So, I answer a fair amount of questions on legal question boards as my way of giving back to the community and helping out people who have questions about what is happening in their workplace. It makes me feel good to provide quick and simple guidance at no cost for people who usually do not need a lawyer.  But, from time to time, I read a question on these internet boards and I just shake my head at what I am reading.  Here is one that was posted recently that truly made me realize that the workplace is definitely changing.  Take a read:

“I got fired today for mooning my coworker over a month ago. 

My coworker and I always goof around when customers aren’t in the store. As I was leaving for the evening I mooned him as I left. I heard him laughing as we always do. One month later HR, while reviewing tapes, see this and fire me for sexual harassment. There was no one in the store except us two and customers can’t see through the glass outside either.”

Ok.  I like to think that I am a fun guy. I was in a fraternity in college, and we did some pretty ridiculous things.  But, on what planet does an individual think that dropping his pants in the workplace, with cameras present, is going to wind up ok?  This leads me back to the title of my blog today – – you are not guaranteed your employment.  And, if you don’t do your job exactly the way your employer wants you to do it, you may lose that job.  The lines between work and play often get separated.  But, there is a time and a place to have fun with your co-workers, and a time and a place to fill the role of employee.  I always tell my clients.  When you are in the workplace,  assume everything you say and do is being audio taped and video taped.  If you wouldn’t say or do things while being recorded, don’t say or do them in the office.  We live in a day and age where employers are looking for the cheapest, smartest, and least troubling labor in their workplace.  If you give them a chance to fire you, and replace you with someone who keeps their pants on and takes their job seriously, you have done nothing to help yourself.  

The unemployment rates in this country are still at an all time high.  Jobs are hard to come by these days.  Do you really want to go home to your wife, your kids, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your significant other, and your friends, and explain that you cannot pay rent this month because you were fired for mooning someone?  C’mon folks.  Protect yourself and don’t give these employers a legitimate reason to replace you.  If you have questions about things happening in your workplace, or aren’t sure about whether to do something about it, email us[email protected], or visit us at www.floridaovertimelawyer.com

By the way, my response to the above question – you were legitimately fired my friend.  Whether it was a joke or not, it was inappropriate for the workplace.