Is this illegal

[Anonymous]

Apparently HR told my boss I almost resigned recently. Now my boss is telling my co-workers that I almost quit. Seems wrong but is it breaking the law?

[Anonymous]

Why would it be illegal?

[Anonymous]

Outside of a few very specific circumstances, being a jerk is rarely illegal. Ditto gossiping.

Oh, and another handy tip for life in the working world: HR exists to protect the employer, not the employee.

Remind yourself of these two things every time you wonder if some workplace behavior is legal.

[Anonymous]

Are there documents that were released to your boss? Were they confidential?

Is this a federal employment situation?

[Anonymous]

Another question: Had you recently filed an EEO claim or a union grievance?

[Anonymous]

I know for sure HR is not my friend. I am wondering if it is legal for your boss to divulge this information to your co-workers, especially since my boss tried to deny it. Yes, I filed an EEO complaint as well. So far the result has been a meeting with my boss and head of HR then my boss interviewing my co-workers. My complaint was about management not my co-workers.

[Anonymous]

Do you work for the federal government?

If so, once you file an EEO complaint, your agency is obligated to conduct an investigation. As a result, other employees who may have knowledge of the events will be told.

Are you sure it is your boss who is telling people?

[Anonymous]

I am Federal and it is definitely my boss. My boss is the only one "investigating" which seems like a clear conflict of interest. What should EEO be doing? So far all they have done is toss it to HR who said my boss and I could "work it out." I see EEO tomorrow. What are smart questions to ask?

[Anonymous]

Don't have any advice other than to ask what the overall procedure and timeline is for your complaint. Another site where you might find answers is

https://federalsoup.federaldaily.com/

[AroundTheBlock]

Rule: Whatever you tell HR they are required to inform your manager.