Hey guys.
I want to get some thoughts about an situation at work today. I usually go for a run at the work gym for half an hour at lunch and shower afterwards.
Anyway today after my run I walked into the change rooms and headed into a shower. As I stepped in the shower cubical one of the other guys I see often was finishing changing and up came to my block and asked if I’d seen a watch. I looked and said no and thought nothing of it. When I finished showering he knocked on the shower again demanding I return the watch and I thought what is he on about? I said no I don’t have your watch.
He then asked if I could spread my towel that I had around my waste and I thought alright fine look nothing there, he seemed really agitated. He also checked my undies and nothing there. He was starting to get worked up trying to find his watch. Apparently it was a Samsung smart watch that cost $600. Anyway I did my best to be polite and not start anything. I suggested to him go ask reception if anything’s been handed in.
I came away from that feeling really uncomfortable cos later I thought he was accusing me of theft and being quite aggressive about it. I’m just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience in the workplace. Should I do anything or say anything to HR?
It got me a bit rattled in the afternoon cos I couldn’t stop thinking about it maybe should have stood up for myself more or just went to HR then and there. Anyway just wondering what ozbargainers thoughts are.
TLDR: Got accused of theft at work change rooms. Other guy was rude about it. I obliged embarrassingly. Felt somewhat uncomfortable about it. Should I do anything or just move on as one of those things.
Update: the other guy found his watch. Turns out his workmate was playing a joke on him. He came to me and apologised profusely for his behaviour. I did say to him that things could have went very differently and he acknowledged that.
Oh… I'm surprised this has not been raised in the discussion yet…
What did the watch guy expect to see? I mean, under the towel? How did he think the watch was being… supported? Did he think it was 'lodged' somewhere? Or dangling off a hook perhaps? What means of support did he suspect the watch would have had?