Dec 28 2008
Sensitive Issues in the Workplace - Petty Borrowers
So you come into work one day and find that your buddy in the next cubicle has ransacked your office looking for a mechanical pencil. You have told the guy to leave your stuff alone, but he doesn’t listen or care and now it is eating away at you.
Of course you should lock up your stuff if you can and make your supplies less accessible. You can also go to HR and talk to the rep or manager, suggesting they can approach the guy about this problem.
Another approach is office mediation. Basically, you sit down with Joe and the HR person and talk about the issue that is making you upset, whatever it happens to be. If you have already given him a chance to correct his behavior and nothing has changed, this is a good option that will make him think twice about messing with your stuff in the future.
I’m glad and surprised that you tell people to involve the HR person on such matters.
Just stopped by to check out some of your archives. Hope you have a great holiday!