Microsoft’s creepy new “productivity score” tells your boss how often you attend meetings, answer email, and use Word by Alison Green on November 30, 2020 If your workplace uses Microsoft Office products, be aware that the company launched a new “Productivity Score” feature this month, which lets employers track how their employees use Microsoft’s tools across 73 different measures — including things like how frequently you send emails, how often you turn your camera on during virtual meetings, how often […] Read the full article →
how do you hold an office holiday party during a pandemic? by Alison Green on November 30, 2020 Usually at this time of year, my inbox fills up with questions about company holiday parties: How many drinks are OK to have there? Should I bring a date? Do I really have to go at all? This year, the questions are quite different – and nearly all along the lines of “what do we […] Read the full article →
is it right to fire someone for being arrested for a (horrible) crime? by Alison Green on November 30, 2020 A reader writes: Recently a coworker of mine failed to show up for his shift a few days in a row, and his supervisors were unable to reach him on his phone. Eventually, someone went to his home, where they were informed of the reason he hadn’t been at work — he was in jail. […] Read the full article →
boss told me I need to wear makeup and jewelry, employee has terrible attitude, and more by Alison Green on November 30, 2020 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss told me I need to wear makeup and jewelry I work as an account manager in health care. I have a new boss who has been writing me up for having an “unprofessional appearance.” Today she explained to me that I need to […] Read the full article →
weekend open thread – November 28-29, 2020 by Alison Green on November 28, 2020 This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. Here are the rules for the weekend posts. Book recommendation of the week: Saints for All Occasions, by J. Courtney Sullivan. Another epic family saga, this one told from alternating points of view and about two sisters who leave Ireland […] Read the full article →
it’s your Friday good news by Alison Green on November 27, 2020 It’s your Friday good news, with more accounts of success even in this weird time. 1. I’m excited to share that after a very difficult fellowship and a very difficult fellowship, I got a job offer that I’m really excited about! I’ve been reading your blog religiously for a couple of years largely because I started […] Read the full article →
open thread – November 27-28, 2020 by Alison Green on November 27, 2020 It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on anything work-related that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. * […] Read the full article →
being put on a performance plan right after a glowing review, photos on resumes, and more by Alison Green on November 27, 2020 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. Performance plan two weeks after a glowing review My husband was just notified he is being put on a performance plan. He agrees that a recent event he was involved in, but not in charge of, did not go well. But, he was just rated […] Read the full article →
the Christmas tantrum, the dirty elf, and other tales of holidays at work by Alison Green on November 26, 2020 Over the years, readers have submitted a tremendous number of amusing stories about holidays at work. In lieu of any more posts today since it’s Thanksgiving, here are some of my favorites from the last 13 years. 1. The duet “The organization I work for often holds its convention just a couple of weeks before Christmas, […] Read the full article →
Thanksgiving free-for-all – November 26, 2020 by Alison Green on November 26, 2020 This comment section is open for any discussion (work or non-work) you’d like to have with other readers. Happy Thanksgiving! Read the full article →