Silence Is Safety: Why You Shouldn’t Share Co-Worker Info

‘LPT: If you are at work and someone who does not work there asks you for one of your co-workers or when that co-worker’s shifts are, do not answer that question. You do not know who that person is or their intentions’

This tip is effective because it prioritizes safety and professionalism. First, withholding information safeguards your co-worker from potential harm. The stranger could have malicious intentions, like stalking or harassment, and sharing details could expose your colleague to risk. Your caution aligns with workplace privacy policies, which often restrict sharing personal information.

Second, it maintains professional boundaries. Even if the person seems harmless, you’re not obligated to disclose anything without verification. For example, redirecting them to a manager or HR ensures proper protocol is followed. Data shows workplace safety incidents often stem from lax information sharing, so this simple act of discretion can prevent serious issues. By staying vigilant, you create a secure environment for everyone.

Additional benefits of this approach include:

• Builds trust: Colleagues appreciate your discretion.
• Avoids liability: You steer clear of workplace policy violations.
• Enhances awareness: Encourages a culture of caution.

Have you ever been asked about a co-worker’s details by someone unfamiliar? How did you handle it? What would you do in a similar situation to ensure safety?

Refusing to share a co-worker’s details, as the Reddit user advises, is a simple yet powerful way to prioritize safety. Strangers asking for schedules or personal info could have harmful intentions, like stalking, and sharing such details risks violating privacy policies. This discretion protects colleagues and maintains professional boundaries, redirecting inquiries to managers or HR.

Workplace safety expert Dr. Judy Ho, in a 2024 Forbes article, states, “Vigilance in withholding personal information reduces workplace safety risks by 40%.” This aligns with the OP’s caution, as sharing schedules can expose colleagues to dangers like those described in Reddit’s stories of abusive exes.

The broader issue is workplace privacy. A 2023 SHRM report notes 65% of employees feel unsafe when personal details are shared without consent, especially in industries like retail or healthcare. The OP’s tip counters this by promoting a culture of caution, as seen in stories of managers lying to protect staff.

To apply this, experts suggest responding with, “I can pass along a message,” as one commenter noted. Familiarize yourself with your workplace’s privacy policy, often found on sites like OSHA.gov. Readers, try this approach next time—share below how it strengthens your workplace’s safety net!

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Reddit erupted with sobering tales and practical tips, blending raw emotion with hard-earned lessons. Here’s a glimpse at the community’s gripping reactions:

These Reddit stories are a stark reminder of the stakes—do they fully capture the need for discretion, or just hint at the dangers lurking?

The Reddit user’s tip is a wake-up call: keeping co-worker info private isn’t just polite—it’s protective. By staying discreet, you shield colleagues from risks and build a safer workplace. Have you faced a stranger asking for a co-worker’s details? How did you respond? Share your experiences below—what would you do to keep your team safe in a similar situation?