when office potlucks and catered parties go wrong by Alison Green on November 9, 2023 As we’re getting closer to the season of office potlucks, catered parties, and other meals with coworkers, let’s discuss the many ways in which they can go wrong — from alarming cuisine to cheap-ass rolls to tantrums over the chili cook-off to that one coworker who steals entire trays of brownies. In the comment section, […] Read the full article →
can I cut short an interview with a bad candidate, a shrieking coworker, and more by Alison Green on November 9, 2023 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Can I cut short an interview if it’s clear the candidate isn’t right? So if I’m interviewing a candidate, and five minutes into the interview it’s become painfully clear that I would never, EVER hire this person, is there some way to gracefully end the […] Read the full article →
I referred a friend to a freelancer I work with and it went badly by Alison Green on November 8, 2023 A reader writes: A few years ago, I found a really excellent freelancer, Jane, to do some design work for the small firm I work at. She did such a great job and was so lovely to work with that we have continued to contract with her for various projects, and I’ve referred several colleagues […] Read the full article →
how to say no to things at work by Alison Green on November 8, 2023 Here’s a round-up of advice about how to say no at work. the basics how to say no to a work request can I flat-out refuse to do a project? how to say “that’s not my job” how to tell someone “this is your job, not mine” how to tell coworkers “you need to do […] Read the full article →
my boss hasn’t talked to me since his drunken striptease by Alison Green on November 8, 2023 A reader writes: What to do with a (probably) embarrassed boss? I (40s F), my boss (50s M), and a fellow coworker (60s F) all happen to share a hobby. In August, I made the mistake of going on a weekend trip with them. The outing was justified by claiming we could save money if […] Read the full article →
I ignored my boss, is reneging on a job offer unethical, and more by Alison Green on November 8, 2023 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I ignored my boss because I was trying not to cry I recently started working part-time at a mental health support phone line. Part of my boss’s job is supporting us in managing the emotional aspects of our work. Yesterday, when she came and checked […] Read the full article →
my office canceled baby showers to protect people dealing with infertility by Alison Green on November 7, 2023 A reader writes: I have a question for you regarding baby showers in the office. This happened two employers ago, pre-pandemic, and it’s always rubbed me the wrong way but I could never put my finger on why exactly or what could have been done about it (if anything). My employer made the announcement that […] Read the full article →
my new employee keeps leaving early by Alison Green on November 7, 2023 A reader writes: I’m new to management and am building a new team. I’ve hired a few people, they are all settling in well, and the team is gelling. I’ve tried to set the expectation that team members can have a flexible schedule as long as work gets done. However, while people are ramping up, […] Read the full article →
my boss insisted on calling a medium about my missing family member by Alison Green on November 7, 2023 A reader writes: My uncle is missing. It’s been so, so terrible. The police are still searching, but we’re all so scared. I’ve been trying not to let it affect my work, but of course I’m struggling, so on the advice of several people I finally told my boss. He’s high-up in my company and […] Read the full article →
my boss ignores me at social events, employer is illegally asking for salary history, and more by Alison Green on November 7, 2023 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss ignores me at social events I’ve been at my job for several years and am part of my company’s senior management team. I work very closely with my boss (think, he’s director and I’m assistant director, or he’s CEO and I’m CFO). We […] Read the full article →