Accused of Wrongdoing at Work? 21 Guidelines for Responding

skloverworkingwisdom.com/blog/ - These 21 Guidelines for Responding to an Allegation of Wrongdoing at Work are pilots to help steer you through a storm in your career. With these in mind you will more likely be successful in navigating and negotiating to a safe harbor. While not every precaution may be applicable to your circumstances, many will and should be considered carefully, and adapted as may be necessary or appropriate.

[@ginamarie8835]

Some dumb girl I work with told HR I’m dating my subordinate even tho I’m not and now HR is investigating us.. ppl need to get a life

[@JedmcCj-uq5dw]

It’s because people are just different than they used to be, people love to through people under the bus because they think it will benefit them. People like this used to be shunned by the rest of the staff now they are glorified

[@toforgetisagem8145]

One piece if advise. . Do not prosecute yourself. Make the HR do all of the work. You do not have to prove your case, they have to prove you did something.

[@toforgetisagem8145]

@@margeryharper7837 My tip, for what it is worth is to take time to think through what actually happened Think about why you left the person on the floor. Think about things like why the patient won't get off the floor, for example do they do it when they are upset Coukd it be their place of safety? Could they be trying to regain some control in a situation. That type of thing. Was it safer to leave them than struggle with them? Think about how you felt. Did you have help and support? Look at your own reasons in the cold light and be honest When you meet with the panel, stay calm. Even if you are scared stupid. If you are allowed a representative take up the offer but make sure that person us on your side. My rep tried to work for the prosecution. So don't be affraid to dispense with their services. When asked questions answer truthfully but be brief. Answer the question and only the question. Don't go blistering in with all manner of explanations they get interpreted as excuses The panel may use dirty tactics. Don't take it personally. Ignore it. They sent me out of the room so they could discuss my case. They left me sitting outside the door for nearly an hour I a corridor like a naughty child. They had forgotten they were still paying me. So I just let it happen. Don't be affraid of silences. One tactic they used was to ask a question and after my answer they would wait for me to fill in the blanks. They would sit and look it at me, as though expecting me to let my tongue run off because of the gap people do not like silences. And they soon found out why when they had been sitting staring at me for 5 minutes Stay calm. Stay truthful. And let them do the work. You have my heartfelt sympathy. Just a couple of other things, if you think it us appropria do be prepared to admit in reflect there were adjustments that you could make uf a similar situation arises. Let them know you are thinking and reflecting. That is why it is important to do your thinking. And do not expect that the situation will go away soon. It depended on how serious the panel is. Us they are just checking practice it could be amiable and quick. Don't appear hostile to them give them the impression you are friendly and are willing to learn and improve. Do not come across as hostile what ever else you do. Try and keep that professional demeanour of calm, quite confidence.

[@citizenofnowhere7776]

The reason is the the management become a bigger bully

[@kgbreviews35]

I was a victim of workplace bullying. I did the best I could to keep my job for over 5 years. However I lost my job after I lost my cool with two employees antagonizing me. I had several false accusations that were made against me. None of them to be found credible. Rumors to damage my character. Some employees wouldn't tell me how to do my job when training. They will leave out important details or say nothing at all. Numerous times I was insulted. I even had one guy part of the same group try to intimidate me like he had a gun after he followed me to Kroger from work. And the manager's were in the same click with those people. I got terminated after I lost my cool and cussed at them. Yet all the shit they done to me. They never got terminated or anything for it.

[@Dragonheat13]

The reason for more and more of this behavior is that our society has become more competitive without the skills or tools to move forward, which causes jealousy and competition among coworkers.

[@simjackson2360]

Truth

[@suckit5092]

You perfectly described what I’m dealing with at work now. A friend said something similar, that there’s a cutthroat competitiveness between low skilled, entry level employees. I got this job to get out of the house and make a few extra bucks but apparently I’m such a threat to my coworkers that they’re making the whole experience hellish and demoralizing.

[@Yawarrior]

Due process = basic fairness.... definitely not possible at work!!!

