ugly arms
Traceyd
44 Posts
I wasn't sure exactly which topic to post this question so here it goes. As you may or may not know, I am an HR of one and constantly struggling with implementing HR issues that have never been addressed and figuring this all out as I go. So here is my current problem. I have an employee who obviously has a nervous problem and is constantly "picking" and "scratching" at her arms. Due to this, she has sores and scabs all over her arms. Not a pretty sight!! And, not only have her co-workers suggested she stop scratching so the sores will heal, but our customers are starting to make comments. The problem is most people don't know why her arms look like this, so it is creating much concern and curiousity amongst some of her co-workers and most especially the CEO-Oh, crap!! Now for my question- can I legally talk to her about this? And, what should I say without crossing any legal issues?
Comments
Its when you start making employment decisions (promotions, terminations, etc) based on these issues that you must tread carefully.
So I would pull this employee into my office with a 3rd person (possibly her supervisor) and just address the issue from a standpoint of concern. You can mention your legitimate need for your employees to maintain a professional appearance.
It would seem this employee needs some assistance of some kind to manage this behavior. Perhaps you can help by referring her to your EAP or some other source.
I wouldn't just ignore the problem because you are concerned about legal issues. Start from a place of compassion. If this employee were your sister, how would you want her employer to respond?
Sharon
Thanks again!!!
It seems to make more sense to start from a workplace standpoint. All workplaces have expectations of appearance. If the employee brings in a medical condition then fine, deal with it from that vantage.
But I don't understand why you would assume its medical and that the ADA somehow applies here. What am I missing?
I guess I would see scratching or picking at scabs in the same light as chewing your fingernails or popping your knuckles. They are "nervous habits" but hardly disabilities.
This employee is currently in an unfaithful relationship and her co-workers have indicated to me this ugly arm thing started when she began having problems within her relationship. She works in a branch location of only 4 employees, so the staff is pretty close and hear about "all" her personal problems. She is a good employee and liked by her co-workers and they have just indicated concern. I will let you know how the "talk" goes. Thanks for all your good advise. And, yes... ADAA did enter my mind.