There was a discussion between my boss and I in which a few other co workers had overheard. Two had stepped in to ask a question about the discussion while others just listened. After the discussion ended multiple co workers came to me asking questions about the discussion. I said what we talked about because I felt that everyone should know about this "new" policy or "standard business rule" that should be followed. Because if my boss hadn't told me this, I would have never known this is what they expected out of us. We also recently met our new project manager who doesn't even work in the same building. Now, somehow someone fabricated two pieces of the conversation and sent an email to our new project manager. The project manager replied with what I perceive as a "pretty nasty" letter. The ideas in question are about medical issues and Paid Time Off (PTO). They are implying that "Standard business practice" is to request the time off BEFORE making any deposits or buying any vacations. Seems reasonable enough but that's something I DID NOT KNOW. How this got switched into Sick and health issues is beyond me. But the email had stated that "In the case of EXTENDED medical or health issues, medical and/or health absences require a Doctor’s note upon your return to work". Ok I am fine with that statement but after that statement was this smart a** remark... "Furthermore....I would like to add that ANYTIME we doubt the validity of your sickness it is well within our right to request proof of your reason for absence. We do not have to take your word and if you have a previous history of undocumented absences it is well within our right to request proof" That word ANYTIME is what gets me. Do they have the RIGHT to request a reason of absence ANYTIME they doubt the validity of our sickness, when in the email before this they said, "We understand the importance of taking time off for vacations and spending time with family. During this time it allows you to regenerate and refresh the mind and the body." Ok so if I want to take a personal day for Mental health or something, are they implying they may want proof of absence?? AND not only did they stress at our meeting a few weeks ago with our new project manager, she stated, "BOTTOM LINE, all PTO requests must be turned in NO LATER than 2 weeks before you need the time off." Ok we already knew and abide by this rule so why was our conversation about requesting time off BEFORE booking a vacation, when the vacation is more than 3 months away? Does anyone see a contradiction here? Thanks for your help.

I don't see a violation of privacy. That is basically what you are asking. I also don't see very much wrong with their request for validation of absence.

Tick

I am with tickle on this one. There is no violation of privacy and the requests for validation of absence is legit.

I agree with the first two responses, but wanted to add that, if you feel the e-mail was the result of a garbled message given to the project manager, that you discuss this PRIVATELY with your supervisor. You emphasized the word "anytime", was it emphasized in the e-mail? Remember it's harder to determine the tone of a written communication.