[@johnrainsman6650]

I was once taken to my boss's office with her and a high-ranking chef. The chef told me that I've been touching my coworkers too much. Not THAT type of touch, of course not! Just casual ones, like on arms or shoulders. I was always very outgoing at work. When I asked her if anyone complained, she said it didn't matter (so I assume yes). She told me that we need the workers to be comfortable in a good work environment, and that I pretty much shouldn't talk about anything other than work and school (I work at a university's catering service). She told me I shouldn't tell my stories because they may be inappropriate to my coworkers. Now yeah, I guess I do occasionally say✌"inappropriate"✌ stuff at work, but _not horribly nor intentionally._ I only meant to joke around and have fun. I really didn't get specific information from the chef about what and whom. She likes that I'm outgoing, but she made it sound risky and in need of limits. And again, that I shouldn't touch anyone without consent. But seriously, I'm not a creep. I didn't mean to be so "handsy" (I say loosely). I can't tell the difference between innocent, casual taps and hands on shoulders/backs, and creepy, condemnable ones in the workplace. While I own making anyone uncomfortable (at least that's my presumption), I don't think the chef handled it all that well, you know? A gentle, very brief talk in the hall (with _just_ the chef) would've been better, if you ask me. I'm not a criminal who needs to be in the police's interrogation room.

[@Demy1970]

I got charged it’s toxic work environment, false accusations and cleared and guess what? Got a medical note and getting a full 7 months pay.

[@Sprinkleycakes]

A coworker overheard me tell a friend at work that earlier, at my home, in private, I had lost my temper and punched my own wall. The person eavesdropping decided they felt so unsafe, they waited an entire week to bring it to management’s attention. They made sure to specify that they knew I wouldn’t hurt them or anyone else, just that they generally felt “uncomfortable”. I have been at my job for 1 month. I have never hit anyone in anger. Ever. Now they are having other employees stay late so that others feel “safer”. I am 5’4”, I wear a Hello Kitty backpack and I suffer from chronic back pain that limits my mobility. I’m not allowed to know who the accuser is. After an blow this intense, this early in my employment I don’t know how to ever feel confident or comfortable at my job ever again. Any advice would be amazing.

[@santanagamingcinema]

How did everything turn out? I hope you're okay.

[@Sprinkleycakes]

Oh I eventually got fired because that place was bullshit and now I have my dream job. Whee!

[@santanagamingcinema]

@@Sprinkleycakes I'm glad that you have a much better job.

[@Sprinkleycakes]

@@santanagamingcinema thanks, sug. 💖

[@Hannah-jk3dk]

@@Sprinkleycakes Wow I am glad 4 you. I was fired and for six year I have been out of work. Oh Lord I need my dream job

[@beaulieuc8910]

I worked for a hotel for 7 years and one day I was ambushed by 3 staff. I couldn't believe it. They thought I had taken the tip money ie probably about fifteen quid lol. I didn't, why take the risk and put my career in danger. I just looked totally bemused, and looked that I couldn't believe it. I had a clean background, even worked for the police in the past. I think the waitresses took it. But I did say to them, go check the CCTV lol That stopped them. They didn't even check the CCTV, how ridiculous. How can they accuse someone without checking the CCTV first? One of them later said they didn't think I did it. Months later the manager who accused me ran off with a thousand pounds from the hotel safe and one of the people who was at the table in the ambush, disappeared on the same day.

[@Its_Renee_]

Had I known that this was going to happen, I would have responded differently. I was in shock, tears, and signed something I didn't even know I was signing. Now, the unemployment hearing is Monday.

[@Its_Renee_]

Results: They lied under oath several times, they had zero evidence and here's the cake topper: I lost.

[@kreed82]

@@Its_Renee_ sorry to hear this, going through something similar.

