Business Manners | Information Handling, Harassment and Reasonable Accommodation
Problem 1
At the end of the day, a customer contract needed again tomorrow is still on your desk. The company has a designated storage place for important documents. What should you do?
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Even if needed tomorrow, the document should not remain on an unattended desk. Turning it face down does not prevent viewing or removal, and taking it home without authorization is also inappropriate.
Problem 2
A paper customer list has reached the end of its retention period and disposal has been approved. Which disposal method is most appropriate?
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Paper containing important information must be made unreadable using the designated process. Ordinary disposal or reuse as scrap paper can expose personal data after disposal.
Problem 3
A company is disposing of an old USB drive that stored confidential data. Which action is more appropriate than simply deleting the files?
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Data may remain recoverable after ordinary deletion. Use the designated method for the medium, such as secure-erasure software, physical destruction, or an approved specialist service.
Problem 4
You will leave an open work computer in a shared office area for a few minutes. What is the most appropriate action?
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Screen locking prevents unauthorized viewing and operation even during a short absence. Minimizing a file or dimming the display does not prevent someone from using the computer.
Problem 5
A person without a visitor badge is walking through a work area where important documents are stored. The person does not appear dangerous. What is the most appropriate response?
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Do not ignore uncertain access. Politely confirm the person's purpose and destination. Allowing entry without checking is unsafe, but making an unsupported accusation is also inappropriate.
Problem 6
A colleague reports harassment and asks you to accompany them to the consultation desk. How should the details be handled?
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Information about the person seeking help and other parties must be protected. Necessary disclosure should follow the designated process; even well-meant warnings do not justify sharing names widely.
Problem 7
A subordinate consulted the company's harassment desk about possible power harassment. Which management response is clearly inappropriate?
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Reducing shifts because an employee sought consultation is adverse treatment in retaliation for the consultation. The response should instead follow procedure and protect the people involved.
Problem 8
During a meeting, a manager repeatedly makes personal attacks against a colleague. There is no immediate safety emergency. What is the most appropriate action for a witness?
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A witness should consult an appropriate workplace contact rather than ignore suspected harassment. Publishing it online can harm privacy and interfere with proper fact-finding.
Problem 9
An employee with a disability asks about accommodations for participating in meetings. What is the most appropriate first response?
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Accommodation needs vary by person and situation. Discuss the actual barrier and the employee's preferences rather than deciding unilaterally from a label or another person's experience.
Problem 10
It has been specifically determined that an employee's requested accommodation would currently impose an undue burden on the company. What is the most appropriate next response?
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Even when the requested measure is not feasible, continue the dialogue and consider workable alternatives. If a different measure is offered, explain the reason to the employee.