workplace practices

Is your office normal? Workplace practices can be wildly different from office to office. Here’s a reality check on yours.

can I ask to be reimbursed for my expenses in a driving-heavy job?

A reader writes: I recently started my dream job — amazing start-up, coveted industry, huge promise, incredibly competent management (a gift I do not take for granted). However, I’m working in arguably the most expensive metropolitan city on earth, one that is notorious for being a literal nightmare to drive or own a car in. […]

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have we changed our views about working from home?

A reader writes: I’d love to have your take and the readers’ take on whether society as a whole has changed its view on working from home. Most of last year, I was job searching, and something an interviewer said once has stuck with me. I was in a second interview for an office job […]

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my boss keeps bringing her sick child to work

A reader writes: My boss keeps bringing her sick child to work because she can’t send them to school or daycare since they won’t accept sick children. While I understand that it’s hard to find someone to look after them, especially when both parents are working, I get sick every time I’m at work with […]

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employee came to work dressed as Jesus

A reader writes: I work at an up-and-coming, techy, mid-range e-comm company that’s always felt very inclusive, fun, and positive. Most employees are male and between the ages of 25-35, and are prone to ribbing and bets — “grow out your mullet for a year for $1,500,” that type of thing. One of our employees […]

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my company has no reporting structure and no training

A reader writes: I work for a professional services company that currently has no real reporting structure and it’s driving me insane. The company is relatively new and for the first few years, it was about five people who all functioned as one team: my boss, Malcolm; his second-in-command, Wash; and several junior staff working […]

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should our office kick everyone out at 5 pm?

A reader writes: I would like to ask you and your readers about a discussion my organization had about working late. I don’t work in the office late. I have worked late at home occasionally, but I do not stay in the office longer than close of business. Some team members do though, to a […]

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