watching movies at work, my company is ignoring inflation, and more by Alison Green on June 8, 2022 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Is watching movies a reasonable accommodation? I previously worked for a company that had an open office plan, with cubicles with low walls. One employee brought in an iPad and watched movies on it in his cubicle all day long. I asked him about it, […] Read the full article →
do I care too much about email style? by Alison Green on June 7, 2022 A reader writes: I’m a freelance copyeditor for a firm, and emails are the only interaction I have with their communications team. I find myself appreciating the everyday fillers like “good morning” or “I hope you’re well” or “have a great weekend.” I know these are totally generic, yet it helps the interactions feel a […] Read the full article →
how can I help a new employee learn to be more professional? by Alison Green on June 7, 2022 A reader writes: My new employee, Jane, is a couple years into her career and this is her first job working on a team. She has been here a week and I can tell she’s going to need some training on professionalism since she doesn’t have a lot of office experience. For example, her friends […] Read the full article →
how soon can I quit a new job with a tyrannical boss? by Alison Green on June 7, 2022 A reader writes: I was hoping to write to you with good news about an exciting new job, but, it’s only been a week and I’m already wondering if I should quit. My last job of two years at a large company was fine but not great: the management was lackluster and I wasn’t really […] Read the full article →
surprise interview projects, turning down optional training, and more by Alison Green on June 7, 2022 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Surprise interview projects with a tight turnaround time On Monday mid-morning I had a preliminary phone interview. It went well and I felt good about it. I sent a short follow-up email that afternoon to thank them. I didn’t hear back, but I have learned […] Read the full article →
why don’t recruiters send me any information on the jobs they’re recruiting me for? by Alison Green on June 6, 2022 A reader writes: I currently work in payroll — a part of HR that is far from glamorous but that everyone has need of. Because of this, I’ve been getting lots of solicitations on LinkedIn about amazing opportunities at other companies, promising competitive pay, excellent benefits, etc. etc.. But all lacking really any specific information […] Read the full article →
should employees have to ask for a raise? by Alison Green on June 6, 2022 A reader writes: I recently found myself in a disagreement about an issue with a fellow manager: Should an employee have to ask in order to get a raise? I’ve always felt it’s incredibly important for employees to ask for the raises they want. Ideally, that means setting a meeting with me and coming prepared […] Read the full article →
our company pushes us to identify our personal values, like family, religion, wealth, and power by Alison Green on June 6, 2022 A reader writes: My company has worked with a consultant for the last few years that provides leadership training and professional coaching to “improve corporate culture.” Some interesting things have come out of that, but there is one thing I find bizarre: a values exercise. Essentially, you select your “top five value words” and how […] Read the full article →
company will offer paternity leave but not maternity leave, intern makes nearly as much as me, and more by Alison Green on June 6, 2022 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My company is creating a paternity leave policy, but has no maternity leave I need a sanity check to see if i’m justified in feeling so outraged. My (Fortune 500) company recently announced that they are implementing a paternity leave policy this fall. Sounds great […] Read the full article →
weekend open thread – June 4-5, 2022 by Alison Green on June 4, 2022 This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. Here are the rules for the weekend posts. Recommendation of the week: This week it’s a movie, not a book. Uncorked, on Netflix. A young man expected to join the family barbecue business instead pursues his dream of […] Read the full article →