To ask how this would be handled in your workplace?

[WhoWants2Know]

Ok, I know it's not the first time I've asked a question like this on Mumsnet. I think my radar for what is normal or acceptable in the workplace is completely skewed at this point in my life. But here is a recent situation:

Employee A started working with the organisation recently. Employee B has been around a while and has a habit of teasing coworkers. For whatever reason, B was curious about A's age. A wasn't forthcoming. B looked for an opportunity, went to A's things and looked at their driver's license. (This was observed by another coworker. B said they were retrieving something at A's request.) Then B revealed to A what they knew and how they had found out, at the same time revealing A's age to a coworker.

A was upset but didn't know how to respond. Coworker responses were very mixed between exasperation and outrage, saying it was a breach of privacy and confidentiality.

Which would it be in your workplace? A prank gone wrong or misconduct?

Misconduct. 100%.

That’s appalling behaviour. Should be disciplined I think

Misconduct. Totally out of order and a complete disregard of boundaries.

I can't imagine any of my colleagues pulling a stunt like that. I would expect some sort of misconduct.

Misconduct

Gross misconduct, what a knob , I'd be furious if someone did this to me .

oooo i don't know but you should send it in to Ask A Manager, this is exactly the sort of stuff they discuss

Its not a prank, no-one should be touching personal property of a co worker
I'd be fucking livid

A should be documenting everything and contacting their manager and HR to write a formal- written complaint. Its certainly not a prank! 🙄

Misconduct. What a horrible cretin B is!

I'd be putting in an official complaint if that happened to me.

How could this ever be classed as a prank, gone wrong or otherwise?

Absolutely misconduct. Huge breach of privacy, plus possibly ageism of some sort, due to the person’s age being such a focal point of this. I would expect written warning and some kind of training. Depending on the rest of their behaviour/work, possibly even dismissed.

That’s outrageous!

Depends I guess on whether A reports it or chooses not to. If it’s reported then B should be thrown out on their ass. What a dick.

Not a prank - misconduct. What kind of an asshole does that? If A wants to take it further then they should.

Absolutely misconduct, possibly gross as it involves breach of privacy and confidentiality.

Misconduct.

It was never a prank. A prank is intended to be teasing and fun, however misapplied in practice. It was always intended to be a deliberate and malicious invasion of a person's privacy and belongings.

Misconduct in my organisation too, on several counts.

That behaviour and similar should not be minimised as "teasing".

Misconduct.

Definitely misconduct, and as a pp said, potentially gross misconduct due to breach of privacy.

This and we joke quite a bit often. At time in an inappropriate manner but this is so far past the line

Misconduct and a disciplinary.