<p>My boss at an internship took a leave of absence, for about one month.
I later found out, he was having some serious problems at home. In fact, one of his adult children had done something very, very bad (pretty much the worst thing you can do), and so my boss had to testify at the trial. Without a doubt, my boss’s son was getting convicted for many years in jail.</p>
<p>Everyone knew about this because it was a pretty public thing in my area, it was on the news. </p>
<p>So, my boss comes back to work and we’re just in the elevator together, and I don’t know if I should say something or not. If i tell him he has my condolences, I am sorry about what he’s going through, it might be awkward because I am bringing up a very sensitive subject at work. Plus, I am like 1/3rd of this guys age and it sounds patronizing. But if I just shut up and don’t say anything, I am afraid I will be perceived as selfish, self-centered, unsympathetic.</p>
<p>The internship is long over and I never ended up saying anything about this issue. But looking back, I’m not sure what’s the best way to handle the situation? Thanks for your advice. I know this story sounds very “out there” but (with some details changed), it really did happen.</p>
<p>No you should not ever ever say anything about “his problems at home” whether this issue is public knowledge or not. Boss and friend are not the same thing. Take it from a boss…if one of my employees approached me about a private issue…I would be livid.</p>
<p>In your situation, I think it was good to not say anything. I can see saying something if you were closer in age and had worked there a long time so had a prior long-term relationship. Because this was such a sensitive matter, I can see following his lead and not saying anything until he does.</p>
<p>Several years ago, a very high-profile employee in my dept was arrested. This was big news. A few days later, when the guy came back to work, at our daily morning meeting he opened by saying how sorry he was if his actions reflected poorly on the rest of us, etc. I was so glad he brought the topic up so there wasn’t a lot of awkwardness among the staff. Situation was aired, discussed minimally and not brought up again.</p>
<p>If you ever have to ask yourself whether you should say something, you probably shouldn’t. I felt close enough to this guy that I would have said something if he hadn’t.</p>
<p>In an elevator, it would have been weird to say nothing at all, but you definitely don’t want to bring up the sad subject. IMO this would be good in such a situation:</p>
<p>“Hi Joe, it’s good to have you back.”</p>
<p>Simple, friendly, non-controversial, and leaves it up to him whether he wants to open the subject or not.</p>
<p>JM-
You talk about sports, the weather, neutral topics.
Business professional is the way to act at all times no matter how comfortable you feel around the BOSS.</p>