Q.: A co-worker told me in confidence that she plans to call in sick to work so she can purchase tickets for an upcoming concert she really wants to go to.
Every time someone calls in sick, our individual workload increases.
I'm wondering if I should tell my manager the truth. – Potential Whistle-blower, Jersey City, N.J.
A.: Going to the manager about this seems extreme.
Instead of helping, it is likely to create negativity in the workplace for you and your co-worker.
If you feel so strongly that she is compromising your workday or that of your other co-workers, tell her directly.
You can say that you understand how excited she is about the concert but that you hope she understands how much of a hardship her absence will be on the team.
You can tell her that you will cover for her during her time off and that you hope she will do the same when someone else, you included, needs a little break.
You will have her back so long as she doesn't make this a practice.
