Making the “screw loose” gesture at someone…

[Jamonmanoj]

My boss did this at me today thinking that I wouldn’t see, I assume.

I’m couple months into the job (work at a small law firm but working in a niche area that I’ve never handled before) - I have been really unwell this last week dragging myself into the office and have felt massive anxiety about my work performance. I am struggling to concentrate as a result and have been very slow / distracted in meetings. My colleagues know I’m unwell but I’ve just not been able to take a step back and send myself home.

i caught my boss making the gesture to a colleague today and am pretty sure it was about me. Feeling very disappointed. Am I right it has no place in the workplace?

Ask him rather than tying yourself in knots worrying.

You've got no idea it was directed at you. She could be making the gesture to indicate that a certain ruling was mad. Even then she's on dodgy ground.

How old are you, could it be brain fog? I’d at least try the GP I think as I’d be worried.

As for the hand gesture, you’ve no idea it was definitely aimed at you (unless you ask), it’s unprofessional but I’d be more concerned about symptoms.

You need to concentrate on your health.
Are you eating enough protein?
Drinking enough water?
Eating roughage?
Orange juice?
Sleeping?

I didn't actually know people used this gesture any more - it's such an unpleasant and inappropriate one. In fact I associate it with children rather than adults.
So I would be quite shocked that a person in a position of responsibility, such as your boss, used it at all in their work setting. And if it was used against you then it's inexcusable.
How is your relationship with her: how is her manner with you normally?
I think you should have a conversation with her about this incident because worrying and dwelling on it is just going to make you feel worse.
I'm so sorry you are going through such a hard time.

If you're that unwell you can't do your job properly, you need to call in sick. You're not doing yourself any favours by going in if it's evident to everyone you're not coping.

Stay home today, get yourself better and go back in at the top of your game.

Don't spend too much time worrying over a gesture you can't be sure was about you. No it's not professional for the workplace.

Blimey, I haven’t seen anyone d that gesture for at least 20 years probably more.
is it still a thing?
Get yourself well is the most important thing.

Thanks everyone, kind comments. In answer to the responses, I haven’t been sleeping properly (been sleeping but waking up exhausted) and eating / drinking has taken a massive slide too. Lost my appetite and a little embarrassed to admit this but have been struggling to leave my desk due to feeling anxious, which I think is a symptom of the illness. Was recently at my desk all day without a break for food or drink which was completely stupid.

100% have been having brain fog and just feel like I am not making sense when I speak or saying good points in meetings (have been shot down a couple of times and also just struggling for things to “go in” / be productive - everything is taking me four times as long as it should).

I’m pretty sure it’s just cos I’m ill but obviously I’m also learning so been very anxious and paranoid about how it looks to the senior team. Anyway I’ve decided I need to park the anxiety and get independent support to manage it as well as drawing strict boundaries with work to increase my productivity. It’s no benefit to anyone if I’m driving myself into the ground through illness.

How old are you ? Could all this be the menopause? If so get to the doctor asap and gets some supplements as well

This.

Thanks - no I’m early 30s so don’t think so! A little upset because the person who made the gesture owns the company so I’m concerned about what is being said about me behind my back? I will have to block it out and do a good job but it hasn’t helped with the anxiety.