you notice a pattern I would look for a new job while addressing it with her directly. If that goes south get HR involved and start keeping track of everything in case you need proof and/or you are fired.

 

Since she calls me on my mobile phone, I can always get the recordings from my carrier. She’s yelled at me so many times it’s pathetic. I’d rather get another job then deal with BS drama.

Greed is Good!
 

based on what you wrote, yous ound like a really honest person. However, some people are pieces of shit and will take advantage of that. Never, ever, admit to being lowly productive. You can say that I;m going through something with my family right now, and that's that.

" I told my boss that I own up to my low productivity (working from home) and I have family issues going on. "

Just my 2 cents I took from my analyst's desk seamless tip money at Evercore

 

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