Ask a Manager

FEBRUARY 14, 2023

This post, when I offered someone a job, her dad got on the phone with questions , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: We recently hired a new grad, Jane. As my colleague, Sally, was making the verbal offer over the phone, she asked Jane if she had any questions. Jane replied, “No, but my father does.” Then, Jane’s father took the phone and started asking Sally questions about the offer!

Onboarding 94

Onboarding Hiring ATS 94

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 13, 2022

This post, my boss keeps weed in the office, should I warn coworkers about my chin tuck, and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My boss keeps marijuana plants in the office. I live in Texas where cannabis, recreational or medical, is enough to get you sent to jail. It also doesn’t help that we’re in a conservative rural town with law enforcement eager to take you down for such a thing.

Report 91

Report Hiring ATS 91

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 11, 2022

This post, weekend open thread – November 12-13, 2022 , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. 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: Little Children , by Tom Perrotta.

Meeting 79

Meeting 79

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 9, 2022

This post, employer recorded audio and video while I was in bed … and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My employer was recording audio and video while I was in bed. I normally work on site, but got Covid and had to work from home for a week. I felt pretty bad, so I was in bed for the first two days.

Video Recruiting 116

Video Recruiting Hiring Software Recruiting Software Meeting 116

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 9, 2022

This post, my team excludes me from lunches because of my dietary restrictions , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have Celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease that causes my body to essentially attack itself whenever I eat gluten. It’s not super common, but common enough that I know several people who have it.

Planning Tools 95

Planning Tools Interview Software Meeting Employee Appreciation 95

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 9, 2022

This post, how to say no without sounding negative , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m by nature an over-thinker/highly analytical person. When I make a structural or wording choice, I put a huge amount of thought into which of the many options will be clearest and easiest to understand. When I then bring the draft to my client or to colleagues, they will often have many suggestions.

How To 78

How To Analysis Analytics Immedis 78

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 9, 2022

This post, my boss wants to know what the private appointments on my calendar are , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: The norm at my org, like many, is to keep your calendar updated so that meetings can be scheduled without doing the “Are you available at X time?” dance. Because of this, I include non-work appointments on my calendar, and I typically mark them as “private.

Time and Attendance 138

Time and Attendance Meeting ATS 138

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 8, 2022

This post, my coworker doesn’t understand anything I say, working from abroad without telling your employer, and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My coworker doesn’t understand anything I say. I have been on my team a few months. My only colleague, Ernest, has been in the role 15 years so he is clearly able to do his job well enough.

Report 97

Report Video Recruiting Meeting Company 97

Ask a Manager

AUGUST 7, 2022

This post, my coworker told HR I’m resigning when I’m not, boss wants daily task updates, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My coworker told HR I’m resigning when I’m not. I recently got a job offer from a company that I was super excited about, but when the details came through about a day later, the offer turned out to be really, really bad.

HR Software 122

HR Software Hiring Software Interview Software Discrimination 122

Ask a Manager

AUGUST 5, 2022

This post, weekend open thread – August 6-7, 2022 , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. 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: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow , by Gabrielle Zevin.

94

94

Ask a Manager

AUGUST 5, 2022

This post, open thread – August 5-6, 2022 , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions 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 take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here,

66

66

Ask a Manager

AUGUST 5, 2022

This post, it’s your Friday good news … with updates , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s your Friday good news — but this week it’s a little different. Here are four updates from people who shared good news here in the past. 1. The person with the new teaching job (#5 at the link). “I LOVE my job and could not be happier.

Training 94

Training Compliance Training Hiring Conference 94

Ask a Manager

AUGUST 3, 2022

This post, update: my employer made me a counteroffer, then rescinded it , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. Remember the letter-writer whose employer made them a counteroffer but then rescinded it ? Here’s the update. I wound up taking the job at LargeCorp. When I wrote you, it was the same day grandboss had revoked his commitment.

