Coworker's private illness and job cuts
- Kind
- Ethical dilemma
Prompt
You are the office manager at a 12-person marketing firm. Dana, a 51-year-old designer who has worked there for nine years, told you in confidence that she is being treated for a serious illness. She has missed several mornings, and she asked you not to tell anyone at work. The owner tells you that he has to cut one position next month and is leaning toward Dana because she has become "unreliable". He asks you directly whether you know what is going on with her. What would you do?
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After you practice: what this question tests and how to approach it
What this question tests
- Ethical reasoning
- Professionalism and integrity
- Empathy and compassion
How to approach this question
This MMI station tests whether you can protect a colleague's confidential health information while keeping it from costing her a job unfairly. Name the people involved: Dana, who trusted you, the owner, who has a real business problem, and the rest of the 12-person team. Separate what you can say from what you can't, since you can tell the owner you won't discuss a colleague's private matters without revealing anything. Think about how you'd encourage the owner to talk with Dana directly and weigh her nine years of work, and how you'd let Dana know her job may be at risk. Mention that workplace protections may apply, without claiming legal expertise. When the person you're protecting chooses a path that hurts her, respect her choice while making sure she understands what it will cost.
More on confidentiality and privacy
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