Do you think that the boss where I work is in on this?

Question

There is a man in my office that has been going into my desk drawers when I am in the file room. He uses the excuse that he is looking for a business card when he has a supply of these cards at his desk. I have been keeping the key hidden under different things on the desk and he will look underneath and through everything to find the key. He then goes into the drawer where my handbag is and will forget to lock it, making it vulnerable to theft from people who come in from the outside. I confronted him about it and he did not seem sorry or nervous. The head boss heard the conversation and he seemed to take his side. He said that the area where I sit is a community area and people have to look for things. He did agree that my handbag should be locked up. That same day he took this guy out to lunch. It crossed my mind that the boss has asked him to do this in order to dig up information, dirt. I don't know if this could be possible. Please tell me what you think. Thank you.

Answer 1

It seems a little suspect, but if you really are at a "community area", ask to be moved, if possible. If not, ask that you be able to have a place to keep your personal items secured while you're at work, since you can't always be at your desk, and it's silly to think that you should carry your purse and/or money everywhere you go. Your boss isn't being fair. Also, I would not keep any personal items at your desk from now on. If your request is denied or your boss continues to be unreasonable, speak with his superior.

Answer 2

What I used to do is leave tampons in the drawers that I knew people were going through. Men despise feminine products, and I guarantee they will close the drawer if they see that stuff.

Also, I would ask your boss what precautions you should take since you cannot lock up your purse safely. Tell him you are more vulnerable than anyone else since you are at the front (I was a receptionist in the same situation for a year!), and since you can't lock your desk what should you do?

I don't think he's in on it, but he's not being very considerate.  

Answer 3

This is an absolutely intolerable invasion of privacy, whether you sit in a community area or not.  This is YOUR desk, right?  A desk drawer is locked for a reason and if they need something they should be checking with you!

Report this IN WRITING at once to the manager and tell them in no uncertain terms that you expect people to ask you for assistance if they need something from you.  If you have an HR department, give them a copy and indicate that you require written assurance that this will halt immediately and the offender will be put on notice that this behavior must stop.

If they don't comply, find another job.  Meanwhile, start carrying that key with you, on a chain around your neck or wrist.

I am FURIOUS that any company would tolerate such behavior.

Answer 4

I think it might be wise to talk with your boss' superior. This is a really creepy situation.

Answer 5

I wouldn't worry about it unless there is dirt to be found in the desk or purse.  

Answer 6

That sounds odd, and IS an invasion of privacy.

DO you have any 'dirt' in there? Where do you work?  

Answer 7

That's definitely not on. You are entitled to your privacy and from what you've said your boss's behaviour is intolerable. I don't know where you are and what laws apply, but in my country there has to be somewhere BY LAW that is set aside for staff to store bags and wallets without the fear of theft or invasion of privacy. I'd be just as worried, in theis situation, about someone going through my cell phone for numbers or reading messages as I would be about money going missing from my bag. Since you have confronted this person and your boss was no help, make a formal complaint in writing about it. It wouldn't be that difficult for people to ask you for what they're after if it was stored at your desk.