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FEBRUARY 13, 2023

This post, I got yelled at after texting a hiring manager’s personal cell, interviewer asked me for something positive about Covid, and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. A hiring manager freaked out when I texted her personal cell number I recently tried to apply for a pharmacy tech trainee job at a local hospital.

Interview Software 95

Interview Software Hiring Software Hiring Employee Appreciation 95

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NOVEMBER 10, 2022

This post, is “we have a great culture” an attempt to disguise low pay and weak benefits? , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have been noticing for the last 18 months or so that my employer has been putting a lot of emphasis on their culture, most likely in response to the Great Resignation, but they have done little to change pay and benefits, or what I like to think of as the reason that I go to work.

Hiring 70

Hiring Company ATS 70

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NOVEMBER 10, 2022

This post, when office potlucks go wrong , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. As we approach the season of office potlucks and other meals with coworkers, let’s discuss the many ways they can go wrong … from alarming cuisine to the person who takes an obscenely large share and never contributes anything of their own. To kick us off, some stories from years past: • “One of my old workplaces had a cookie baking contest, and the winner used store-bought dough.

Meeting 117

Meeting Examples ATS 117

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Hiring Screening Conference Meeting 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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AUGUST 4, 2022

This post, should employees be paid differently based on where they live? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m curious about your thoughts on a question some of the smartest people I know fundamentally cannot agree on: should a salary be based on the value of the labor, or the subsistence of the laborer?

Policies 96

Policies Industry Hiring Company 96

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AUGUST 3, 2022

This post, my coworker is being a jerk because she’s pregnant, working near a throat-clearer, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Should my coworker be allowed to be a jerk to me because she’s pregnant? My coworker Maria is pregnant and due any day. I have not been pregnant but between family and friends, I know the end stage is deeply uncomfortable and puts people in bad moods.

Interview Software 96

Interview Software Planning Tools Onboarding Software Company 96

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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MAY 2, 2022

This post, I gave notice to our daycare provider and she freaked out , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: My three-year-old daughter has been going to the same in-home daycare provider since she was very young. Her daycare provider, let’s call her Amy, is very good at what she does, has 25 years of experience, and is well-respected in our community.

Coaching 96

Coaching Wellness Hiring ATS 96

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MAY 2, 2022

This post, is my employee lying about needing sick time? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I just took over job duties for a departing manager and inherited a new employee. He does a generally good job, although I have had some concerns about his work ethic (that’s a different story entirely that I plan to address).

Time and Attendance 85

Time and Attendance Staffing ATS 85

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MAY 2, 2022

This post, can I ask for a raise if I wouldn’t leave over salary? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I like my job but I’m very underpaid. Can I do anything about it? It’s not like I would leave if I asked for a raise and they didn’t give me one, so I feel like there is no leverage. You can ask for a raise even if you won’t leave if they say no.

Course 104

Course Wellness How To ATS 104

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APRIL 29, 2022

This post, weekend open thread – April 30-May 1, 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: Secrets of Happiness , by Joan Silber.

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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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FEBRUARY 1, 2022

This post, my office isn’t acknowledging my adopted baby , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: After a long wait, my spouse and I were finally paired with a birth family for an infant adoption and got to bring our son home! This is a complicated situation with work because I work in a position that requires coverage and the nature of the adoption process is unpredictable.

Immedis 96

Immedis Groups Wellness ATS 96

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FEBRUARY 1, 2022

This post, my shy employee wants to use email for everything , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: My employee and I are both pretty serious introverts, but I fight my introversion as much as possible (forcing myself to speak up in group settings, etc.) whereas he does not. He has told me that he believes our organization caters to extroverts and doesn’t try hard enough to accommodate introverts, and he doesn’t think he should have to bend to o

Conference 90

Conference Groups Wellness ATS 90

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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

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JANUARY 31, 2022

This post, coworker watches adult material in our shared office, what to say when an interviewer warns of long hours, 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 watches porn in our shared office. I work at a state agency with a gentleman who has for the third time now had his cell phone loudly start moaning.

Wage and Hour Training 97

Wage and Hour Training Video Recruiting Sexual Harassment Harassment 97

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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

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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

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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

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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

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OCTOBER 31, 2021

This post, employee wants bereavement leave for her dog, costume contest fundraiser, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Employee wants bereavement leave for her dog. I manage a team of 10 people. Our company provides my team with 120 hours of annual PTO. Separate from that, we provide 40 hours of bereavement for an immediate family member and 20 hours of bereavement for a peripheral relationship.

Time and Attendance 116

Time and Attendance Policies Immedis Retirement 116

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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.

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