Supervisor Information

How to Handle Requests for Confidential Discussions

Some things can’t be kept confidential, such as:

  • harassment complaints
  • issues regarding health, safety, security
  • allegations regarding misconduct or illegal activity or actions that are severe violation of policy or rule.

Some things are inappropriate for a manager to handle, such as an employee from another area complaining about his/her manager or co-workers. In this situation, you would have an obligation to inform the other manager.

You should always explain this up front and then ask the employee/student if they still want to discuss the matter with you.