AIO about this text I got from HR?

[u/MeanderingDragon]

So to preface, I'm Type 1 diabetic, which means I have to take multiple daily insulin injections to live. I typically take 5-8 shots per day, and while it isn't fun, it is routine and necessary.

I was at work this morning and they had a small amount of food out for some sort of 'employee appreciation' which reminded me I hadn't had any insulin yet and my glucose levels were getting too high. I took a shot of insulin, got some breakfast, and went to my desk. A few minutes later, this text arrives.

I can understand that shots make some people uncomfortable. Trust me, I'm one of those people. But I have to take them anyway. Am I overreacting to think that if you don't want to see me talking a shot, you can turn your head? Should I have to go to the bathroom which only gets cleaned twice a week, and take my shots in secret like it's a drug addiction? Perhaps it is just me, but I feel that not everything in life that makes us a little uncomfortable is something that has to be pushed out of sight. Sometimes we would benefit more from understanding, acceptance, and perhaps acclimation.

Also for the record, while they say they "mentioned this several times", our HR manager scolded me once maybe two or three years ago publicly during lunch in our cafeteria. I ignored it that time, because friends sitting around me supported me after HR walked off.

[u/Viperbunny]

"I was unaware we had a space set aside for such situations. If you could please give me the location and any keys/codes needed to access it as well as looping in my supervisor so they know I will be leaving several times a day to inject my insulin, I would appreciate it. Please be aware that the bathroom is not considered a clean and sanitary place to inject medicine according to the ADA, which is why I have been injecting at my desk. I am excited to see what accommodations you will be providing to accomplish this goal and appreciate you taking my protected medical condition so seriously."

[u/Quirky_Fail_4120 → u/Viperbunny]

PERFECT energy

[u/Quirky_Fail_4120 → u/[deleted]]

It is assertive. I get how it feels passive-aggressive, but there's no hidden message.

I think this is an extremely impossible boundary to walk, and I could be wrong about this distinction.

Apparently,

"Assertive communication is direct, honest, and respectful, clearly expressing needs while honoring others, whereas passive-aggressive behavior is covert, hiding anger behind sarcasm, procrastination, or sabotage."

[u/Viperbunny → u/[deleted]]

When they are stupid enough to put in writing that the OP can't inject where they have been they are passive aggressively implying there is a better place to do it. What they usually mean is the bathroom, which courts have ruled are not considered acceptable. If they want the OP to go somewhere else they need to provide those accommodations. Instead of being defensive and coming off in any way that could be considered you causing a problem, you place the onus on them to provide accommodations so it is possible for the OP to be in compliance. It has a positive tone that can make the OP the one willing to comply, but also not being a doormat and understanding the company has to provide the space if they require such a thing.

https://youtu.be/Uwaj8it4t3k?si=MH0u678fIBDtZjRd

[u/KittHeartshoe → u/Viperbunny]

This is the best response. Much better than my gut instinct, which would be to continue doing it, but with music and a strip tease to remove dramatically remove a piece of clothing to perform the injection even more visibly and with flair. Maybe add a ribbon dance.

[u/Viperbunny → u/KittHeartshoe]

I like your pettiness. When I was breastfeeding my youngest, my mom threw a fit. She claimed someone could see me...if they came up to my porch and stared through the sliding door. I told her I was allowed to breastfeed my baby in my own home. But if she wanted to make a big deal out of it I could also get a lawn chair and feed my baby on the front lawn singing show tunes for all to see and hear. It's legally protected. She backed down. We are no contact now for many reasons.

I am all for being petty when the situation calls for it. In cases like this it is even better to put it back on them. OP injecting insulin at their desk cost the company nothing. If they want to make a big deal about doing it right they can put their money where their mouth is. Now, they are going to pay for and accommodate everything they are legally required to do! That is a pettiness in itself.

[u/DarkAngela12 → u/Viperbunny]

Lol, you sound like me.

[u/_muck_ → u/Viperbunny]

I would pay so much money to sit on the front lawn in a folding chair while a breast-feeding mom sang a full-throated version of Modern Major General on her front porch.

[u/bateKush → u/Viperbunny]

yep this is 100% the kind of unimpeachable response that will make the initiator realize the massive problem they just invented

[u/TreeKlimber2 → u/Viperbunny]

THIS is the correct reply. I may or may not have experience in HR. Send it, OP!

[u/57Jimbo → u/Viperbunny]

I love the undertone of "don't fuck with me, this could be painful for you"

[u/Shoddy-Weakness-1610 → u/Viperbunny]

100% this. Malicious compliance!

[u/cronicllee → u/Viperbunny]

This!!!!

[u/According-Garage4066 → u/Viperbunny]

This in an email…document.

And start that email with a copy and paste of their text message in reference and that it was a text message. Clear short line that this communication communication moving forward will be in email as to include your supervisor.

[u/carbon_made → u/Viperbunny]

Warm regards….