my employer is being too helpful about COVID and it’s making things worse by Alison Green on April 22, 2020 A reader writes: I’m fortunate to work for an incredibly supportive employer and to have a really great manager. Last year I escaped an abusive relationship, confirmed my autism, and got therapy to process PTSD both from my ex and my childhood. My employer’s insurance covered all my therapy. I had a lot of days […] Read the full article →
work and COVID-19: an open thread by Alison Green on April 16, 2020 This is an open thread for all things related to the intersection of work and COVID-19. It’s been nearly a month since the first stay-at-home order was issued in the U.S. How are you doing in this weird new reality? What questions do you have? How can other people help? Read the full article →
I’m so lonely — but how can I ask more of my coworkers right now? by Alison Green on April 14, 2020 A reader writes: I want your advice about “asking for what you need” during this time of pandemic. I’ve been at my job nearly seven months now and I love it, it’s a great step into a sector that’s hard to get into that I’ve wanted to be in for a long time. We have […] Read the full article →
how can we make sure flexibility for parents isn’t unfair to everyone else? by Alison Green on April 14, 2020 A reader writes: I recently read your great advice to an employer who was asking what they could expect of an employee with a young toddler who was having to work from home during the pandemic. I have a related question that I haven’t seen getting much attention that I hope you’ll be able to […] Read the full article →
working from home is driving me nuts – can I take a break? by Alison Green on April 13, 2020 A reader writes: I’m a full-time copywriter, and I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home during these times. My company has been clear and generous with us about our work and our job security. I’ve been working from home for the past three weeks, and probably will continue to do so […] Read the full article →
people still working outside your home: this thread is for you by Alison Green on April 9, 2020 A reader writes: Can I make a request for a thread dedicated for anyone working on the frontlines (medical or not — anyone whose job makes it possible/easier for others to stay at home) and how they’ve been handling things? All I see on the news and social media are things like “8 tips for […] Read the full article →
you won’t need to explain your current work gap by Alison Green on April 8, 2020 I keep hearing from people asking about the best way to explain a layoff right now, or a work gap on their resume caused by the current outbreak. You will not need to explain it. Everyone will get it. Many of your interviewers will have been in the same situation themselves. If they weren’t, they’ll […] Read the full article →
our coworker came to work when his family had COVID-19 symptoms by Alison Green on April 8, 2020 A reader writes: I work in a small department of six that is family-like. One of our coworkers, “Claude,” is nice enough but he tends to do things that offend. He always grabs the first donut, or jumps to the front of the line during office potluck or pizzas. Afterwards, he disappears and doesn’t offer […] Read the full article →
your employer can take your temperature, and other changes by Alison Green on April 7, 2020 The EEOC has issued new guidance about coronavirus in the workplace — and has clarified that some practices that wouldn’t normally be allowed are permissible during the outbreak. Here’s what you need to know. • Your employer can ask if you’ve had symptoms associated with coronavirus (fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), if […] Read the full article →
is this company’s interview process unreasonable? by Alison Green on April 6, 2020 A reader writes: I have spent the past 10 years building up a small client base in my industry. I’m a terrible self promoter, so this is very small and I really need to ramp up or get a full-time job. I applied for a position pre-COVID-19 and did a phone screen. I was successfully […] Read the full article →