how do I work for an insecure boss who thinks I’m spreading rumors about her? by Alison Green on May 30, 2024 A reader writes: A few weeks ago, my boss mentioned that she’d been hearing rumors about herself and said if I was the one spreading them, I could just come to her and talk to her. I assured her that I’m not spreading rumors about her or gossiping about her. Because I’m not. Earlier this […] Read the full article →
my boss finally saw the light about my horrible coworker — but I’ve been warning him for years by Alison Green on May 29, 2024 A reader writes: I’ve been at my company for eight years. I’m a senior manager and a very high performer. I’ve received multiple raises and promotions. I’m very calm and pragmatic and don’t easily get pulled into drama. It’s a small company and there are a lot of great things about it, including 98% of […] Read the full article →
our boss is being a jerk about bereavement leave for miscarriages by Alison Green on May 22, 2024 A reader writes: My company recently updated our bereavement policy. While reviewing it in our company-wide staff meeting, a staff member asked if a miscarriage would qualify and the immediate answer was “no.” No room for discussion. The temperature of the room immediately dropped; it was so uncomfortable. I am not a mother, have ever […] Read the full article →
my boss wants us to meet with a spiritualist to fix the negative energy in our building by Alison Green on April 24, 2024 A reader writes: I work at a small nonprofit and recently the employee with the longest institutional knowledge just left her position because of the years of abuse, micromanagement, and overwork she endured. Now, the executive director is trying to set up an all-staff meeting with a “spiritualist” so that she can figure out why […] Read the full article →
should I ask my boss why I was their second choice for my job? by Alison Green on April 18, 2024 A reader writes: For the last nine months, I’ve been doing a (paid) internship at a foundation that is aimed at recent graduates looking to enter the nonprofit world. It’s been a great experience, both in the kind of work I am doing and the people I am working with. I’ve also consistently gotten great […] Read the full article →
why don’t bosses realize people will leave if they’re not treated well? by Alison Green on April 16, 2024 A reader writes: A buddy of mine just quit her job, and her boss, a truly evil person, countered with a raise and a promotion. My friend refused, of course, because, truly evil person. But it got me thinking, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen bosses offer too little too late to save a […] Read the full article →
when your awful coworker is the boss’s kid by Alison Green on April 15, 2024 There are a lot of perks to being the boss: You can (often) set your own hours, delegate work you don’t enjoy, get a nicer office, and dine out on the company dime. But in some workplaces, being the boss also means being able to hire your adult children — often to the detriment of […] Read the full article →
what to do when everyone on my team is experiencing a personal life crisis by Alison Green on April 4, 2024 A reader writes: I work in a small office of three people – a director, myself (assistant director), and a coordinator. We are Human Resources and provide support to a workplace of around 350 employees who are in constant need of support for a variety of issues. We pride ourselves on being a great company […] Read the full article →
I think my boss was a cheerleader in another life by Alison Green on April 3, 2024 A reader writes: I know it’s strange to complain that my boss praises me too much — but she does, and it’s getting on my nerves! Just for completing fairly basic tasks, she’ll say “You’re crushing it!!” or “So grateful for you!!” I feel like there’s a cheerleader waving pom-poms in my face, or maybe […] Read the full article →
my boss keeps bringing her sick child to work by Alison Green on April 3, 2024 A reader writes: My boss keeps bringing her sick child to work because she can’t send them to school or daycare since they won’t accept sick children. While I understand that it’s hard to find someone to look after them, especially when both parents are working, I get sick every time I’m at work with […] Read the full article →