We have an employee that has been an above-average employee. Yesterday, I learned that her husband was arrested by the FBI as a member of a large drug trafficking ring and money laundering. Our employee (“Jane”) works in a position that allows her access to medical patient’s financial records (credit cards, bank accounts, etc.). I am struggling with my obligation as it relates to Jane and her privacy and my responsibility to our clients.
Jane has not been charged with any wrongdoing. However, the info to which she accesses every day is highly sensitive. If I tell the executive leadership team about what has recently transpired in Jane’s life, experience has shown me that they will suspend/terminate her employment as a ‘knee jerk reaction’ to her personal situation.
I am torn.
Do I tell the executive team and risk Jane’s employment? Do I monitor the situation until something occurs that causes me to be suspicious of Jane’s activities? Is it too late then?
Sincerely,
To read the answer, click here: My Employee’s Husband Was Arrested. Should I Tell The Executive Team?
Thank you for a very enlightened answer. However, I expect that the response in most settings would be exactly the knee-jerk reaction feared: that Jan would be terminated, especially in an employment-at-will state.
Wow. I’m enlightened!
Thanks for your kind words.
What grannybunny said – in both cases.
Because I can hear my CFO now “we wouldn’t seek out this information, but now that we have it, what if something does happen?” (read: how much trouble will we be in)
AWESOME answer. Very good.
Excellent answer.
I’d also add what if Jane just found out about his wrongdoing and is now considering divorcing him?
Boy, would that really hit her hard to lose her job too!