updates: the remote employee without child care, the regretted recommendation, and more November 30, 2021 It’s “where are you now?” season at Ask a Manager, and I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are four updates from past letter-writers. 1. My employee wants to work from home without child care for his baby forever The advice from everyone at Ask a Manager […]
coworker keeps interrupting my work and told me it’s “good practice” to keep myself focused October 28, 2021 A reader writes: I have a coworker (Jane) who is a very nice person, if a bit socially clueless. That’s not unusual in our industry, but in this case it’s beginning to encroach on my work. It’s made worse by the fact that she seems to have latched on to me as a work friend. […]
is it unprofessional to use fidget toys at work? September 30, 2021 A reader writes: I’m a young woman in my first post-college position, working for a public institution known for being quirky. My desk is in a large shared office with seven other fairly low-key coworkers, including my boss. I recently acquired a fidget toy and to my surprise found fiddling with it really helps with […]
updates: the 3-year probation, the furlough, and more September 30, 2021 Here are three updates from past letter-writers. 1. I’ve been on probation for three years (#4 at the link) I’m the person who emailed you last year about my supervisor keeping me on probation for over three years and I wondered if I should tell him it was my mental health issues that were causing […]
it’s your Friday good news July 30, 2021 It’s your Friday good news! 1. I recently left my job in the Middle East after four years to move back to the U.S. The environment was austere and dangerous and I was looking forward to returning to a normal life. Last fall, I reached out to a member of senior leadership with whom I had […]
my boss thinks perks should be earned, working at a bathhouse, and more July 28, 2021 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss thinks perks should be earned, but I can’t work well without them My manager feels that employees should demonstrate excellence before being rewarded with things like flexible schedules or being able to work on side projects. I know from experience that I will […]
mentoring a very timid employee, secretary asks every day if I’ve been vaccinated yet, and more April 2, 2021 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. How to mentor a very timid staff member I’d love some advice about how to help out a very timid staff member, let’s call her Hermione. Hermione and I have 1-1 weekly professional development meetings where I can offer support, mentorship, and advice. She is […]
how can I explain a mistake wasn’t mine without looking like a tattletale? March 4, 2021 A reader writes: I’ve been at my current job for nearly a year. Things were pretty rocky at first, but I’ve been making excellent progress so far that my boss has complimented me on several times. Thanks to a new diagnosis and successful treatment for ADHD, I’m starting to feel much more confident in myself […]
it’s your Friday good news January 8, 2021 It’s your Friday good news, with more accounts of success even in this weird time. 1. I just wanted to send you a note thanking you for your amazing advice on adult ADHD. I’d always assumed that I was just late, disorganised, a procrastinator, time blind, and had mistake-ridden work because I was lazy or […]
2020 posts January 1, 2021 Return to main archives January February March April May June July August September October November December December 2020 most popular posts of 2020 updates: the loony reopening plans, too much jargon, and more update: my boss is rude to waitstaff update: my coworker is unbearably negative updates: the burn-out, the awkward bill, and more updates: […]