I was recently told in a review that my "body language in a room full of people" needed improvement. This bothers me for 2 reasons. 1.) My position has nothing to do with working in a room full of people. This observation must have been at a company meeting of some sort. And 2.) Is it appropriate/ethical from an HR standpoint that I am being watched in this manner? It kind of creeps me out.

Thank you.
Chuck

It would creep me out too, but consider the source. Body language is subjective and they could be an idiot. Should have asked what they meant. Unfortunately, I don't think its entirely unethical.

If HR pulled you aside to tell you that your body language was inappropriate you definitely need to ask the representative to clarify what he/she means. Perhaps you were doing something that possibly bothered another colleague who then talked to HR or maybe you were doing something you didn't realize. You should absolutely talk to the representative about the situation. Also, it is not uncommon for HR to talk to employees about such issues on an individual basis.

Maybe it's that little habit of picking buggers, rolling them up in to little balls and flinging then at the other person they wer referring to?



If you weren't doing that... I'd definitely ask them to clarify in much greater detail what they mean by it. Who knows maybe like was sugggested... someone was misreading things. Maybe its somenting as simple as how you sit in a chair when someone is talking. ( that can show either extreme interest or, my gawd how much longer is this going to drone on.)