Email communication from the Payroll Manager (ME) to the HR Assistant (HER) ME: Did Jack Horner retun his keys? (he was terminated) HER: Why? ME: He paid a key deposit (upon hire) HER: (In 16 pt font) If I didn’t write it on the PAF (personnel action form) he didn’t return keys to me. If he does so at a later date, I will be sure to notify you. The procedure has not changed, if I don’t put it on the PAF that keys were returned, then you DO NOT reimburse them. If they return them after the PAF has been processed, the (HR director) or I will notify you to reimburse them. (Note – I already know all of this) ME: You usually write that they didn’t return keys as well. This time it wasn’t noted either way. Since he had made a key deposit I wanted to double check with you. HER: On occasion, I might write that, but that isn’t the “Procedure” you were made aware of when you started. Just like I sometimes write if they DO NOT have a key deduction deposit, just because I noticed, even though you need to see if they did or didn't. Some times I worry that you don't check to make sure they did make a deposit. If they did return keys, I will right it on the PAF. Let's keep it simple.
Q: Is this harassment? I feel bullied.
I was furious by the time I received the last email that I left the office for the rest of the day. Do you think the response below is appropriate, and if not, what do you suggest:
Starla,
Your email responses to me constitute harassment - creating a hostile work environment that I feel uncomfortable working in.
Each year companies spend billions of dollars defending themselves against situations such as this - and prosecutors salivate when they have documentation as concrete as this.
I am not threatening a lawsuit; I am simply stating the severity of this situation and I want the harassment to stop.
Before I am forced to take this to the next level I want to give you the opportunity to rectify your error in judgment and apologize for your actions.
Respectfully,
Payroll Mgr
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Attorney
20+ Years of Employment Law Experience
Thank you for your concise reply.
I will follow your advice.
Have a terrific day!