how can I support my Black employee who doesn’t want me to report anything, and other questions about race by Alison Green on November 13, 2023 I’m thrilled to welcome back Michelle Silverthorn to answer readers’ questions on race. Michelle is the founder and CEO of Inclusion Nation. A recognized keynote speaker on inclusion and belonging, she speaks on hundreds of virtual and in-person stages every year and her interactive e-learning suite, Inclusion LAUNCH, is in use by organizations across the world. […] Read the full article →
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 →
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 →
HR says I have a moral obligation to tell everyone I’m autistic by Alison Green on November 6, 2023 A reader writes: I’m a senior manager in a medium-sized organization. We have, in the past, had some issues with the way that neurodivergent employees have been treated — not on my team, but due to the way that they have been managed by other members of the senior management team. We’ve twice had to […] Read the full article →
Halloween costumes at work: where’s the line? by Alison Green on October 31, 2023 A reader writes: I’ve generally worked places where people like to dress up in costumes for Halloween, and sometimes I’ve wondered if I’m being too uptight or if my coworkers just have terrible judgment. I’ve seen people wear costumes that show a ton of skin (something I might wear to a bar but not to […] Read the full article →
I had a panic attack over a Halloween decoration at work by Alison Green on October 31, 2023 A reader writes: I’m writing about a situation that just happened today at my office regarding Halloween decorations. (If this is helpful context, I’m a mid-level manager at a nonprofit). A few members of my team brought in fun, low-key Halloween decor (think, purple construction paper bats and a few faux pumpkin heads), which I […] Read the full article →
my office’s “kid-friendly” Halloween party was actually terrifying by Alison Green on October 30, 2023 A reader writes: My office held a Halloween party this week after hours and said in the invitation that kids and significant others were welcome. Some of us brought our young kids (ages 2-5 or so). When we arrived the signs were pretty ghoulish (dismembered bloody body parts, etc), and one employee, “Bob,” brought a […] Read the full article →
my employee was excluded from a team-building event because of their weight — how do I make this right? by Alison Green on October 30, 2023 A reader writes: I think I messed up with a team-building event I organized and I am not sure what, if anything, I should do to correct the situation. There is an adventure center about 30 minutes from the office where I work. Each year for the last several years (minus the Covid years) I […] Read the full article →
my coworkers have all but disappeared since the pandemic by Alison Green on October 25, 2023 A reader writes: Recently, you shared a letter from someone who wrote that they don’t want to talk about their life outside of work with their colleagues, and it got me thinking about the dynamics of the team I work in. I’ve been at my company for many years. I empathize with the writer of […] Read the full article →
the adult bibs, the talking shrimp, and other unusual office traditions by Alison Green on October 23, 2023 One of the most interesting things about offices is how they develop their own subcultures, rituals, and traditions. I recently asked about unusual office traditions you’ve seen or experienced, and here are some of my favorites you shared. • My office has a “talking shrimp” that we use instead of a “talking stick” in brainstorming […] Read the full article →