Scenario: Lunch-Time Reading Material

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Scenario: Lunch-Time Reading Material

Linda likes to take her lunch break alone and do some reading. She is sitting at a table in the break room as usual. Edward enters the break room to get his lunch from the refrigerator and notices what she is reading. “Fifty Shades of Gray, huh? That’s the sexy one, right? Are you into that kind of thing?” Linda looks uncomfortable.
As a supervisor, what should you consider?
  1. Linda brought the book and read it in view of other employees; she should not be surprised by Edward’s comments.
  2. Linda should not bring that kind of reading material to work.
  3. Linda can bring her own choice of reading material, but perhaps she can read from a Kindle or use a book jacket to conceal.
  4. This is not Linda’s fault at all. Edward should not have said anything about the book.
Should you, as a supervisor, say something immediately to address the situation? Or should you talk to Linda and Edward privately later?
Remember to reference the scenario answers listed earlier:
  • Stick with your company’s policy.
  • Listen to your employees. Treat their complaints and discomforts seriously. Never dismiss a complaint without investigating it.
  • If your company’s policy does not cover it, request that the policy be updated with guidance from HR or legal counsel.
  • Share your difficulties with your own superiors and HR department.