Polite way to tell someone to MYOB?

Long story short, I am returning to work next week after being out for some time on disability leave. I will be temporarily wearing a medical device that is visible. Naturally there will be people who are curious and will ask why I am wearing it, what happened to me, why I was out for so long, etc. Most people probably mean well and are just showing concern when they ask. But I am a very private person and am uncomfortable discussing or sharing personal matters, especially my health which really is no one's business. Is there a polite way to tell people to MYOB?  

No there isn't because what ever you say will sound bad. When there isnt, I always look for some excuse that no one can argue to get me out of it. I would say if asked to tell all that "HIPPA (law that in part protects medical privacy) prevents me from discussing my condition at the work place sorry but just know I'm ok now..." This is all true if you want to make sure your medical info your employer has stays private. Also it's never a good idea to disclose that stuff in the workplace anyway.

LTS3 said:

 
Long story short, I am returning to work next week after being out for some time on disability leave. I will be temporarily wearing a medical device that is visible. Naturally there will be people who are curious and will ask why I am wearing it, what happened to me, why I was out for so long, etc. Most people probably mean well and are just showing concern when they ask. But I am a very private person and am uncomfortable discussing or sharing personal matters, especially my health which really is no one's business. Is there a polite way to tell people to MYOB?

 

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something i do is when people ask me questions i feel are none of their business, i'll reply by asking them, "why do you ask?" whatever their answer is, i just say something like, "oh, i see" and leave it at that. anyone being persistent in asking these kinds of questions, i'd be more and more blunt in my answers as the questions continued.

another reply might be, "i'm not comfortable discussing/talking about it".

Ask them if they can keep a secret.

Of course they'll say yes.

Then you reply, with a smile, "So can I."

I would say "I'd rather not talk about it:"  Could add in I had an accident or you are improving or something that shows your ok to ease concern.

Catapault said:

 
Ask them if they can keep a secret.

Of course they'll say yes.

Then you reply, with a smile, "So can I."

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I like this one!

Some will push. Just tell them you are fine and getting better every day.

Good luck!

Kim

hexiesfriend said:

No there isn't because what ever you say will sound bad. When there isnt, I always look for some excuse that no one can argue to get me out of it. I would say if asked to tell all that "HIPPA (law that in part protects medical privacy) prevents me from discussing my condition at the work place sorry but just know I'm ok now..." This is all true if you want to make sure your medical info your employer has stays private. Also it's never a good idea to disclose that stuff in the workplace anyway.

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HIPPA doesn't apply to you discussing your information, only someone else IE: a healthcare professional,  discussing or sharing your information.

But you are right, it's best to not discuss you health issues at work because your employer can use it against you.
 

catsallaround said:

 
I would say "I'd rather not talk about it:"  Could add in I had an accident or you are improving or something that shows your ok to ease concern.

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I would offer a smile and then say "I'm sorry, but it's a private matter and I would rather not discuss it." and leave it at that.  You don't owe anyone an explanation.

Just get well soon.

Natalie_ca said:

 
HIPPA doesn't apply to you discussing your information, only someone else IE: a healthcare professional,  discussing or sharing your information.

But you are right, it's best to not discuss you health issues at work because your employer can use it against you.
 

I would offer a smile and then say "I'm sorry, but it's a private matter and I would rather not discuss it." and leave it at that.  You don't owe anyone an explanation.

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I agree with this

If you discuss your personal conditions with everyone at the office it loses its HIPPA protection against your employer so for example if you go around your office telling everyone what your condition is your employer can start blabbing too because you put it out there it's no longer private. I was just coming up with something that someone can't argue with. The other suggestions are good too but for the persistent coworkers may be tough. Hopefully no one will ask for specifics and its a non issue.

Thanks for the suggestions Simply replying that it's a private matter that I don't wish to discuss should suffice for most people. I can think of at least a few people who will be persistent in asking for specifics (ie, the gossip spreaders) but I guess I have to repeat myself until they leave me alone.

Unfortunately, my supervisor will have to know because on the letter the doctor gave me that states my restrictions also includes the diagnosis and treatment plan (standard form with fill in sections the office uses). I have a meeting with him and HR first thing on Monday morning to go over these restrictions and accomodations I need in order to do my job. I intend to make it clear to my supervisor that the doctor's letter and everything discussed at the meeting is strictly confidential and cannot be discussed with anyone.

That's a good stategy hopefully you won't have to even go there with your coworkers and they just will be happy to see you back!