how do I tell an employee he isn’t welcome at our holiday party? by Alison Green on December 13, 2023 A reader writes: We have an employee, Steve, who has just resigned. He has a history of being rude, explosive, and verbally abusive. I’ve lost count of how many times he’s yelled at or insulted coworkers, including higher-ups. In fact, he is currently refusing to speak to Dave, his department head. Steve’s last day will […] Read the full article →
how can I stop giving gifts this year if I’ve always given them previously? by Alison Green on December 12, 2023 A reader writes: Every year that I have been a manager, I’ve given my team members a holiday gift. I have 15 direct reports and in the past I’ve spent around $20-25 per person, sometimes gift cards, other times things like a Rocket notebook, an Echo dot, etc. However, my financial situation took a hit […] Read the full article →
navigating workplace Christmas overload as a non-Christian by Alison Green on December 7, 2023 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’d love to hear from you and/or your readers about how you handle the ubiquitous “holiday” activities every December that are invariably just Christmas celebrations. I’m not Christian and I always find this time of year tiring. It doesn’t help that I’m an elementary teacher, […] Read the full article →
how to survive your office holiday party by Alison Green on November 28, 2023 After a hiatus during the pandemic, office holiday parties seem to be back – and with them, questions about how to navigate them: Are office parties optional or just “optional” (i.e., are you really expected to attend)? Is it okay to bring a date or is it better to go solo? How much drinking is […] Read the full article →
my company’s holiday party is at a steakhouse … I’m a vegetarian by Alison Green on November 27, 2023 There will be more posts than usual this week, so keep checking back throughout the day. A reader writes: Every year my company does a really nice holiday dinner for employees, with plus-ones (except during a break for the pandemic). In the past we’ve usually gone to fancy places with lots of options, and everyone […] Read the full article →
the Christmas bureaucrat, Secret Santa questionnaire, and other stories of holidays at work by Alison Green on November 22, 2023 It’s more holiday stories! Tradition dictates that as we head into the holiday season, we must revisit holiday stories previously shared by readers. Here are some favorites. 1. The depth of flavor “Not my story but my dad’s, and it makes me laugh every time. His workplace hosts an annual chili cookoff and everyone would bring […] Read the full article →
the Christmas tantrum, the potluck tyrant, and other tales of holidays at work by Alison Green on November 22, 2023 Over the years, readers have submitted a tremendous number of amusing stories about holidays at work, and since we’re heading into the holidays we must revisit them. Here are some of my favorites. 1. The Christmas tantrum “A woman who had worked at our office for more than twenty years pouted and threw tantrums like […] Read the full article →
the bacon monitor, the baby boom, and other stories of holidays at work by Alison Green on November 21, 2023 Over the years, readers have submitted a tremendous number of amusing stories about holidays at work. Here are some of my favorites. 1. The cook-off “Our office had a chili cook-off once. The morning of the potluck, it was announced that due to inclement winter weather and some people not being able to make it […] Read the full article →
when are potlucks a bad idea? by Alison Green on November 15, 2023 A reader writes: My office is doing a potluck for Thanksgiving. We are a company with just over 100 people. I have dietary restrictions, so I asked if there would be a sign-up so I’d know in advance if I could eat anything. HR declined, saying they don’t want people to feel pressured to bring […] Read the full article →
my coworker’s white fragility is getting in the way of DEI discussions, and other questions about race by Alison Green on November 15, 2023 It’s part two of our discussion with Michelle Silverthorn! Michelle is the founder and CEO of Inclusion Nation, a recognized keynote speaker on inclusion and belonging, and the author of the best-selling book, Authentic Diversity: How to Change the Workplace for Good. Sign up for Monday Mornings with Michelle, her weekly newsletter with practical steps for allyship at […] Read the full article →