An employee was absent from work for several weeks following an incident between her and other staff members. She shared an office, workstation, and a computer with another employee. On this occasion, an employee returned to the office to find her co-worker sitting at the computer with a group of his friends (co-workers) in the office. She asked him to give her access to the computer, but something in her to tone offended him and he responded in a way that offended her as well.

There were cultural and racial differences involved, and underlying disagreements about work ethics and competencies. In addition, the employee felt excluded and ostracized by her colleague and his group of friends in the workplace. There was an expectation that they work closely together to deliver a program jointly, but they were unable to do this and this was stressful for her. This led to her absenteeism.