[@richardmendoza2362]

Same

[@NajiteUkiri]

I went through this myself in Jan 2020. They refused to grant me a disciplinary hearing after accusing me of conspiracy to defraud the company. The reasons were clear to me as to why they wanted me out but they could not kick me out for performance reasons cuz the HSE performance was excellent and the company got a 4-star safety rating. I was head of the HSE department and reported what I believed was fraudulent; tax and pensions non-remittances of employees...which the board wasn't aware of because payment was outsourced to a third party. I had a meeting with him privately, and he told me if he lost his job he won't get another due to his old age BUT if I lost mine, I will easily get a new job cuz I'm smart and intelligent. Unknown to him, he didn't know I recorded the conversation. They were scared I'd expose their actions as the real reason for framing me up, so they moved to turn the board against me to the point where I wasn't given a hearing. I dared them to take the case up in court cuz I was sure I wld be exonerated. When they saw I wasn't backing down, they terminated my appointment and denied me all of my benefits. I intend to go against them at the industrial court for wrongful termination and damages, plus there is a case of perjury and unconstitutionally objecting to my rights of having a fair hearing.

[@tammyrhines]

I’m sorry

[@tammygronskei6776]

A person is suppose to prove wrongdoing by someone else otherwise it's all hearsay.

[@lindseyhebert5568]

Dealing. With this today a coworker being blamed for something I didn’t do #2 #6 #21 my job is a harassment and bullying going on my workers do picking at me about something

[@CeeVee714]

I am glad you mentioned about taking notes.

[@dimelett55]

Yeah from experience as a long time union delegate sitting in on these kinds of investigative and disciplinary meetings. I would be very careful when it comes to providing a written response. It's truly uncanny how many times ive seen someone's own words used against them to incriminate them. I'd provide as little as possible and let hr do all the work. Be aware that most of these processes are just a kangaroo court system. Regardless of any evidence you can provide (unless profoundly solid) or any argument you can articulate. If your employer believes you to be guilty of wrong doing then they will move to disciplinary action. Dont assume that this process will have any resemblance of the legal system because it doesn't. Other seasoned union delegates out there will know what I'm talking about. Also just a comment on number 16. Sometimes "others do it" is a good defence but only in the right setting. I have as a defence in the past, established that there has been a long time culture of similar wrong doing that the accused is guilty of and because the company has made no effort to correct this previously accepted culture then it would be deemed unjust to punish the employee for participating in these long established behaviours. Eg. Taking product/equipment off site. Not following newly established standard operating procedures. Performing newly unaccepted actions etc

[@NoneofyourBusiness-hy5ln]

I was falsely accused of stealing LAXATIVE out of all medications that could be stolen. Then a problem client lied and said I called her names. That’s also a lie. They made me sign a paper stating I did so. What do I do?

[@noradavis8000]

If an employer terminates a professional employee with wrongful allegations involving 1. claiming expired supplies used in patient care in medicine 2. employer hostility towards employee in front of other employees,, 3. treats all employees unequally and belittles the professional employee 4. has verbally harrassed the employee about everything in the past month and all the accusations involving other parties have been spoken to and employee has received emails confirming false allegations, and verbally from the accused parties, in Florida, should a civil suit be sought since the employees don't seem to have any rights with wrongful termination? Bullying, verbal abuse, etc. Also how do you whistleblow?

[@ThePinkardo]

This is a good question

[@monadaley149]

I was suspended 3 times on my job. 1 the linelead refuse a coworker bathroom break and the worker use the rest room on their own and I was punish for it. 2 I was pull out my work area and accuse of of been insobardinate. 3 I was hurt and asking for medical treatment and instead I was sent home. Now for my first suspensions I was told a different reasons and it was that I used profanity... in HR. Thank God for the EEOC and OSHA why I am still able to work and take care of my family. Thank you sir for your advice.

[@julianenchenzo2524]

Also there are alot of very bad supervisors who use intimidation? Threats, abuse their authority, and even get in your face like they will hit you.

[@shaanz2.087]

Thanks a million dear Sir God sent messages really

[@berisf]

yeah having a chance to defend yourself is important. Say 'what is the accusation? What is the proof? Who is saying it? fake police are worse than real police imo

[@berisf]

@Kyra justice has to be served because peeps lives are at risk! It's why we have a justice system for all! Relationships get ruined on false information, gossip and false assumptions! standing up for human rights is representing all people!

[@chancerydawkins]

This is so helpful. Thank you.

[@manchitas3531]

OMG starts at 3:02

[@Zm54321]

Manchitas You’re a life saver :)

[@manuelpaniagua3012]

Wish I would’ve seen this

[@phongleuc862]

Just let this man have fully 10 minutes of your life, introducing how he can save your whole career.

