Sarvis, I have IBS. I regularly have to go first thing in the morning, unfortunately right after I walk in the door at 8am. Yes, on the one hand, it's regular. On the other hand, and here's where I'll get a bit graphic in an attempt to educate you, I can't force it out any earlier, like before I come in, but once my body decides it has to go, it has to go NOW and it's fairly violent (it sounds like Madd_Libby or justvisiting could probably back me up on this, although everyone's experience is different). I take immodium every day to control this to the point that I can hold it just long enough to get to a bathroom - and let me tell you, some days it's a close call. I can't go on long car trips. Travel of any kind is a state of constant fear and worry for me - will there be a bathroom there? on the way? will anyone know? - and most of life is spent planning around my condition and trying to actually HAVE a life in spite of having a condition that frankly leaves many people housebound.

I can't possibly know that this gentleman suffers from IBS - but you, and the LW, can't possibly know that he DOESN'T. Please don't try to make an educated guess and rule this condition out, when you're obviously not educated about it. If all he's taking is 15 minutes (sometimes I'm in there for 20-30), then I say what's the big deal? Aren't we all legally allowed a couple of breaks each day? His performance the rest of the time must be fine, or the boss would speak to him about that - so if all he's taking is 15 minutes at the beginning of the day, then I think the LW should butt out.