I hate to be involved in co - workers conflict

United States
April 14, 2011 6:37pm CST
Today, the HR office lady from the headquarter interview me over the incident about one of the co - workers from my department having conflict with our supervisor and team leader. I wasn't know what was going on beforehand, and they just call me in to the HR room, and I have to talk to the lady over the speaker phone in private, and try to keep it unknown. All my comments and replies will be keep in file, and not to let anyone knew, and I am forbidden to discuss with anyone else. Actually, deep inside of me, I hate it, because I wasn't involved in reality, and I don't want to be part of it. Out of everyone from my department, why would they want to talk to me, and ask my opinion, and what I knew? I simply stated the facts, and the truth I knew. Most of it base on what I saw, and what I heard, no more comments, and nothing else. When I back to my department, and I have my lip sealed. Never mention it too. I just want to do my job, and when it is time up, I should go home. That is all. Don't you hate it?
3 people like this
11 responses
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
9 May 11
As an employee of that company, you have the obligation to give your honest opinion and facts related to the incident. Maybe you don't know it, but everyone in your department will be asked for what they also saw with regard the incident. Then, all the facts will be tabulated to find out what really was the truth about it. Don't you want to help them find the appropriate disciplinary action to that incident?
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
17 Apr 11
Personally I have learned where I work even if you do want to say something word gets back around, and usually the person causing the trouble the Boss never wants to believe it about them so it makes you even more frustrated for sure. I honestly think sometimes there is becoming way too much blame and game play in jobs anymore and not enough recognition and proof. If more people could just do their work and learn to get along the work force would be so much better for sure.
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
15 Apr 11
it is truly not a pleasant experience to be interviewed with something you dont have an inkling about or you did not have any participation. but your organization maybe has a policy so just stick to the truth, and nothing can bring you harm.
@sender621 (14893)
• United States
15 Apr 11
There's nothing worse than being caught in the middle of somebody else's fight. Sooner or later you are expected to choose sides in the conflict that isn't yurs. Bitterness might come along with your choice if you allow yourself to be part of a co-worker's problems. they should just try to solve it on their own and leave you out of it.
• Philippines
15 Apr 11
it's a messy affair, so yeah, I'd hate to get involved in things like that, especially at work where you have to be all the time... the management needs to sort it out, and I guess you understand why they had to ask you, still I know for a fact that even though you know it's strictly protocol, you feel really awkward talking about other people's business...and those people might resent you if they'll hear that the HR made you talk...been there too and that wasn't a good memory
• Philippines
15 Apr 11
I also hate to be involved in something I am not a part of, it's like adding fire to an existing rage.So it is better to keep mum about it and never discuss it to anyone to be safe.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
15 Apr 11
I hate that crap too. that is why I now work at home. Co-workers can drive a person litterally insane. I just wanted to go to work and do my job and come home, but, oh nooooooo, got drove nuts by them daily.
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
15 Apr 11
I know how you feel, I too don't like being involved in something that is going on between co-workers. I could remember a few months ago, a co-worker in a company I was doing part time with was in conflict with another co-worker. I don't particularly know them both well because I only started a few months ago, however, their conflict has something to do with my work thus I really didn't appreciate that they make too much fuss on the subject because I just want everything settled so that I could move on and do my job. Anyhow, from that moment on, I simply avoid both of them. I don't like to talk about issues that don't necessarily affect me. I always think that I am too old and too busy to be involved in something that wouldn't really make me rich or make my life better.
• United States
15 Apr 11
It certainly is quite uncomfortable to be asked to be involved. But it is the only way they can get a clear side of the situation before they make their decision. Good thing it is kept confidential and you did right by not discussing because then it will create a bit of gossip and or trouble for you if had.
• United States
15 Apr 11
KING, Geezz I totally don't blame you one bit! When it comes to things like this its ALWAYS Better to just keep your lips sealed like you had suggested, Because no matter what you say Bad or Good, Even The Good Could Get Twisted Around or anger people for favoritism. People trying to climb the corporate ropes will do ANYTHING and not let ANYTHING Stand in there way. My Honest To God Opinion is to just keep your mouth shut because you know what they say, Be Nice to EVERYONE Because Your gonna encounter them again on your way back down. Which couldn't be farther from the truth!
• Philippines
15 Apr 11
yup, nobody wants to be involved in others' conflict. maybe, what your superior intended you to do was to act as merely witness of the incident that involved your co-workers, nothing more, nothing less. since you were the only person who happened to witness the scene, you are also the same person who would possibly give light as to the details of the incident.i'm sure your office would keep your identity confidential.