Breach of confidentiality

[applecrumbleandcream]

I work for local government and recently, during my one to one with my line manager, she asked if I was ok as I didn't seem to be my usual happy self. I have been having problems with my husband and haven't been getting along for the last few months so I got a bit upset and told her some personal information as she seemed quite understanding and caring. I assumed this would be between the two of us and wouldn't go any further. A couple of weeks after this I was off sick for a couple of days with the flu and when I returned to work had to have a meeting with the boss above her to explain my absence. My line manager was also in the meeting. I was upset to be asked about my problems at home and it was obvious my manager had divulged our conversation. This has really upset me as I had thought information shared in our one to one was confidential and the higher manager doesn't like me and has now got information against me. Is there anything I can do? I was going to ask HR but they are all for the managers not the employees and I may be mis informed.

[prh47bridge]

You assumed this was between the two of you. You did not specifically ask your manager not to divulge this information to anyone. Your line manager has only, as far as you can tell, divulged the information to her manager and possibly also to HR. She hasn't posted it on the office noticeboard or gossiped about it. I therefore don't think there has been any breach of confidentiality. You can raise a grievance if you are unhappy but I doubt it will get you anywhere.

[JustSayNoNoNo]

Your line manager probably believed that the issues in your home life were relevant and mentioned it to her manager as part of providing a rounded picture. Stresses outside work can impact on your work performance, and also on your health. Try not to see it as 'information against me'; they now know you have your troubles and may make allowances for you or may offer support. If you want it to go no further, tell your own line manager. Line managers are used to hearing all sorts of things and if they have any integrity will not gossip, but will share with their own line manager when they think it's relevant.

[HermioneWeasley]

Agree with others - giving her manager a rounded picture of what is going on is not a breach of confidentiality