It’s an uncomfortable position to be in when you discover something at your workplace that doesn’t seem quite kosher. If you say nothing, something bad could happen but if you let someone else know, you could be labeled a snitch or a tattletale. How do you decide whether it’s appropriate to bring the missteps to the attention of the right people in the company?
Will this activity hurt anyone? Of course, if anyone runs the risk of being physically or emotionally injured during this activity, then someone should likely be informed of the activities. If you see the potential for someone to get hurt that you believe that the participants did not anticipate, then it’s best to bring it to the attention of the group involved in the activity rather than reporting it right away. Perhaps they weren’t looking at things the same way you were, and will reconsider their plans after they see the potential for harm. If they continue on regardless, then it’s going to require that you have some courage and let them know you will be letting the appropriate people know of their intentions.
Is this a personal matter? If the information you have doesn’t relate in any way to work, then you should probably keep your nose out of that business. Most people call talking about people’s personal lives at work gossip and I would agree. You might even be privy to a particularly juicy piece of information, but it is not your place to tell people.
Does this damage the company? This is where things can get a little tricky. Stealing a few pens here and there is different from embezzling and I don’t think anyone would disagree with me on that. So when do you draw the line? At what point is it just not a couple of pens and post it notes and something much more damaging? This requires you to rely on your instincts. Ask yourself what would happen if an authority figure found out? If they would simply ask the person responsible to stop, then you can likely handle the situation yourself. However, if the person involved would end up facing legal charges, then you should say something to authorities.
The line between snitching and letting someone in on something harmful is definitely gray and thin, but if you use your keen sense of intuition and think a little before you act, then the chances of you overstepping personal and professional boundaries are much lower.
