is it OK to call out sick on a business trip if you’re just really tired? by Alison Green on July 17, 2023 A reader writes: I manage a small team of software developers based in the London office of a small-to-medium company with offices in multiple countries. The workplace norms in each of our offices are very different, with different levels of PTO and differing expectations in company culture. I work very closely with a team over […] Read the full article →
how can I shut down our receptionist’s nosy questions? by Alison Green on July 17, 2023 A reader writes: How do you politely avoid questions about doctor or dental appointments from nosy coworkers? In my workplace, we have a sign-out sheet to keep track of where employees are over the course of the day, with the times we left the building and where we’re going in case someone needs to track […] Read the full article →
my boss says she has the right to come by my house unannounced by Alison Green on July 17, 2023 A reader writes: My supervisor and I both work hybrid schedules and she lives in the same neighborhood as me. Recently we were on a work call and she said, “You know, I almost just popped by to talk about this in person with you at your house.” She went on to say it is […] Read the full article →
employee wants cash because she missed a group lunch, teenage worker’s mom keeps contacting us, and more by Alison Green on July 17, 2023 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My employee wants cash because she missed a group lunch I am in the CEO-like position for a small local government (I oversee everything in the organization and report to a board of five who have no day-to-day authority). We have 18 full-time employees and […] Read the full article →
weekend open thread – July 15-16, 2023 by Alison Green on July 14, 2023 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. Book recommendation of the week: The Guest, by Emma Cline. A young woman with few resources relies on men’s interest in her to survive — while making bad decision […] Read the full article →
it’s your Friday good news by Alison Green on July 14, 2023 It’s your Friday good news! 1. “Quite a while ago I read a question on your website from someone who was struggling with a project management role because their brain just didn’t seem to work in such a way that they could be successful at the role. The whole time I was reading that letter, […] Read the full article →
open thread – July 14-15, 2023 by Alison Green on July 14, 2023 It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to […] Read the full article →
bringing a heating pad to work, telling my boss I can’t take work trips, and more by Alison Green on July 14, 2023 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. Can I bring a heating pad to work for cramps? I go into the office once a week. Today I’m on my period and having menstrual cramps — not debilitating by any means, but uncomfortable. On WFH days I heat up a microwaveable heating pad, […] Read the full article →
should I tell a colleague people think she’s having an affair with a coworker? by Alison Green on July 13, 2023 A reader writes: I’m currently working out my notice period at a small company I joined six years ago. Throughout that time, I’ve had a very close, albeit at times complicated, relationship with a woman who went on to move into a C-suite leadership role. Over recent years, she has become increasingly close with another […] Read the full article →
update: I don’t like my super popular coworker … and she complained to my boss about it by Alison Green on July 13, 2023 Remember the letter-writer who didn’t like her super popular coworker and the coworker complained to their boss about it? Here’s the update. About a year ago, I wrote in about a coworker (Susan) who complained to the boss because I didn’t like her. I tried being nice, but it was obvious she saw right through […] Read the full article →