I’ve been placed under investigation at work after a former employee, who was fired, shared some private texts with our VP, CEO, and others. These texts were just us venting about management, but now I’m worried about losing my job. I work in HR, so I have access to sensitive information, and the allegation is that I reviewed this person’s salary details and discussed her disability info. The investigation is ongoing, but I’m still working as usual. Should I hire a lawyer?
That sounds stressful. If you’re worried about losing your job, getting a lawyer might be a good idea just in case.
Dustin said:
That sounds stressful. If you’re worried about losing your job, getting a lawyer might be a good idea just in case.
Yeah, especially since HR deals with sensitive stuff. A lawyer could help you navigate this and protect your rights.
Dustin said:
That sounds stressful. If you’re worried about losing your job, getting a lawyer might be a good idea just in case.
True, but since I’m in an at-will state (NC), does that limit what a lawyer can do for me?
@Brennan
Kinda, but a lawyer can still help if there’s discrimination or if your rights under employment laws are violated.
Do you know if the texts you vented in could be considered a violation of company policy? That might be key here.
Brady said:
Do you know if the texts you vented in could be considered a violation of company policy? That might be key here.
I’m not sure, but they weren’t meant to be shared. It was more personal venting than anything official.
Brady said:
Do you know if the texts you vented in could be considered a violation of company policy? That might be key here.
If it’s personal venting, a lawyer could argue that it’s unrelated to work performance. Worth looking into.
What’s the deal with at-will employment? I’ve heard of it but don’t really get how it works.
Jody said:
What’s the deal with at-will employment? I’ve heard of it but don’t really get how it works.
At-will means your employer can fire you for almost any reason, or even no reason, as long as it’s not illegal (like discrimination).
Jody said:
What’s the deal with at-will employment? I’ve heard of it but don’t really get how it works.
Gotcha. That makes it tricky if OP doesn’t have clear evidence to fight back.
Did the former employee accuse you of anything specific, or is this just about the texts?
Hollis said:
Did the former employee accuse you of anything specific, or is this just about the texts?
She claims I accessed her salary and disability info improperly, but I have the same access she did as part of HR.
Hollis said:
Did the former employee accuse you of anything specific, or is this just about the texts?
If it’s standard access, that could be an important defense. Still, having a lawyer explain that might help.
Does your company have a union? If they do, they might be able to help with this investigation.
Jai said:
Does your company have a union? If they do, they might be able to help with this investigation.
No union here, unfortunately. I’m on my own for this one.
Jai said:
Does your company have a union? If they do, they might be able to help with this investigation.
Bummer. In that case, a lawyer’s probably your best bet to get some guidance.