I just found out my BFF has been my employee’s therapist for years by Alison Green on November 25, 2024 A reader writes: I have been the direct supervisor of Bob since 2022, but I was also previously his supervisor in another position, I have worked with him in some capacity for almost 10 years. In many ways, he has been my closest friend at work: we work together on many projects and I often […] Read the full article →
how much socializing at work is too much? by Alison Green on November 21, 2024 A reader writes: I am a manager at an office of 35 employees and everyone is fairly autonomous in managing their workload. We’re a pretty social and casual group, so it’s no big deal for people to socialize with one another to a certain extent. However, I’ve recently noticed that there seem to be more […] Read the full article →
is my employee taking advantage of the flexibility I give her? by Alison Green on November 20, 2024 A reader asks: I’m a manager of two employees, both of whom are salaried, not hourly. One of them — who’s younger, less experienced, more eager — rarely asks to adjust her work hours or work from home, and is generally happy to do anything I ask her to do. The other is a little […] Read the full article →
my team member won’t stop talking about their Keto diet by Alison Green on November 18, 2024 A reader writes: I manage an employee, Casey, who has developed a passion for a Keto, fasting, and all things carnivore lifestyle. It is great that they have found a lifestyle that they love, but they are a bit overly passionate and it is a little overwhelming in our office. What makes it difficult is […] Read the full article →
our ex-CEO’s son can’t do his job and is overpaid by Alison Green on November 13, 2024 A reader writes: I took over a new job about eight months ago, and knowingly inherited an abundance of issues, ranging from minor (previous CEO of 20 years did not believe in pest control so there were mouse remnants everywhere) to complex (ex-CEO had hired their unqualified child, Jasper, into a role that has large […] Read the full article →
a team whose boss was AWOL for 2 years is angry and resentful now by Alison Green on November 12, 2024 A reader writes: My department had a manager, Beth, who spiraled into a drug addiction crisis post-Covid. The details of how that happened and how long it took to remove her from her position could make up several letters, but I will leave out those details as it’s not what I’m writing about now. Beth’s […] Read the full article →
my intern keeps pushing for a full-time role by Alison Green on November 7, 2024 A reader writes: I recently took on my first intern. I let them know from the get-go that I didn’t know if it could evolve into permanent work given the current work pipeline. They are ambitious, smart, and eager to learn, and I have done my best to give them “real world” learning experiences so […] Read the full article →
should you require video on during team meetings? by Alison Green on November 6, 2024 A reader writes: I manage a team of 15 that holds a Zoom meeting once per week. While they work independently most of the time, there are major projects where everyone has to be on the same page, and we get updates during these meetings. I’ve noticed that the people who turn their video off […] Read the full article →
my dishonest employee blames technology when he messes up by Alison Green on November 6, 2024 A reader writes: How do I deal with an employee, Miles, who is dishonest but gets emotional and doubles down when confronted with technological proof? For instance, he’ll tell me he submitted a work product when the timestamps on shared documentation (which are visible to both of us) show that the work wasn’t completed by […] Read the full article →
my employee panics when we spend money by Alison Green on November 5, 2024 A reader writes: I have an employee who tries to save every penny of the organization’s money, at the expense of significant amounts of time. I’ve explained sticker price vs time costs multiple times, and yet any amount of money over about $50 sends him into an anxiety spiral where nothing I say makes an […] Read the full article →