[@giovannacarter9855]

I have a question why employer told me not to send emails to my supervisor and manager because they believe it’s on professional. Actually I was given the disciplinary action a couple of days ago and they warned me if I do it again they will give me a finalize warning close to a termination because I violated the company‘s policy. Unfortunately I don’t agree with the managers opinion at all, because I am in total with my opinion to contest my rights as an employee to continue on working where I’m currently employed at to stay employed. The constitutional rights is the freedom of speech and I have the rights to express my opinions and stand on my grounds such as defending my rights, because I didn’t send any threat emails to my immediate supervisors or managers at all. Most of my emails are in my sent box electronically because that is a paper trail electronically for my records and I don’t believe in voluntary statements, such as writing it on paper. The company can discard it in the trashcan to hide evidence protecting the company‘s policy and themselves.

[@bhatiaprakash2347]

same thing happened with me today.

[@KG-yk5xx]

Go back to school. Your english is very poor. Gotta take some english classes.

[@seamusogradius8994]

@@bhatiaprakash2347 er, good answer to a very technically worded question 😂😂

[@dks13827]

Lookup Scott Privott who was jailed in NC for years... and was told nothing. Zero. Then lookup Daniel Holtzclaw in OKC.

[@lisaomalley7299]

Great advice, thank you

[@sl4983]

What is a "resignation that's done in confidence" and why would that be an option? Wouldn't that mean they are doing "constructive termination"? And doesn't that mean that a wrongful termination suit could not be brought?

[@69santaella]

LM Djnchen thanks your right

[@Nautilus1972]

Constructive dismissal is a difficult one and it's better to let them fire you after they've made a mistake. I'm representing myself in court next week not being able to afford a lawyer and I hope that their clear breach of contract is upheld. It's ruining my family's life and I did nothing wrong.

[@a.c.guerra9850]

@///AMG he could of said it sarcastically. Not really meaning it.

[@Samantha-sy7ww]

THANK YOU!!!

[@kobe51]

Gracias

[@laurieberry4814]

My wrongdoing is my color, ethnicity and race.

[@sl5154]

Discrimination is illegal, but when you can't prove it stay strong! I'm sorry that you have to pass by that.

[@allkindsamusicchick]

Me too, and I'm white. I am a minority also. Colors aside...none of us are better than the other, and I'm sick to death...of disrespect in the workforce!!! Good luck!!

[@fattswaller8792]

It could be your victim mentality.

[@thedadyouneverhadchannel3544]

Awe poor baby keep wallowing in the lies poor poor victim. 😢

[@TireSlayer55]

or it “could be” you two asshats are probably middle aged white men who have never faced discrimination in their lives

[@lumen1232]

Fantasic Advise!

[@bobpollack6894]

In this. Case,you are. S-O-L you are best to tell your. Boss you are done, and leave. You have no defense no matter. What you do.

[@CJCITYNJ0]

bob pollack yeah your best bet is to get a different job..

[@addisababa1128]

That’s is right when they get rid off me after working with a company over 13 years by a bully boss I had no time to show a grievance to whom it may concern,let alone to defend your case the best beat is to look for better JOB

[@darant2249]

what to do when the CEO sees you made a mistake but never tells you about it until you make the 2nd. And then talks to you like your 5 yrs old.... I am 66 CEO in 40's.

[@cesmess1]

That technique is called stacking the company that I work for is a unionized company and that is one of the ways that they get rid of employees that they do not want what they do is they start to stack the disciplines as they go you mess up one time they write you up but they do not take you in you mess up a second time. Let It Go by the third time they'll pull you in. Tell you that they're going to put you on a final and they bring out all the other write-ups and they'll coach you they'll write you up in the terminate you right there on the spot Union has been fighting that for a while but they tend to pull that best thing you can do in a case like that is just try not to make mistakes any of you know you made a mistake learn from it and do not make it again.