Retirement 81

Retirement Competencies Productivity Company 81

Ask a Manager

AUGUST 3, 2022

This post, I own a game store with a terrible manager who I’m afraid to fire , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I own a small (game store) retail business and the store manager I hired to run my business sucks. The store sales have been terrible. The orders he’s been placing of merchandise for our shelves have been terrible and he’s buying way too many items that we don’t need or won’t sell and doesn’t buy the actual products we need that customer

Metrics 122

Metrics Hiring Training Compliance Training 122

Ask a Manager

AUGUST 3, 2022

This post, I can’t handle my boss’s stories about her emotionally abusive relationship , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m in my early 20s and I’ve been in my role for two years. It’s my first proper professional job in an office. I’m mostly remote and I’ve met my manager in person only a dozen times (she lives in another state).

Training 102

Training Compliance Training Resources Meeting 102

Ask a Manager

AUGUST 2, 2022

This post, can I change teams because of my coworker’s values, I’m working for my parents’ business, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Can I ask to change teams because of my coworker’s values? I have an issue that’s minor compared to some I’ve read, but it’s big to me.

Retirement 116

Retirement Groups Company Hiring 116

Ask a Manager

MAY 5, 2022

This post, what kind of leave policy should a small business offer? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’ve only ever worked at small businesses with less than 25 people. During my time as a manager, and now as a small company owner (consulting/professional services type firms), I have struggled to come up with fair policies on things like PTO and family leave that also don’t really hurt t

Policies 71

Policies Training Compliance Training Examples 71

Ask a Manager

MAY 5, 2022

This post, updates: the filmed pregnancy announcement, the dress code, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. Here are three updates from past letter-writers. 1. My coworker tried to film her pregnancy announcement and now there is chaos. I have a kind of wonderful update. Abby knew I wrote in, so she feels very supported and extends thanks to you all for having her back.

Report 88

Report Course Company Industry 88

Ask a Manager

MAY 5, 2022

This post, an acquaintance blabbed when I sent him a confidential email … and now I might become his boss , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have been approached by a mid-size private company, Company X, for what would be my first IT executive role. As part of my due diligence on the company, I have been quietly reaching out to my network where I know people who work there or used to work there or have had business dealings with them.

Hiring 101

Hiring Company Report ATS 101

Ask a Manager

MAY 4, 2022

This post, team sleepover, firing abusive clients, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My team is having a weekend sleepover at a coworker’s house. I just started a new job last month and joined a small team at a big international company. Our team is just 10 people and very tight-knit.

Compliance Training 106

Compliance Training Meeting Discrimination Groups 106

Ask a Manager

MAY 4, 2022

This post, my rock star employee needs time off for health … and her coworkers are complaining , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I directly manage a team of eight entry-level job employees, who are part of a 175-employee company. My eight employees are the only ones who truly work with every single other employee we have — the rest are separated by departments and don’t mix with other departments very often.

Policies 94

Policies Immedis Wellness Course 94

Ask a Manager

MAY 4, 2022

This post, should I hire family members for my new business? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I run a popular website and have decided to expand my business by getting office space and taking on two employees. I have never managed anyone in my career, so I know this is going to be a challenge. I am looking to hire someone in a digital marketing role, full-time, and an administrator for two hours per day.

Hiring 85

Hiring Meeting How To ATS 85

Ask a Manager

MAY 4, 2022

This post, can I push back on my company’s Mother’s Day activities? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m a woman who, like many, has experienced infertility and pregnancy loss. It’s made me sensitive to things like work baby showers, certain family-centric holidays, and pregnancy announcements in general.

Discrimination 114

Discrimination Conference Trends Wellness 114

Ask a Manager

MAY 3, 2022

This post, I’m on a “positivity” committee, job applicants whose voicemail doesn’t work, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. I want to be a force for good on our “positive culture” committee. My large department inside a very large corporation recently went through a fairly chaotic reorganization.

