employees who take double lunches, nicknames on resumes, and more by Alison Green on August 16, 2014 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. When we have lunch events, an employee wants to take a second, personal lunch break afterwards Is an exempt employee entitled to an additional hour of “personal” lunch time if they participate in a company-hosted function such as a picnic or other celebration? These events […] Read the full article →
I’m leaving a toxic job but feel guilty about leaving my team behind by Alison Green on August 15, 2014 This was originally published on September 26, 2010. A reader writes: I’ve been in a fairly toxic workplace for two years, and in one week I’m finally done with my contract and am moving on to greener, and saner pastures. This is all well and good, except I’m leaving behind a small team of people […] Read the full article →
open thread – August 15, 2014 by Alison Green on August 15, 2014 It’s the Friday open thread. This post is for work-related discussions only. Please hold anything off topic for the free-for-all open thread that’s coming this Sunday. The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on anything work-related that you want to talk about. If you want an answer from me, […] Read the full article →
handling abusive clients, do early job applicants have an advantage, and more by Alison Green on August 15, 2014 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Speaking up when clients are hostile and abusive I am wondering what your thought is on clients who are extremely rude to those working for them on a consulting basis. I work as a consultant in a technical field, so all our work is done […] Read the full article →
my creative role has turned into drudgery for the foreseeable future by Alison Green on August 14, 2014 A reader writes: Three years ago I had a job that paid well, but was tedious and unfulfilling. I left that job for a similar but much more creative position at a significant pay cut. It was worth it because I loved my new job… until recently. For the last 4+ months, I’ve been doing […] Read the full article →
how to gain your manager’s trust by Alison Green on August 14, 2014 How much does your boss trust you? Does she take you at your word, value your opinion, and have faith in your work quality? Or have you noticed that she’s more likely to be skeptical that you’re doing what you’ve agreed to or that your conclusions are the right ones? If the latter, you might […] Read the full article →
my boss is frequently absent and neglects his work by Alison Green on August 14, 2014 A reader writes: I’ve been having an ongoing issue with one of my managers that I was hoping you might have some advice for dealing with. I work full-time in a split position, and half of my job reports to a manager, “Bill,” who is the direct supervisor for my entire department (including my boss […] Read the full article →
can I ask if my coworker will be fired, whether to give a struggling employee more time, and more by Alison Green on August 14, 2014 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should I give this struggling employee more time? I’ve been a director of a nonprofit publishing program for 6 months. I have had an employee for 3 months and I feel like she’s getting nowhere. My CEO and COO have both assured me I’m not […] Read the full article →
looking professional after working out at lunch by Alison Green on August 13, 2014 A reader writes: I work out during my lunch break (we have a fitness room and full locker rooms on-site) and have a question about professionalism. Normally I work out, throw on some fresh deodorant, brush my hair, change, and go back to my desk. Recently I’ve been running outside and have gotten considerably sweatier […] Read the full article →
my new staff resents me — what do I do? by Alison Green on August 13, 2014 A reader writes: I recently started a new job where I manage a department of five people. One person on my team applied for my role but didn’t get it — and I’m getting the sense that he and the rest of the team resent me for it. How do I smooth things over and […] Read the full article →