my employee dresses like a slob by Alison Green on July 12, 2016 A reader writes: We have a generally business casual office. I have a direct report who just dresses sloppily. He is by the book following the dress code, but he kind of looks like he just rolled out of bed. He is clean, but looks messy. He will wear a polo or henley shirt, but […] Read the full article →
I’m required to share with my boss a weekly best and worst from my personal life by Alison Green on July 12, 2016 A reader writes: My company reorganized and instituted a new policy for one-on-ones with managers. Once a week, at the start of our one-on-ones, I have to spend six minutes where my manager tells me the best and worse things in his personal life and I have to return the favor. We get three minutes […] Read the full article →
I got in trouble for a Facebook spat outside of work, boss complained he was “the last to know” I’m pregnant, and more by Alison Green on July 12, 2016 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss complained that he was “the last to know” I’m pregnant I’m five months pregnant with my third, and now that I’m starting show I finally told my boss that I’m pregnant and will need maternity leave soon. Instead of a congratulations, he acted […] Read the full article →
how do I get my friends and family to butt out of my job search? by Alison Green on July 11, 2016 A reader writes: After leaving a less-than-great work situation to take a year off to deal with some family drama, I’m beginning to think about re-entering the work force. Because my spouse makes a very good income, there’s zero pressure. I can pursue long shots, indulge in a fun but low-paying job if I choose, […] Read the full article →
why you shouldn’t work off-the-clock by Alison Green on July 11, 2016 If you’re like a lot of American workers, you’re no stranger to staying late at the office or responding to work emails well into the night. In fact, 81 percent of U.S. salaried employees report that they work outside of their standard work hours, with 29 percent doing it three or more days per week, […] Read the full article →
should I get extra support when I’m on probation at work? by Alison Green on July 11, 2016 A reader writes: After three years of hard work for and dedication to a small nonprofit (less than 50 employees), I was recently put on probation for low productivity and inability to meet deadlines. I admit I’ve been distracted by a personal situation; I recently had a baby and am having a hard time dealing […] Read the full article →
is it normal to complain about coworkers behind their backs, I opened a love letter to a volunteer, and more by Alison Green on July 11, 2016 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Is it normal to complain about coworkers behind their backs? I wanted to ask about office norms when it comes to expressing irritation about colleagues. I’m currently working at my first job, and will be leaving in a couple of months due to studying. One of […] Read the full article →
weekend free-for-all – July 9-10, 2016 by Alison Green on July 9, 2016 This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. (This one is truly no work and no school. If you have a work question, you can email it to me or post it in the work-related open thread on Fridays.) Read the full article →
I received a sketchy interview invitation, unfriending the boss, and more by Alison Green on July 9, 2016 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. Is something sketchy about this interview invitation? I recently received an invitation to interview with an direct marking company (based outside of the U.S.) who just opened their first U.S. location. They are hiring for all sorts of positions, but I only applied for one that suited […] Read the full article →
update: I’m terrified by the intensive business course I’m about to take by Alison Green on July 8, 2016 Remember the letter-writer last week who was terrified by an intense business course she was about to take? (#2 at the link) I told her it was going to be much better than she was fearing and said I was going to send her a cupcake if I was wrong. CUPCAKE DENIED. Here’s the update. I wasn’t […] Read the full article →