NHS Worker Awarded $36K After Being Compared to Darth Vader at Work
- Bob Smile Smith
- May 7
- 2 min read
Updated: May 8
A gentle reminder that even jokes at the office need a little thought.
A UK healthcare worker recently received nearly £30,000 ($36,000) in compensation after being compared to Star Wars villain Darth Vader by colleagues. While it might sound like a scene from a quirky sitcom, the impact on her well-being was very real.
Lorna Rooke, a blood donation supervisor at the NHS, was assigned a Star Wars-themed personality test by a co-worker—without her knowledge—while she was away from her desk. The result labeled her as having a “Darth Vader” personality.
Not Exactly Team Mascot Material - Darth Vader at Work
Though the test described this type as “highly focused and able to bring teams together,” the association with one of cinema’s most feared characters didn’t sit well. Understandably, being likened to someone best known for commanding with an iron fist (and force-choking subordinates) made Rooke feel alienated and anxious at work.
The employment tribunal agreed that this comparison created a negative atmosphere and contributed to emotional distress, ruling that the incident amounted to a workplace “detriment" .
A Fair Decision—and a Teachable Moment
While Rooke’s other claims were not upheld, she did win her case on the grounds of suffering negative consequences after raising concerns. The award: £28,989.61—a small victory for workplace dignity and emotional safety.
What Can We Learn?
Even small jokes can have a big impact. Always consider how someone might feel before assigning labels—even in fun; Darth Vader at Work.
Workplace culture matters. Respect, empathy, and open communication go a long way.
Personality tests aren’t one-size-fits-all. Especially when they involve iconic villains from space operas.
In the end, this story is less about Star Wars and more about how we treat one another at work. Creating a respectful, inclusive environment doesn’t require a Jedi mind trick—just a bit of kindness and understanding.
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