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NOVEMBER 14, 2022

This post, can I ask my new employee to babysit, my boss thinks I lack confidence but I don’t, and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Could I ask my new employee to babysit? I have a question that is currently hypothetical, but may be reality soon. We are looking at hiring our fantastic college intern onto our team, and I would likely be managing her.

Time and Attendance 98

Time and Attendance Trends Comparison Examples 98

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NOVEMBER 14, 2022

This post, I work at Twitter … what do I do? , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I work at Twitter and have been there for many years. As I’m sure you’ve seen, Twitter was just bought by Elon Musk and ever since the deal closed two weeks ago, the company has been literally falling apart. I was fortunate enough to survive the round of layoffs in his first week that cut 50% of the company, but since then things have gotten exponentially

ATS 135

ATS Background screening Meeting Policies 135

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NOVEMBER 14, 2022

This post, how can I stop my office’s “I’m sorry” culture? , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Do you have any advice on how to stop the “I’m sorry” culture in the workplace? I’m finding my colleagues have created an extreme case of this culture, saying they’re sorry for being out sick, sorry for asking a question, sorry for needing to leave early to pick up their kids.

How To 68

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NOVEMBER 14, 2022

This post, my new boss scolded us about our private chat messages , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m wondering how to address a doozy of an email my new boss sent yesterday, which has left my coworkers and me uncomfortable and a bit panicky. In this email to my whole department, she stated HR and senior leadership had informed her about a private chat group connected to our team which often “contains negative and unproductive conversati

Groups 102

Groups HR Software Course Company 102

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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

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NOVEMBER 8, 2022

This post, my employee is upset that her work-life balance means she won’t get promoted here , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m having trouble managing an expectation gap. Someone I manage, Elizabeth, is probably in the middle (maybe lower middle) of our organization’s performance ranks but is upset she is not on track for promotion.

Hiring Software 105

Hiring Software System Industry Hiring 105

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NOVEMBER 8, 2022

This post, my employee always gets other people’s help on his work , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m a little stuck on how to handle one of my analysts. He’s reported to me for about six months and I have some performance concerns that I’m working to address. He procrastinates a lot, and he doesn’t ask me for help, even though I have encouraged him to do so on multiple occasions.

Meeting 87

Meeting Report Examples How To 87

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NOVEMBER 8, 2022

This post, should I tell an employee that the new hire sitting right across from him all day is unvaccinated? , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: The company I work for has weathered the pandemic okay. We’re a 100% in person, small U.S. manufacturing company. I’m HR, finance, many other things, and sometimes reception.

Hiring 91

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NOVEMBER 7, 2022

This post, is it wrong to remind coworkers to vote, resting your eyes at work, and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Is it wrong to remind coworkers to vote? I’m taking the temperature on something that happened in a meeting last week. It was a virtual meeting with about 25 people.

Outplacement 108

Outplacement Interview Software ATS Hiring Software 108

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NOVEMBER 7, 2022

This post, my employee gets stressed out and snaps at me , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: One of the people I manage is a recent graduate; this is his first office role and he struggles with anxiety. When I assign him projects, he is immediately overwhelmed and panicked. No amount or type of support mitigates this, but the next day he comes in feeling much better.

ATS 77

ATS Immedis Training Compliance Training 77

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NOVEMBER 7, 2022

This post, the gong, the missing reply-all button, and other weird things companies thought would boost productivity , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. Last month I asked about weird and misguided things your company has done in the name of boosting productivity. Here are 12 of my favorite stories you shared. 1. The gong. “I had a boss (one of THREE CEOs at a tiny company) do a lot of reading on what other CEOs/companies were doing and decide that he should imple

Productivity 116

Productivity Company Video Recruiting Meeting 116

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AUGUST 8, 2022

This post, will it hurt me to stay in a job where my boss doesn’t like me, cheating in the office bake-off, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. I’m off today for family stuff. Here are some past letters that I’m making new again, rather than leaving them to wilt in the archives. 1. Will it hurt me to stay in a job where my managers don’t like me?

Hiring Software 107

Hiring Software Wage and Hour Training Compliance Training Training 107

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AUGUST 8, 2022

This post, I feel terrible performance-managing an octogenarian , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have a long-time employee who I’ll call Joe. I’ve been his line manager for the last five years or so. Before my time, Joe expressed a desire to wind down to retirement. The organization supported that with a part-time arrangement which went on for several years — well past Joe hitting and sailing past the usual age of retirement.

Performance Management 86

Performance Management Retirement Planning Tools Interview Software 86

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AUGUST 8, 2022

This post, my new hire was secretly working a second full-time job during his hours for us , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader asks: My company hired a person to start in January as a sales development rep. At the time, he told me he lived about an hour and a half away, but he’d be moving to be closer to work shortly.

