Disabled Employee Faces Embarrassing Request From Stand-In Manager And Asks How To Address Her Without Losing The Job

A disabled employee got blindsided by an email request that felt less like workplace communication and more like a public paperwork scavenger hunt. OP had been doing her job for a year, with a manager who was supportive and made things feel normal.

Then the company lost a bunch of people, and a stand-in manager took over. Instead of talking about work needs or accommodations, the new manager emailed OP and asked her to list her disabilities, and OP was suddenly the only one getting that kind of message.

What makes it worse is OP can’t even reach HR, so she’s stuck trying to figure out how to respond without turning a medical request into a career-ending incident.

Here is the OP's issue:

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The OP was hired a year ago by her last manager, who was always supportive:

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However, the company lost many employees, and the stand-in manager stepped in:

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That supportive manager energy vanished fast once the company started shedding employees and the stand-in manager took over OP’s daily reality.

Workplace interactions can often be fraught with misunderstandings, especially regarding communication styles.

The stand-in manager sent an email to the OP, asking her to list her disabilities:

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The OP feels uncomfortable and embarrassed for being the only one receiving such an email:

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She can't contact the HR department, so she's asking Redditors for advice:

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The email asking OP to list her disabilities is where the whole thing goes from awkward to seriously unfair, especially since OP says she’s the only one singled out.

Moreover, the psychological concept of 'fairness' plays a significant role in workplace satisfaction.

It also echoes the coworker with extensive dietary restrictions, after the allergy discussion.

The OP should tell her she'll discuss it with HR

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Apparently, there is no HR department

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Seems like the company is falling apart

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When OP realizes there’s apparently no HR department to go to, the “just talk it out” option stops being an option.

Open communication is crucial in resolving workplace conflicts.

"Legally, your manager can’t ask you for details about medical information."

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A Redditor explained their point of view

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The OP responded:

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After other Redditors tell OP to ask for HR contact info and stick to accommodation requests, OP has to decide how to respond to the stand-in manager without losing the job.

Additionally, engaging in dialogue about workplace expectations can help prevent misunderstandings in the future. Training in emotional intelligence can equip employees with the tools needed to navigate challenging interactions and promote a culture of respect and understanding.

Investing in such training can ultimately lead to a more positive work atmosphere and enhance overall job satisfaction.

The OP should ask her about the HR contact info

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Redditors advised the OP to ask her stand-in manager to provide her with direct HR contact information so she could share all her medical documentation. Legally, her manager is not allowed to ask her about her specific disabilities, but the OP should formally request accommodations if she needs them.

The request made by the stand-in manager highlights a potential breakdown in the understanding of appropriate professional conduct.

OP’s next reply could decide whether this place treats her like an employee, or like a file cabinet.

For the cash-gift awkwardness fallout, check out the coworker who surprised someone with $500 cash, then demanded a loan.