AITA for outing my Alzheimers-diagnosed coworker to corporate, and making him lose his job?
The buzz of a busy customer service desk can turn sour when one cog slips. For one Reddit user, their coworker Hal’s recent fumbles—forgetting customer details, stumbling on simple queries—have piled up complaints, testing the team’s patience. Once a star employee, Hal’s off days now ripple through the branch, but their manager’s loyalty keeps him in place.
Frustrated, the user took a bold step, tipping off corporate anonymously. Now, with Hal gone and the manager fuming, guilt creeps in. Set in a bustling office where team harmony hangs by a thread, this tale probes workplace loyalty and tough calls. Was the user right to act, or did they cross a line?
‘AITA for outing my Alzheimers-diagnosed coworker to corporate, and making him lose his job?’
This Reddit user’s decision to report Hal’s poor performance to corporate stirred a workplace storm. Hal’s forgetfulness and customer complaints bogged down the team, yet their manager’s loyalty kept him in place. The anonymous email, focusing on work issues, led to Hal’s termination, but it left the user questioning their choice. The manager’s anger and Reddit’s split opinions highlight the tension between team welfare and individual loyalty.
Workplace conflicts over performance are common. A 2022 Gallup study found 70% of employees face role-related stress when underperformance goes unaddressed. Hal’s struggles impacted the branch’s reputation, justifying the user’s concern. However, bypassing the manager risks trust, as anonymity can seem disloyal.
Dr. Amy Edmondson, author of The Fearless Organization, notes, “Open dialogue about performance issues fosters trust, while secretive actions erode it.” The user’s email, though effective, skipped steps like discussing solutions with the manager, such as reassigning Hal to a less demanding role. This could have balanced team needs with respect for Hal’s tenure.
The user should document their actions and suggest team discussions on performance expectations to prevent future friction. Encouraging open feedback could rebuild trust. This saga shows workplaces thrive on communication, not covert moves.
See what others had to share with OP:
Reddit didn’t hold back, serving up spicy takes on this workplace drama. Here’s what they said:
![[Reddit User] - NTA Your Manager also needs to be terminated.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/220913c-03.png)
![[Reddit User] - YTA. If you really felt you did the right thing you'd have owned what you did, not done it anonymously. Also, and more importantly, you released private medical information that you had no legal right to have or release. Had your email only been about Hal's performance then maybe you wouldn't have been an a**hole.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/220913c-04.png)
These bold opinions split on loyalty versus results, but do they miss the mark?
This workplace tale reveals the tightrope of balancing team success with loyalty to a struggling colleague. The user’s report protected the branch but strained trust. Open talks and clear expectations could pave a smoother path. What would you do if a coworker’s performance dragged your team down? Share your thoughts below!
