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.
I'd also be lobbying for my employer to provide a secure locker for emoyees bags.

fussed about someone going through my bag, because I don't carry anything in it that worries me.

Missed the point. No one has the right to go through someone else's possessions in the office without express permission. You could just have an apple and notebook in there it does not matter - there are boundaries.

And the fact that B (a man) is insistent on knowing A's (a female) age just comes across as quite predatory and possible the office tart. There is just a lack of respect for other people and thinks that as he can make everyone laugh it is OK. I am going to hazard a guess A is quite young (20's) and B is bit older (30's' ish)

My latest 2 employers would have treated this so differently to one another
• 1, would have instantly suspended B without pay whilst investigating and then probably dismissed. The union would not have been able to save her.
• 2, would probably have told A that she was being pathetic and laughed along with A.
It is disgusting behaviour and when people get away with such disrespectful behaviour towards others, what will they think they have licence to do in the future?

yeah I couldn't get fussed about someone going through my bag, because I don't carry anything in it that worries me.

Nothing private in my bag (though I do keep my money and phone in there, so there are valuables) - but I'd still be furious. Even DH would ask before going in my bag, and I'd ask before going in his.

I'd also be lobbying for my employer to provide a secure locker for emoyees bags.

Depends on the setup. At my place this would be overkill - bags are kept by your desk, and are in view of several people at once, there's no need for anything else.

I found a diary in the bathroom at work the other day and felt awful looking at the front page to find out who to return it to.
Actually going through another person's bag is disgusting and I would of called them out there and then, I would also assume they were a their as that is the ONLY reason I can think of that you would go through somebody's personal property without their permission

Can’t believe OP isn’t bothered about someone going through a bag as ‘nothing to hide in there’.

Nothing to hide is not the same as privacy. I tend to not carry illegal weapons or drugs in my bag either but doesn’t mean it’s fair game for someone to have a good old rummage it in.

I appreciate that not caring if someone looked through my bag isn't "normal" and that most people would consider it a big violation. Like rifling through their underwear drawer or reaching into a trouser pocket while they're wearing them.

Interestingly, when I discussed it with my manager she said "My reaction would have been different if it was your bag, but this person is new!" From that, I take it that I'm generally viewed as having a relaxed attitude towards my stuff.

There are plenty of lockers available and everyone has a locking set of drawers, so things can be locked away.

Anyway, things have been passed up the chain of command in the appropriate way and being dealt with formally. B has not been in the office this week and I think it's very possible that he won't be back.

Unfortunately, his role being empty has a knock-on effect on the whole team's workload. Maybe that's why things have gone on so long. The organisation takes a long time to recruit and onboard new people, so I think it's going to be a difficult place to work for a while. But it can't be helped.

Just to clarify, I said I wasn't bothered about the idea of someone going in my bag. Couldn't give a shit.

I was bothered by B going into a coworker's bag, which is why I challenged him.

Misconduct. Absolutely unacceptable to go through someone else's private belongings. Hopefully this has been reported to HR & they’ve dealt with it!

Misconduct.
B is being an absolute asshole and this is not acceptable. I hope they fire him

Misconduct - bullying really, given it’s a new colleague. Must have gone into their purse/wallet or handbag?

Misconduct absolutely!

Would have been misconduct, sounds like he has been sacked or there has been an agreement for him to leave. Really wonder what sector this is, sounds bloody awful.

A driving license does not just have a dob but also home address. And it is not just about the bag rummage either, it is about the information he was not entitled to know or had a need to but, been a man, thought he had a god given right to it so just helped himself, then bragged about it, and passed it onto others who did not have a right to know. Willie waving entitlement at its best!

B sounds like an immature wanker, I wouldn’t want him in my office.

I never tell my age and my fury would know no bounds. And I’d damn make sure she knew.

I’ve commented a few times but the more I think of this it’s just so weird. It’s not getting a large item from an open bag; it’s opening a bag, getting a purse and then rummaging through a purse to find a driving license. Then presumably putting it all back. Just WOW.

That’s akin to near bullying, what on earth is it of anyone else’s business. What a sticky beak this person is, I’d find this totally overbearing. Someone of authority needs to have a word, I know I would call them out over it. HR would have a field day.

So he has been sacked by the sound of it?

Misconduct

Misconduct. That’s not ok in any setting, and certainly not in a workplace.

I'm not sure what action has been taken. Just that he has been marked as out of office for the past week.

Today I was asked for a written statement and instructed that it's not to be discussed with colleagues.

I agree. When someone always has to be "on" and always teasing, it leaves the area of funny and crosses into bullying territory. It's showing people that, "Hey, I can tease you and even humiliate you, but heck, it's all in fun. Right? Right? Oh, where's your sense of humor?"

There is just a difference between an occasional teasing act or comment but it's supposed to be occasional. Snooping crossed a line. No one has the "right" to know everything about you.

Possibly suspension whilst they conduct a disciplinary investigation.

Yes, probably an investigation currently. I have some sympathy (only a tiny bit, as going into someone's bag feels an ENORMOUS no no to me) as I feel that bad behaviour has escalated and not been addressed over the years. Alongside other good, supportive stuff