Hiring 98

Hiring Recruiting Software HR Software Recruitment 98

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AUGUST 8, 2022

This post, is it still OK to wear a mask to a job interview? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I am a new grad from an MLIS degree and I am also high-risk for Covid. I am now starting the job searching process, and I just got an email asking me to come for an interview. I am still masking everywhere in my life, which is non-negotiable for me, but I’m worried about the optics of wearing a mask at the interview when the vast majority of people wher

Interview Software 109

Interview Software Hiring Software Assessment Software Screening 109

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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

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AUGUST 2, 2022

This post, my company wants us to sign a loyalty oath , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: My workplace is incredibly weird and, oftentimes, problematic. In the past there have been issues with religious harassment, sexual harassment, and general abuse all coming from management and administration. You can’t complain to HR because they are part of the harassment as well.

Company 113

Company Report Hiring Wellness 113

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AUGUST 2, 2022

This post, what to say to employees who ask, “am I in trouble?” , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader asks: I manage a team where, due to the nature of our work, I need to give our employees frequent informal feedback. We employ a young workforce; the bulk of our employees are 18-26 years old. Often when I approach these employees, they start the conversation off with, “Am I in trouble?

Policies 81

Policies Meeting How To ATS 81

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AUGUST 2, 2022

This post, my overpaid coworker is rude, rarely here, and calls us “uptight” and “slaves” for caring about our jobs , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have a coworker, Cersei, who is “politely” condescending. Her demeanor and tone sound nice, but her words are unprofessional and, quite frankly, rude.

Time and Attendance 96

Time and Attendance Competencies Examples Hiring 96

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AUGUST 1, 2022

This post, how to deal with a client who’s always late , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I run a professional services consulting business. I work from home and all of my clients are elsewhere, so our meetings are always over the phone or Skype. For the most part, I love my clients, but one of them has a chronic problem with being late or simply blowing off our scheduled meetings entirely.

How To 73

How To Meeting Hiring Company 73

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AUGUST 1, 2022

This post, my younger employee doesn’t know professional norms , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m a 30-year-old female manager. We recently hired a new employee who is 25 who came highly recommended and will be building out a role that we haven’t had filled in years. Despite the fact that our age difference isn’t large, I am kind of amazed by the generational difference between us (millennial/Gen Z).

Coaching 132

Coaching Meeting Examples Compliance Training 132

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MAY 6, 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. “It feels surreal that it’s finally my turn to write in for Good News Friday. I’m very grateful to be a long-time reader of AAM because I don’t know how messed up my sense of business norms would be right now if I wasn’t.

Video Recruiting 98

Video Recruiting Hiring Software Interview Software Screening 98

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MAY 5, 2022

This post, flowery goodbye emails, very fast interview invitations, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. Sending flowery goodbye emails to the whole company. I’m writing with a question about the etiquette around announcing your departure from a job. I’ve had a full-time office job for the last several years, since I got my degree in the field I’m working in now.

Interview Software 99

Interview Software Hiring Software HR Software System 99

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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

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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

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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

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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

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APRIL 29, 2022

This post, open thread – April 29-30, 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

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APRIL 29, 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 started a fantastic new position in August 2019 after a few years of trying to find the best place for me. I ended up with an amazing salary, good benefits, short commute, interesting and challenging work, great colleagues, and the best boss I’ve ever had.

Diversity 109

Diversity Wellness Company Hiring 109

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APRIL 28, 2022

This post, was my interviewer in the wrong … or was I? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I was wondering if you could help enlighten me on an extremely odd situation I had and whether I was wrong in any way. A few months ago, I applied to an entry-level assistant/reception position for a large company.

Comparison 117

Comparison Recruitment Survey Screening 117

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APRIL 27, 2022

This post, interesting jobs: interview with an ombuds , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. I was recently contacted by someone from the International Ombuds Association , suggesting that Ask a Manager readers might be interested in learning about the work that ombuds (previously called ombudsmen) do. I learned a little more, and it is fascinating!

Interview Software 89

Interview Software Campus SaVE Background screening Compliance Training 89

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APRIL 27, 2022

This post, what’s the best time to send rejection letters? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Is there a standard for when to send out rejection letters? I deal with a lot of hiring in my job and I usually know as soon as I review a resume or hold an interview whether or I’m going to reject someone, but I have always figured that people don’t want to receive a rejection notice within hours of leaving a job interview, so I wait a few da

Hiring 81

Hiring ATS 81

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FEBRUARY 4, 2022

This post, weekend open thread – February 5-6, 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: All This Could Be Yours , by Jami Attenberg.

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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

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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

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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

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JANUARY 30, 2022

This post, the tyrant and the coffeemaker, a clothes-obsessed coworker, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. A tyrant and a coffeemaker. This situation happened years ago, when I was much newer to an office environment, and I wonder how it could have been handled better.

Immedis 102

Immedis Company Hiring Compliance Training 102