Q:  For personal reasons, a couple of years ago I obtained a concealed-carry permit for self-defense.  My employers at the time were sympathetic to my situation and were aware I carried a gun on their premises and looked the other way.

Now I’ve accepted  a new job with a great company and even though I didn’t  see a specific policy forbidding guns they do have entrance signs with “no weapons allowed on the premises”.  I’m considering bringing my permitted gun into work since it’s completely discreet and they’ll probably never know.  Your thoughts?

A:  No, I don’t think you should come into work packing without them knowing.  Yes, your former employer was aware and gave tacit approval.  But your new company hasn’t.   Sure, you might get away with it, but you’ll be endangering your job and reputation.  Here’s why:

In Florida, even though employers can’t prohibit employees (or customers) from carrying guns inside their private car onto the company’s parking lot, they can prohibit an employee (or customer) from bringing it inside the premises.  They do that by posting signs, which your employer has done.

Of course, if you’re a customer carrying a concealed weapon, you could theoretically walk into an establishment that prohibits weapons, do business, then leave and no one might notice.  If someone does, the worst that could happen is that you’re asked to leave, which you would do immediately.

Your workplace is a different story.

You’re not walking into a place where you have a casual, momentary business relationship.  This is where you spend five days a week, interacting with people with whom you develop bonds of trust and teamwork.

If you’re an employee carrying a concealed weapon when you know your employer doesn’t want guns on the premises –and whose employees presumably agree– sooner or later someone will notice (even if you’re completely discreet).  Then you probably won’t just be asked to leave the premises, you’ll likely lose your job, and be seen by management and peers as someone who violated their trust and deceived them.  Even if you don’t take the firing personally, this is very harmful professionally.

I would level with them, and see if you can reach an understanding, but that’s a long shot.  More realistically, you should be prepared to leave your gun locked in your car while you’re working.

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com