The past of a colleague reappeared. Now I can’t look at him.

Each week Dr. Kirstin Ferguson addresses questions at work, career and leadership in her column of advice, Do you have a minute? This week: a colleague with a disturbing past, questioning the commitment of a working mother towards her job, and racism tolerated at work.

Our factory team had a new job colleague with us about six months ago, and he fitted well. However, someone was recently informed about his past. When I let him go, I discovered that he was accused of historical crimes for children more than a decade ago. The problem did not go to court and the charges were withdrawn. I simply can’t look at it the same now. Others in the team feel the same. It’s a truly difficult information to ignore. What do you advise?

This is a difficult situation and I can imagine that it was a shocking news. I’m sure your workmate has had to deal with his past discovered before. First of all, your colleague was not found guilty of a crime. No matter how grieving the statements may be, he never had the opportunity to demonstrate his innocence or to be found guilty, so we will never know what happened. The rule of law is the basis of our justice system and one that serves us all.

If there is someone in your team with your work colleague, he could announce that the team is now aware of his past. He will choose either to go further or can provide some background information to give you his perspective. In the meantime, no one should vilifically, hurt yourself, upset or harass your work colleague. Finally, he must be allowed to live his life and go to work without obstacles and treated as it was before finding out this news. If this feels impossible, you should probably trust the HR or a job leader about why you may want to be transferred to another team.

I was with my employer from starting to his current success. I am well respected and was the first woman to take maternity leave. However, the task and return to work felt like a real inconvenience for the business. My son started day care when I returned, and his frequent diseases asked me to take the caregiver’s leave. I also became bad and took a few sick days, with medical certificates. Upon my return, it was said, “We need your commitment to business”, despite my efforts to work while not recognizing. I feel pressed to give priority to the business on my family’s commitments, letting myself feel caught and vulnerable in my career. Any advice?

Your employer sounds like it is easy for them to say all the right words, but when it comes to going to the discussion, it is frustrated when the reality comes out. They are eager to support parents at work, but they would prefer to work as if you are not a parent.

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It is clear that you are employed with your employer while balance the rest of your life. I think my question is: Do you feel that your employer is employed with you? Loyalty, respect and commitment at work is a two -way street. If they are not prepared to commit to support you through the different phases of your life, as you have supported them through the different phases of the business, I would find an employer who will.

Despite the zero tolerance policy of my employer about intimidation, racism and harassment, I witnessed these behaviors almost daily and I personally experienced them. When I expressed my objections, I was reprimanded rather than supported. A colleague who shares my ethnic environment simply said “Welcome to Australia.” Why didn’t they just put a council that simply says: “Australians who are not white are not welcome here”? Are there any organizations to really listen to your concerns?