Networking – still valuable?
Q. I work at a large company as a manager. I recently had to lay off many of the employees who work for me. We seem to do this every year. I am tired of being put in this position. I … Continued
Pattie Hunt Sinacole explains the process of a workplace investigation
Q: I was just asked to participate in a workplace investigation. I was asked this by my direct manager and then our VP of People called me their office. I am not sure what this is about. How should I … Continued
Generational differences? Pattie Hunt Sinacole offers a possible explanation
Q: I am in my mid 50s and feel like I am out of touch with my employees. They complain about our workplace, often times not the work on their desks. They ask if what I am doing about the … Continued
Return to the workplace and employee engagement
Q: For many years, like many other workers, I had to commute to work. My commute is about 45 minutes long. Then COVID hit and we all went remote. I was able to squeeze in another 30 to 60 minutes … Continued
New rules, from a manager post-leave
Q: I have a supervisor, let’s call her Jessica, who seems to be threatened by me. As background information, I have been with my firm for 11.5 years and have about 15 years of industry experience. Jessica went through a challenging … Continued
Bare feet in the office – acceptable or not?
Q: I never thought I would be writing a letter to ask about bare feet in the office. I am a forty something manager of a young team of three inside sales professionals. Yes, we work in technology. Yes, we … Continued
Pay difference and the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act
Q: I work for a fast-growing tech company and was hired about two years ago. I was one of the first hired by this company. I have discovered that others, in my peer group, are being hired at much higher … Continued
2017 hiring plans may exclude those over 40
Q: I am a new supervisor and we have been discussing hiring plans for 2017. I work for a growing tech start up. It is a fun environment but demanding. My manager keeps describing our ideal new hire as “young, … Continued
Frequency of performance feedback and evaluations
Q: How often do most employees receive performance evaluations? Is there a guideline? Also, I think everyone expects a raise but not everyone deserves one. What are your thoughts on this? A: Employers can design their own performance management systems. … Continued
Moving into a leadership role as an individual contributor
Q: I want to move into a management position. I have four years of experience at my current company. All of the supervisory job postings say “management/leadership experience required.” My question to you is — how am I supposed to … Continued