Schedule change?
Q: I have been working as a receptionist for a few years, at a local law firm. We have a new office manager, who is my supervisor. For the past few years, I have been fortunate to be able to … Continued
Do open offices improve collaboration?
Q: During the pandemic, my company reduced our office space. Now many of us are being asked to return to the office. The offices are no longer the same. Our office space is all open. No one has a cube. … Continued
Bathing suits in the office?
Q: I am a new supervisor. I oversee a small team of inside sales reps in a tech company. I was their peer at one point. Our office is very casual, which is good mostly. However, in the spring, it … Continued
Pajama pants in the office?
Q: I work for a tech firm in Waltham. The company is fairly informal and casual. We are in start-up mode. My last employer was more structured, and not formal, but more professional in terms of dress code. I am … Continued
Social media habits at work
Q: My daughter is glued to her social media. I am worried, that when she finds her new post-college role, she will have her phone in her hand constantly. I hear about Instagram and Snapchat most often. I have some … Continued
The challenges of an open office environment
Q: I work in an open office environment. I must be extra sensitive to noise. Some of my co-workers are loud. Some hum while doing their work. One guy blows bubbles with his bubble gum, and then they pop loudly. … Continued
A “people” culture and flexibility
Q: I work in a technology company. Most employees really put forth an effort every day and on every project. There are a few who take advantage of our laid-back “people” culture. There is a group who will take afternoon … Continued
Dress while on video calls
Q: Our company is continuing to work remotely through 2021, at least. I work in a technology services company and manage a small team. We seem to have a group of employees who think it is ok to wear t-shirts … Continued
Videoconferencing etiquette
Q: I am working remotely for the foreseeable future. My gripe is very much of a 2020-2021 gripe. We have several weekly Zoom calls. Many of my colleagues don’t show their faces, even though that is preferred by most. I … Continued
Strong cologne impacts a co-worker
Q: I was just hired by a very cool company. I am thrilled to be working here. There is one problem. The man who sits close to my cube seems to use a heavy dose of irritating cologne every morning. … Continued