Can my employer ask me about my health, illnesses, doctor's visits and tests!
Question: Recently I've been ill. I look like I am ill, I'm exhausted and I've had to make a few doctor appointments. I went home sick for a half day once, but otherwise I have not taken any sick days. I told my boss that I had doctor appointments and/or follow up appointments but I did not tell him what doctors I am seeing or why I am going. First he teased me about being a "sickie" and told me I needed to "be healthy." Then he started asking me about my doctors visits and asked me if they were doing blood tests or other kinds of tests. I did not give a direct answer and became flustered and uncomfortable. He has persisted in asking and has apparently spoken to other VP's about my health because other supervisors have begun to ask me about my health, make comments about my health and ask me about my doc appts. Is this appropriate? I think it's against the law and I feel harrassed...Help!
Answers: Recently I've been ill. I look like I am ill, I'm exhausted and I've had to make a few doctor appointments. I went home sick for a half day once, but otherwise I have not taken any sick days. I told my boss that I had doctor appointments and/or follow up appointments but I did not tell him what doctors I am seeing or why I am going. First he teased me about being a "sickie" and told me I needed to "be healthy." Then he started asking me about my doctors visits and asked me if they were doing blood tests or other kinds of tests. I did not give a direct answer and became flustered and uncomfortable. He has persisted in asking and has apparently spoken to other VP's about my health because other supervisors have begun to ask me about my health, make comments about my health and ask me about my doc appts. Is this appropriate? I think it's against the law and I feel harrassed...Help!
Definitely no!, All employers have no right to ask of its employees for any health issues they might have. However, if the illness affect your job performance and attendance; they might question you. With the health scare nowadays of HIV/AIDS; that might be their top priority and main concern of contagion.
However, should you become terminated because of health problems even HIV; you can take them to court for illegal termination based on grounds of discrimination- e.g. sex, pregnancy; Hepatitis; ,HIV, etc. Remember, the movie; Streets of Philadelphia.?
Anyway, they can not contact your doctors for any health information as there is a confidentiality clause between a doctor and his patients. So make sure, you don't divulge any discriminating information to any of your co-workers. If you feel they can be truly emotionally supportive and concerned and have your best interest in their hearts; NEVER let your guard down.
More often than not, it's your coworkers who can really roast you.
So next time, whenever, your boss try to elicit any information regarding your doctor's appt and possible blood work. You can answer you this very nondescript reply. " I'm a very healthy person. I'm lucky to have a truly, caring doctor. My doctor is just doing a yearly physical exam on me and may order a battery of significant tests to rule out any physical ailments to be on the safe side. The reason? To date, he hasn't found anything CONTAGIOUSLY wrong with me. It might just be a question of fatigue and STRESS."
This way, your boss will be made aware of your dedication and efficiency at work.
For your exhaustion and feelings of fatigue, a healthy lifestyle can certainly do wonders. This should include the following: fortify yourself and boost your immune system with vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. Diet modification with fruits and vegetables; adequate amino acids from protein, lots of fluids esp water; adequate hrs of quality sleep ( so no more late hrs of night life) and regular exercise .Even a 20 min daily walking can increase your energy stamina.
This sounds like harrassment. As long as you are not contagious and you are doing your job, you are not required to tell him anything. You may need to take action against your employer. They can ask, but can not make you tell them anything. You are however required to let them know if you have something like a staff infection.
Sorry you are having this problem. Hope it gets better!
It is only against the law if they use it to affect your job. You could explain that you are not comfortable talking to them about your health. You could tell them you don't know what is going on and that you are being tested. Are you sure they are not truly concerned about you?
Hi, I'm sorry to say this but I believe that they have every right to question you about your health. If could effect your safety and the safety of others around you. And I don't mean that you have anything contagious, it's just that if you are "exhausted and or sick" something could happen to you at work. Being cautious can be a good thing.