My boss told me I have to start sharing more about my personal life to enhance our team culture. Can she make me do this?
Rita Risser Chai replies:
It depends on how you define “personal.” If she wants you to describe your sex life, where you go to church, or your involvement in a group related to your gender, race, national origin, age, and so on, that is illegal. But if she is asking questions like “What did you do this weekend?” you can answer that you went shopping, or hiking, or to a Little League game, or watched TV, none of which would be considered invasion of privacy. We at Fair Measures encourage bosses NOT to ask these types of questions and instead focus on work. That way, everyone is more comfortable.
Posted 02-26-2019
Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.
