Reported to HR for drinking Alcohol at my desk.

yvonne13_2

I was asked to go to HR after lunch today where I was told someone had reported me for drinking alcohol at my desk.

I was in shock as I don't even drink alcohol and to tell me that I was was totally unacceptable. I wasn't even asked I was told and when I asked who had reported me as they were mistaken, I was told they were nor going to name the person.....

After a lot of back and forth they asked my boss whom was also in the meeting if he could go and bring the bottle which was under my desk. When he showed them the bottle they were surprised as it confirmed what I was saying from the start that I was only drinking elderflower water. Next minute HR starts to back peddle saying that I should've known that the bottle could've been mistaken as wine so in future I must keep the bottle in clear view so everyone can see exactly what I'm drinking.

Why do people jump to HR without the full facts first!!!!!:mad:

FBaby

I would put a complaint. They had no reason to assume you were breaking any rules. They should have investigated before accusing you. I find the behaviour of that manager shocking.

somethingcorporate

idiots! :rotfl:

PlymouthMaid

That's pretty outrageous really and what a sneaky person to go running to management without checking things.

ohreally

That's about par for the HR course.

You should have at least an inkling who approached HR. I wonder what their motive is.

What is your next step?

antrobus

FBaby wrote: »

I would put a complaint. They had no reason to assume you were breaking any rules. They should have investigated before accusing you. I find the behaviour of that manager shocking.

Understood.

But I'm curious as to how you think that HR could possibly have investigated the allegation without informing the OP of what they had been accused of?

I believe that the OP's gripe is with the individual who made the false accusation in the first place.

fridge_raider

Whoever reported you is clearly a very sad and petty individual.

SkyHopes

I am not surprised you are angry. My guess is it was management who thought they saw you drinking and that's why so they got so defensive rather than apologising

CC-Warrior

What a load of idiots, to suggest anyone is stupid enough to be drinking alcohol at their desk is an insult at the very least. I would be filing a complaint and seeking an apology from HR.

Paypeanuts

What a lot of rubbish has been posted in this thread.

A conscientious employee has seen another employee look like they are drinking on the premises from a bottle that they are concealing under their desk. That person then has gone to management, or to HR, to explain what they have seen. An investigation has been held.

The truth has come out, but the investigators can see exactly why the first employee believed that it was booze. Second employee has been advised that if she is drinking from a bottle that looks like wine, not to behave in a manner that could attract suspicion.

There's nothing to see here folks, move on. OP don't get your knickers in a knot, mistakes happen, process has been followed and you have been shown to be innocent.

People go to HR because they are hardly going to confront a suspected drinker themselves, that's why there are processes.

And those who believe that nobody would ever drink at work have lived sheltered lives!

yvonne13_2

Paypeanuts wrote: »

The truth has come out, but the investigators can see exactly why the first employee believed that it was booze. Second employee has been advised that if she is drinking from a bottle that looks like wine, not to behave in a manner that could attract suspicion.

I wasn't behaving in a suspicious manner, I was following company policy. No perishables to be left on the desk or in the draws at anytime.
The policy was amended a few weeks ago (hence me being annoyed after being told to keep the bottle in clear view) Plus everyone does the same thing.

If it was really bugging someone enough to report it, why didn't they just wait until I had gone home to look at the bottle as I've had it under the desk for over three days.