What would you do if your boss said this to you?

Question

I work in a major supermarket in my area, and I have a boss that is often rude and nasty. She complains that I use the water fountain too much on the job. I work outside about 1/2 the time, and it's often very hot. so naturally I get very thirsty. Just the other day, she commented: " I'm going to count every time that you use
the water fountain today"! I thought that was totally uncalled for. I felt like saying: "How do you know I don't have diabetes"? What would you do in this situation?

Answer 1

She answers to someone...find out who it is and make an appointment to talk to them. I don't know what region of the country you live in, but in the south west, you can work up a sweat outside in December.

I have managed many people, and NEVER would I say anything to anyone about drinking water.

Answer 2

I would get her understand in a very polite and soft way that its the need of my job that I have to take water fountain many times due hot season and out side wokring. You can add that if I am given indoor assignment, she will observe that I dont take water fountain even I perform better. Else if she dont understand and cooperate with you, go to higher management with written request about the matter, first take him in confidence then submit the written request. I hope higher manage will take care about you. First try to settle with the boss. Best of luck

Answer 3

Don't forget one thing honey. Every boss has a boss. If u think she is being rude just to be rude, that gives u a right to say something about her. Tell her boss what she is doing to you. Don't lie about your health but instead explain that u get so hot and it is impossible to bear it without taking water breaks. If her boss acts the way your boss acts, then you need to start working at another supermarket. If it's a racial issue, then your case gets even stronger.

Answer 4

I would go to her boss and explain that because you are working in the heat it is possible to dehydrate very quickly and that it would be worse on the company to have you pass out in the parking lot then sipping a drink of water at the fountain. Your boss is just trying to intimidate you and you don't have to stand for it.

Answer 5

I agree with Frank...make it one of those half-gallon ones with a handle, and find a way to attach it to your belt. If your boss bites your head off about it, carefully explain to her that if you do not replace the fluids in your body, you will get heat stroke and be unable to work at all. Print off a health article on the subject to back you up. And if she continues to bully you, start documenting the incidents and then go over her head.

Answer 6

I would have answered: "I'm sure with your other important supervisory duties, you shouldn't waste time watching me drink. If you would like, I'll keep a record of my trips to the water fountain and give it to you at the end of my shift."

Answer 7

If you are diabetic why didn't you tell him.

I would suggest that you bring a water bottle with you to have at your desk so that your crossing his path of vision won't get on his nerves.

She sounds like her job is stresful and you are the one close at hand to let her steam off on

Answer 8

I would ask her why she's targeting me and refer her to the Fair work practices act that is mandatorily stapled in every break area at U.S. companies. I would then call my state ACLU if she continued with the harrassment.

What a hag!

Answer 9

I understand your point... but there are many companies who do not allow you to use the restroom untill your break....or get a drink untill your break....

she may feel that you are waisting time, or taking breaks when you are suppose to be working.

Answer 10

Quit the job.