[@seamusogradius8994]

@@cesmess1 absolutely love your punctuation and speech marks and full stops blah blah 😂😂

[@duaneyoutbe]

6. The employer made false claims, the employer claims there were undisclosed multiple witnesses, i.e. the employer will not name any of their supposed accusers of these claims of which I say are completely false claims against me? ( saying people said I did something ) How do I force the employer to back up these false allegations with the proof that these witnesses are in fact real? Like a PRIVACY ACT request, GRAMA request, or like a foia request EXCEPT for employer’s claims of supposed witnesses or accusers of what I claim is a FALSE accusation against me. Maybe even to assemble ā defamation case? BTW, I have documented proof of the employer claiming these claims of witnesses against me. How do I force the employer to give up their supposed written reports and or witness statements the employer claims to have against me? I believe these reports and or witnesses aren’t even real.

[@NoneofyourBusiness-hy5ln]

I was falsely accused of stealing LAXATIVE out of all medications that could be stolen. Then a problem client lied and said I called her names. That’s also a lie. They made me sign a paper stating I did so. I’m also 7 months pregnant. What do I do?

[@jaymorgan.]

Why sign something you didn’t do?

[@jacquelinebtoccigailhelena5184]

Found my work records identity theft do I have to look for them again

[@stepnot3208]

I wish I knew about this beforehand

[@RR-nl2ep]

Title should be "Falsely Accused" if you ask me.

[@TireSlayer55]

bruh that intro music SLAPS

[@meckeshaeulett8443]

What if the investigator say they have evidence of you but when the lawyer ask him for evidence the investigator say he have none and he lied what should be done to the investigator

[@TinaLouise73]

I have been micromanaged bullied belittled and invalidated looked over and ignored in EVERY job I've EVER had! It's a dysfunctional generic trait in my personality that NO matter how hard I work n try I get picked on n singled out! It's not thst I am "work shy" like the uk torie government try n label ppl like me it's the jobs thst dnt want me! N with my fragile emotional health and affected overall MH includn my phisical limited capabilities makes employers dubious about whether to employ "someone like me" 😐

[@lizzy6907]

Why should t you ask for support of your colleges? (number 9)They know you better then the boss.

[@vikashpratap9233]

Nice

[@victoriaadelaja869]

I am 32 weeks pregnant and was suspended from work for sleeping don’t know what to do

[@senorchivo7361]

Victoria Adelaja Drink some coffee...

[@fiinanafuka4106]

i was suspended without call the witness

[@OK-wb1dy]

If they try to “force” you to sign things you don’t agree with. Never sign.

[@ebonymedrano]

Hi, I have a question for you. I been working for this Restaurant for four years, a year ago they started a online training courses. They want people to do it out of the schedule with no payment and recently the said that if I dont do it "they will take me out of the schedule", what should I do?

[@chrismorrow99]

Ebony Medrano leave

[@seamusogradius8994]

Was the this restaurant course called "E learning", if so, you either do it in the workplace office in your spare time, or you do it in the comfort of your home. You do not get paid for doing this course.

[@jaymorgan.]

@@seamusogradius8994 spare time or contact labor board

[@anthonykeller3611]

I was

[@jonathanrobinson415]

Yes sir get the hands squad

[@jasleenkaur7993]

Accused of using or seeing my pic for selfish job motives lol 😂

[@drsundipshenoy2471]

👏🙏👍

[@LifeUnlocker]

3:00 Investigation Tips

[@miguelc.garcia7299]

Fuck yeah....

[@allkindsamusicchick]

The accuser's character should be of the utmost of importance. But, no....let's not look that way. The ne`er-do-wells...have often been in trouble in one way, shape, or form, and/or....they saw it growing up, and know how to play the system to the hilt. What's worse...is that these slimy characters have no problem hurting others, therefore no conscience whatsoever. Down the road....society...will have to bear the brunt...of whatever else is up their sleeves. As my father would say, "It's NG." It's all...No Good!!!

[@EdwardThomasLee]

OMG if you find yourself in this situation at work where you need this video you are most likely guilty lol. Probably an unaware narcissist lol.

[@jameseyeam8731]

21 should have been 1st

[@monkeypolice3048]

Oh well too late now I'm a criminal.

[@moonboy2022]

same bro woohoo spring break!

[@ericalagogiannis8331]

Mal administration

[@everybodyhatinbro]

Yeah reminds me of osha I’m watching