inappropriate holiday greeting cards

roshke
Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:35:28 +0000

I have to agree with the business partner on the issue of the cards - I think they are inappropriate to send to the employees, regardless of the friendly nature of your H and his employees. I do think it is potentially problematic that he could be seen as insensitive to their holiday (even if not by the employee, then a spouse or BF who influences them). I agree that you can never be so sure how something like this is really received. Even all appearances to the contrary.

I can tell you of a situation that happened to someone we knew years ago, where the kind of thing you are talking about absolutely blew up in his face. Things weren’t going so well for a particular employee in her private life and she started performing poorly. When the employer decided she had to be let go, the employee tried to claim harassment, recalling every off color remark or joke. She did not prevail, but it created headaches and expense for the guy (truth is he probably was the type to carry things too far). I would ask, is it worth even the smallest risk that could happen?

On the other hand, I disagree with the partner on the issue of knowing something about your employees lives, though there may be a line there that an employer is probably wiser not to cross in terms of long drawn out talks about personal problems. H has been very supportive of staff through some tough times, and knows about all their kids and activities etc. IMO, especially in a small office, that can be a positive - it does promote loyalty and the feeling for everyone that work is more than a job. I wouldn’t be surprised if the partner is jealous of your H’s closeness with the staff.