June 2019

how to shut down gossip at work

A reader writes: My workplace is a generally nice place, but there is a lot of gossiping and complaining. Voices carry and we have a lot of people coming through, so there’s a risk that if people are gossiping, other people could end up overhearing colleagues talking about them or someone they know. It doesn’t […]

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can I ask my coworkers why they didn’t hire my daughter?

A reader writes: My daughter applied for a job at the university where I’m currently employed, in a department supervised by three very good friends of mine. I’ve known them all for over 20 years. I consider them great coworkers and friends. My neighbor also applied for the job. My neighbor has been out of […]

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I’m the boss who’s always late

A reader writes: I’m part of the senior management of a small nonprofit organization (about 25 employees). I’ve been with the company for several years and have consistently been a stellar performer, which is why I’ve been promoted several times since joining the company. I do have, however, one major flaw — I am always […]

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weekend free-for-all – June 15-16, 2019

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.) Book recommendation of the week: Crampton Hodnet, by Barbara Pym, recommended by a commenter last weekend. A paid companion to an elderly spinster finds novelty when a handsome clergyman moves […]

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open thread – June 14-15, 2019

It’s the Friday open thread! 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, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. * If you submitted […]

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