Hiring Software 105

Hiring Software Interview Software Planning Tools Comparison 105

Ask a Manager

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

This post, open thread – February 4-5, 2022 , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. 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. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in m

66

66

Ask a Manager

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

This post, it’s your Friday good news , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s your Friday good news! 1. “I recently accepted a job offer and I put so much of your advice to good use! Especially around salary, negotiation, and just keeping my cool and not stressing about it. Throughout my job search, every time a recruiter asked what I was looking to make, instead of answering I politely asked them what their range was, and almost always they did give some kind o

Retirement 88

Retirement Course Hiring Wellness 88

Ask a Manager

FEBRUARY 3, 2022

This post, new hire with a criminal record, backing out of a job offer, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. Should I tell my boss about our new hire’s criminal record? A couple months ago my company posted an administrative support position and last week we made an offer.

Hiring Software 98

Hiring Software Background screening Hiring Interview Software 98

Ask a Manager

FEBRUARY 1, 2022

This post, update: my new office has a no-humor policy , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. Remember the letter-writer who discovered her new office had a no-humor policy ? Here’s the update. I wrote in early last summer about working at a job with a no-joke policy. It’s been about 9 months, and I’m still working there.

Policies 121

Policies Harassment Report Meeting 121

Ask a Manager

JANUARY 31, 2022

This post, the new hire who showed up is not the same person we interviewed , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: This is a situation currently unfolding at my husband’s office so I’m a very amused bystander and thought I’d get your opinion on this craziness. My husband works in IT and is on the leadership team at a midsized private company.

Hiring 140

Hiring Groups Company Recruitment 140

Ask a Manager

JANUARY 31, 2022

This post, my employee quit smoking and has become cranky at work , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have an employee, “Joy,” who is a lifelong smoker. Joy is a member of my leadership team, and has been a great asset for the three years I’ve worked with her. Recently, she decided to quit smoking.

ATS 82

ATS Wellness 82

Ask a Manager

JANUARY 31, 2022

This post, what’s the point of making me work from the office to “collaborate” if no one else is here? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I work at a large nonprofit that went totally remote at the beginning of the pandemic (previously very few people had been allowed to work remotely on any kind of regular basis).

Policies 109

Policies Groups Meeting ATS 109

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

This post, employee got pulled over during a Zoom call, are firm offers a mistake, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My trainee got pulled over during a Zoom meeting. I train new employees and one of my trainees was just pulled over during a Zoom meeting. Before that, I could tell she was away from her desk, which is fine as we are all permanently WFH, but I didn’t realize she was driving (video was of

Video Recruiting 110

Video Recruiting Policies Compensation Training 110

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

This post, I walked in on the company owner having sex in his office , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I started a new job last Thursday at a small consulting company. I’m very excited about the company and the role, and it’s a better fit than my previous opportunity. It’s an eight-person team, consisting of the owner, two VPs who report to him, an executive assistant who reports to him, and four junior/mid-level staff, with two of us

Company 86

Company Report Course Data 86

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

This post, how do I give feedback in an open office where everyone can hear my conversations? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I feel like I’m missing something obvious: How do I deal with needing to have negative conversations in an open office plan? There is no acoustical privacy. We have no walls, just lots and lots of desks (no cubes) and effectively no conference rooms (must be reserved in advance, often full, or the most fun, available but

Planning Tools 71

Planning Tools Conference Immedis Report 71

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

This post, I started a job without agreeing on a salary — and then it turned out to be too low , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Last month, I received a call from my friend Jason, a teacher at our local community college. His department was struggling to find teachers, and he wanted me to teach a class this semester.

Staffing Software 117

Staffing Software HR Software Staffing Immedis 117

Ask a Manager

NOVEMBER 1, 2021

This post, drama over kids’ fundraisers, can I charge for dream time, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. I supported my coworker’s kid’s fundraiser and he didn’t return the favor. I supported a coworker’s kid’s Boy Scout fundraiser. I did last year too.

Time and Attendance 103

Time and Attendance Hiring Course Compensation 103

Ask a Manager

OCTOBER 29, 2021

This post, weekend open thread – October 30-31, 2021 , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. 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: The Days of Afrekete , by Asali Solomon.

81

81