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There's a petition going around our office in favor of having access to social media. I refused to sign it because I think it would do more harm than good. Now my team is giving me a hard time to express their displeasure. How can I get them back on track without being too hard on them?
Shortly after my relationship with a company executive ended, I was let go. Because the company has been struggling, HR told me there was nothing I could do to prove there's a connection between the breakup and my firing. Is that true?
One of the members of our team talks incessantly and some of the other members want him to be transferred - others have threatened violence. How can I make him aware of how his incessant chatter is affecting others without hurting his feelings?
My boss just sent a memo that everyone has to be back from lunch by 2 p.m. That's what time I usually take my lunch break, so I can avoid the crowds. What difference does the time we go lunch really make?
Is there such a thing as a perfect resume format?
When's the right time to approach my boss for a raise, one year, two years? And should I bring anything with me, besides great sales pitch, when we meet in his office?
How do I get started networking online so late in my career?
I've repeatedly asked my call center team to take their breaks in the kitchen area or somewhere else that's off the floor, but they continue to take breaks at their desks - which I've told them indicates that they're available to take calls and do other work - and to stop visiting with other employees who are trying to work. How can I get them to respect my authority without coming off as a bully?
I'm a small business owner having some trouble staffing my company because so few candidates fit my idea of the "perfect" employee. Should I relax my dress code standards and allow star candidates to wear "the baggy look" (oversized pants and shirts) as long as their clothes are otherwise appropriate business casual attire?
Should I remove my eyebrow ring and diamond nose stud before going on my next interview?
When I went to the HR department to give my two weeks' notice, after finding another job that's better suited to my needs, I was let go immediately - "it's company policy." If that's legal, why do so many people stress the importance of giving an employer two weeks' notice?
One of our co-workers is getting married and we want to pitch in and buy her a gift. Some want to ask her where she's registered and others want the gift to be a surprise. Which idea is better?
I spilled coffee on the carpet in my cubicle yesterday and when I went to clean it up with some paper towels from the ladies' room, the guy in the next cubicle told me we're not allowed to do that, then he showed me how to call in a work order for a janitor to come in and clean it for me. I spent two hours working around that coffee stain until someone came by to clean up a spill that I could have cleaned myself in five minutes. Why?
Our boss has given her permission for us to listen to music over the office PA system. We elected two co-workers to be in charge of providing it each day. The only problem is that our office is mostly people 35 and younger, and they voted for a lot of rap and rock music that we outnumbered older folks just can't take. We believe in democracy, but this seems to be one of those times when it just doesn't work. The boss has already bowed out saying, "It was your idea. You wanted it, you work it out. If you can't, we'll just keep on with no music at all." How can we get our younger co-workers to compromise?
How can I find the best possible Web developer to help me build a Web site for my startup? Are there cerain "must-haves" that I should be sure are included?
Are there general criteria for someone to meet in order to become a college professor? And do I need several years of experience in the field first?
How often should I give my employees raises? And if I use a merit system, how do I explain it to those who don't receive them, without destroying their morale?
Are there ways to stay competitive in my career field without going back to college?
Is it okay to include a business card with my resume and cover letter?
Our boss just introduced a "peer review" system where we rate each others' performance. Although he hasn't said that it could affect our employment status, should we be concerned? Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves against being fired if we get negative "peer reviews?"
