Mishmeres HaSholom: Ask the Rav – February 28, 2014

Q: I read a recent question about a secretary who is busy with personal matters while in the office and is therefore late in typing out her work assignments.

The Rav answered that the writer should begin by speaking to the secretary directly and only if that proves ineffective should she approach the administration.

In my experience with a large staff of secretaries, I know that the above is a common problem among workers. I therefore wanted to ask if it is proper that before the questioner forwards her problem to the administration, she should warn the secretary that she’ll have to speak to their boss about the delays. I think that if I were in her place I’d appreciate it if they wouldn’t rush to “tattle” on me, and would rather be forewarned so that I have ample chance to improve.

A: There is indeed an obligation for tochachah before filing a complaint and speaking negatively of another person, as was explained in the original answer. However, it doesn’t seem that the mitzvah of tochachah requires that one employ all available measures (such as threats) to try to rectify matters before speaking to a supervisor. An employee who is complaining about her co-worker’s delays is therefore not expected to do so. It is, nevertheless, a commendable hiddur, when possible, to try to work things out before passing on the information.

The following questions and answers were taken from the Mishmeres Hasholom pamphlet in Israel. For details and inquiries please e-mail us at office@hasholom.org or call 972-2 5379160.