If I have to speak to HR during an investigation, can my supervisor find out what I said?

Question

The lowdown is that my co-worker has filed a compliant against my boss because he believes he was discriminated against because he did not get a promotion.  The person who did get the job is far less qualified and misses work all of the time.  While I am not 100% certain I will have to speak to HR, since I also applied for the position it wouldn't shock me if they wanted to speak to me.  My concern is can my boss find out what I say to the HR rep?  I worry if I tell the truth (which would be that I she has made negative comments about him before that were not the most professional) and my boss is found to be fault-free she might take it out on me if she finds out what I said.

? · Answer

Depends on how much you like your job.  If you really like it, tell HR as little as possible, just in case.  If you hate your job, or your boss, tell HR everything.  Then, when you get sacked, you can claim unfair dismissal due to being honest.  Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Anonymous · Answer

Assume they will tell your boss everything you said, word for word. Your boss is probably more valuable to the company than you, and HR is not there to protect you - they exist to protect the company. If you "bad-mouth" your boss, they may feel it's important for your boss to know how you feel, in case you become a problem. Or they may not say who said what, but it may be apparent to your boss.

Whatever you say to them, say it as positively as possible.

Tavy · Answer

Your Supervisor will be told of your complaint.   She is far higher up the food chain than you are, and has been put in a position of responsibility for her/his staff.

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If I have to speak to HR during an investigation, can my supervisor find out what I said?

3 Answers