I Told My Coworkers I’m Child-Free, Now HR Is Involved

I started responding with "I can't have children." It's technically true, as I too had a tubal ligation. I'd follow it up with it being my choice but it sure shut people up!

When I read the title, I thought the story would go the other way, as in the person asking hearing from HR. This can be a borderline illegal question, especially if the employee is up for a promotion and a manager is "casually" asking. Good twist. Ridiculous for HR to get involved here.

This is SO ridiculous... They were OFFENDED by your answer? Then they shouldn't be allowed to ask the question. Smmfh

Go to the department of labor for medical discrimination if there is further retaliation and get everything in writing.

I always declare myself as a better aunt. Rarely anyone needs more explanation.

You can share.any medical information about yourself that you want. Just not other people's.

If you can't handle the answer, don't ask the question.

It was none of anyone's business whether you are going to start a family. The person who felt uncomfortable with your honesty should have been reported to HR.

I find this whole thing so absurd. When you ask a question you gotta be prepared to not like the answer sometimes, thats on you for asking. Most of my friends dont want kids either. I like them, but that doesn't mean everyone does or SHOULD want the same and I respect why. Not everyone wants or can handle things like these, whether it be physically or mentally.

So telling a pregnant woman she'll regret it is acceptable as well then apparently! Imagine the uproar. There are no protections for exploitative behaviours in workplaces for childfree people, our time and financial situations are less important... that's what I've always been reminded. And when you're also reminded how hard it is to be a parent when they chose to have a child or several.

Almost too absurd to be true. Discrimination against child free people is rife but fortunately less rife than 30 years ago. People have at last realised the benefit of not populating an over crowded planet yet further.

I dont think anyone cares that much about anyone being child free.

I'm a steward and the amount of people (both men and women) being reported to HR over child free is about 2-3 per month (grievance meetings)..the conversations is considered "offensive language" in state terms. I had to give instructions at this point to child free individuals are focused on community at this point in their lives.

I often pointed out to coworkers that being too nosy with your other coworkers can lead to a proverbial smack on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper.

It should not be an issue for maintaining employment because she gave too much information to a colleague. She should be able to decide if she wants kids, she could always choose a surrogate or adopt a child. The issue seems to be why it is a workplace culture issue regarding having kids. Her response, if truthful was probably too detailed. I'm not planning for children now, l am focused on my career and contributing to the goals and objectives of our agency.... Now you're on the fast track to promotion because the baby makers aren't as focused.

Absolutely amazing! No wonder I'm a loner.

She might be better off. I don't think she will figure that out until later.

I honestly would’ve just said no I don’t have any children and no plans right now. No need to mention medical information.

Never discuss personal life