my manager uses IM to monitor me, my coworker complains about my schedule, and more by Alison Green on April 24, 2015 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My manager uses IM to monitor me I hate work instant-messaging. My manager uses IM as a time tracker for me and sets alerts to let him know when I’m away and when I’m back (even though I sit in front of him in a […] Read the full article →
just because no one’s complaining doesn’t mean your behavior is okay by Alison Green on April 23, 2015 “It can’t be that bad to show up in casual clothes to a job interview because I’ve done it and not been dinged for it.” “I play on my phone during meetings sometimes and I’ve never heard complaints about it.” “People seem okay with me always starting meetings late.” I hear these sorts of statements […] Read the full article →
why managers are afraid to ask for help — and how they can by Alison Green on April 23, 2015 Ever wished you could ask for help but felt awkward about speaking up? Maybe you were afraid that you would look weak or less capable, or that it would undermine people’s confidence in you. Managers, especially, are prone to this way of thinking; when you’re the one who other people come to for help and […] Read the full article →
how to ask for a treadmill desk or standing desk at work by Alison Green on April 23, 2015 A reader writes: In nine months, I’ll be finishing up a post-bac university program that will qualify me for entry-level staff accountant positions. For the past few years now, I’ve become very interested in treadmill desks as a way to stay alert/awake, healthy, and productive at work. These treadmills are designed to be quiet and […] Read the full article →
a coworker left a mess in my office, brainteaser interview questions, and more by Alison Green on April 23, 2015 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. A coworker used our office and left a disgusting mess My office mate, Kim, and I have a small shared office in our institution where office space is at premium. Over the last 10 years, we have acquired a small fridge and a Keurig and […] Read the full article →
my employer gives terrible resume advice to low-income people by Alison Green on April 22, 2015 A reader writes: I intern at a nonprofit organization that assists low-income community members with resumes. My supervisors provide us with very limited autonomy during the resume development process, and each resume we build must follow the style guidelines of our organization. We are required to have all resumes checked at least twice by a […] Read the full article →
when your manager values face time more than results by Alison Green on April 22, 2015 A reader writes: I just finished interviewing for a promotion and was given some unusual career advice from the vice president of my division. He said that even though my working hours are 8 am to 4 pm, I should not be so quick to leave work at 4 pm. I was told that I […] Read the full article →
I walked in on employees having sex — and I think there’s a sex club in my office by Alison Green on April 22, 2015 A reader writes: I am the manager of a customer service team of about 10-12 members. Most of the team members are right out of school and this is their first professional job and their ages range from 22-24. I am about 10 years older than all of my employees. We have a great team […] Read the full article →
my coworker attributes my boss’s success to her looks, changing the salary range I gave an employer, and more by Alison Green on April 22, 2015 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My new coworker told me that my boss gets her way because she’s hot I just started a new job and am meeting with the different department heads to get an overview of their responsibilities and how my department helps them. During my one-on-one with my […] Read the full article →
what to do when an employee announces she’s resigning … at some point but not now by Alison Green on April 21, 2015 A reader writes: My part-time employee called me to notify me that she has decided that she is going to be leaving because she has decided that she needs a full-time job with benefits. This is not an option in my small business, so I can understand her position. However, she also said that she […] Read the full article →