I hurt my office maid.
I am new to the overseas office and there is this Chinese lady who serves Beverages to the staff. She cleans the plates used by other staff in lunch.
Thinking she is the cleaning lady, when she passes me in the dining hall I called her asked to clean the knife I used to cut some apples. She complained to the Executive Assistant that I hurt her by giving her orders she is not supposed to do. The EA came and told that she felt bad about it.
I was shocked to know that she was cleaning the plates all by her own due to courtesy. She was not paid for cleaning the plates. She just makes beverages like Tea, Coffee & Hot Chocolate etc. I very much depressed to know that my words have hurt someone.
And the EA talks like I am a rude person. She told me to treat everyone equally and with respect. I absolutely meant no disrespect when I told her to clean the knife. Even to reduce her work, I carried my plates and Coffee Mugs few times myself so that she does not need to come and get it from the dining hall. When I eat alone and there is only my plate is left in the dining hall, I would carry and place it in her Pantry to reduce her toil.
But all my actions were misunderstood, I don’t know why. Tomorrow I will go to her and apologize to her myself. Then only I can ever look her in the eyes in the days to come.
I am very sorry.