Employee refuses to give coworker laptop for good reason

Author image for Remy Millisky
Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Mar 25, 2026 5:00 PM EDT

Have you ever gotten all the way to the office before realizing, to your surprise, that you've totally forgotten your one most crucial workplace tool? 

You woke up, got dressed, packed your lunch, gathered your wallet, keys, and phone, and you're out the door for another day at the office. Only to realize, as you arrive at the office and start unpacking for the day, that you've forgotten the only thing you truly need: your laptop. What to do now? 

It happened to this person's colleague. And instead of going to like, the boss or the tech team, they did this instead

Advertisement
  • Man looks at coworker with suspicion after she asks to borrow his laptop.
    via Getty Images

    Man looks at coworker with suspicion after she asks to borrow his laptop.

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • Am I wrong for not lending my work laptop to a coworker who forgot theirs?

    I work in a place where we're issued company laptops. They're not personal devices, and there are pretty clear rules about how they're supposed to be used.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • One of those rules is that we're not supposed to share them. It's not just a suggestion.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • It's tied to security, access, and accountability. Recently, a coworker came into work and realized they forgot their laptop at home.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • They asked if they could use mine temporarily so they could log in and get some things done.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • At first, it seemed like a simple request. But I immediately thought about the policy. If something goes wrong while they're using my device, it's still tied to me.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • Any activity would be logged under my account or my machine. So I said no. I explained that I'm not comfortable sharing it because of company policy.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • They seemed surprised. They said it would just be for a short time and that nothing would happen.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • They also pointed out that it would help them avoid falling behind on work. I get that.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • But at the same time, I don't think it's worth the risk. Policies like that exist for a reason, and I don't want to be the one who breaks them.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • Now they're a bit annoyed with me. They said I could have helped them out in a simple situation.
    via Flat_Ground7675
  • From my perspective, it's not that simple.It's not my laptop to lend. AITJ?
    via Flat_Ground7675

    My first thought was… why is this coworker asking this person? Why wouldn't they take this question to the boss? They could ask to return home and work remotely. They could check with the IT folks and see if there's an extra laptop or 2 laying around. I mean, sometimes the reception desks have an extra monitor or 2, that could be a quick solution. It's a bit odd that they chose this person to solve their problem when it's just really not their business in the first place. 

    I wonder if this person really would be on the hook for their coworker's actions if the coworker was logged in under their own name. Probably there's some fine print about it. If anything, probably both people would get in trouble. 

    This worker may be overthinking it a bit, but it is very strange that their coworker is trying to get them involved instead of asking the boss. Are they afraid of the boss or something? 

    They also didn't share if this was a regular occurance, but if it is, that signals an even bigger problem. 

    And, not to mention… what is this person supposed to do while their coworker uses their laptop? Twiddle their thumbs? Scroll on their phone? It's a bad solution all around. 

  • Worker clutches laptop tight, refusing to let coworker use it.
    via Getty Images

    Worker clutches laptop tight, refusing to let coworker use it. 

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • Other people also assured this worker that although the pushback might've felt awkward, they did the right thing

    Unlikely Teach4219 Definitely NTJ. Company laptops aren't personal and any mishaps would come back to you. You're smart to say no
    via Unlikely Teach4219
  • Hour-Statement-... if ur worried about falling behind at work then pls dont FORGET ur laptop at home. ur def not the j
    via Hour-Statement-2788
  • ur computer defines u basically at work. it can go in such a bad way if they do something dumb on ur computer because u WILL be the responsibile one for it. be the j if u have to but do NOT share it. like gtfo with that
    via Hour-Statement-2788
  • its so annoying to me so much that its so easy to for some ppl to put others at an uncomfortable place so fast like GROW UP.
    via Hour-Statement-2788
  • Kindly-Push-3460 You are 100% correct to follow company policy. You could be fired for lending your laptop. Your co-worker should have hopped in her car and went back home to retrieve her laptop, otherwise she should have discussed with your boss, and not ask you to break rules. Going forward push
    via Kindly-Push-3460
  • the responsibility to your boss. When someone asks for a favor, tell them that they should be discussing with their manager, etc.
    via Kindly-Push-3460
  • Employee works on laptop.
    via Christin Hume

    Employee works on laptop. 

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

employees workplace
Scroll Down For The Next Article