SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

We just recieved a directive we must also use our last names when answering the phone. Not much of an issue if I was answering from a 800 number and nobody knew from where. I work with the public, in person. I use my married last name at work, which is not common in these parts. My last name is very common but not if you put it together with my first name. I have googled both versions of my name and come up with my information. I have 2 small kids. I dont want a customer showing up at my door. I mentioned this to the person who sent down the directive and he said "it is a requirement".

Isnt there some privacy law?

I was told the first week of working at my job over 10 yrs ago I had to abide by the 'battered womens syndrom law'. Well, doesnt that law protect employees, too?

I don't know about the legality of it, but could you use a shortened version of your first name with the common last name? If your name was Kylie Jones you could just go by K. Jones. I don't see how anyone could take offense to that.

People know me. Most of my customers do not know either of my last names, but they already do know my first.

Its not just about me. Its about the safety of a lot of my other coworkers.

That definitely would concern me too. I once had a difficult issue and the customer service rep would not provide their last name, but did have a CSR number, as in " hi this is Sully, employee 332". Perhaps you could push back with a similar suggestion.

I'm not sure of the legality of it, and would certainly recommend contacting HR in your company, along with googling employee rights info for your state.

I do know that when I worked in the hospital those of us that worked in the ER, and ICU had the option of just having our last initial on our name badge, we took care of overdoses, vitims of crimes, and of course the criminals that get hurt commiting those crimes.

We had to have our last name initial, and we were told we had to give our last name if asked specifically. Otherwise we were able to remain anonymous. I agree, I too have a name that when searched pull up ONLY me. That's scary stuff. But I also have to share my complete name and title in what I do these days. I do deal with some DV issues and elder abuse at times, and it does make me uneasy, but I also have a CCW, and other than my office am usually armed. I will not be a victim.