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
“Frat boy” comments in the workplace
Q: I work for a small, but growing company in Cambridge. The company started in a small apartment in Somerville and most of us were hired during the pandemic. The place is very casual. The CEO is young and immature. … Continued
Inappropriate questions from a manager
Q: My manager repeatedly asks personal questions of me and others all the time. He will ask about health issues, family planning issues and household income issues. When we have company events, he tends to drink too much, and his … Continued
Abuse in the workplace? Pattie Hunt Sinacole talks about how to respond
Q: My question is how does one handle seeing constant abuse of a fellow co-worker by her supervisor. Sometimes he threatens her, and I know she feels targeted. The managers just turn a cheek and it is out of control. … Continued
Communication challenges with a new CEO
Q: I was hired by a Cambridge-based firm about 20 years ago. I started in an entry-level role and have worked my way up. I have had about five different managers in that time. Each one was talented, but in … Continued
Pattie Hunt Sinacole discusses flexible work options
Q: My co-workers and I want to approach our leadership team about having more flexibility at work. It very limited. We have scheduled breaks, lunch hours and start/end times. We work for someone who started his career over 30 years … 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
How to research a prospective employer
Q: I have a history of being very thorough when I consider a new opportunity with a new employer. I have been happy and successful in most roles that I have accepted. One weakness I have is that I have … Continued
Anxious about returning to the workplace
Q: I am being asked to return to the office in July/August, after working at home because of the COVID-19. I am nervous and have anxiety about working in a cubicle-type environment. We don’t have an EAP, or else I … Continued
FMLA after a serious health condition
Q: I recently had a serious medical problem. I spent a few days in the hospital and I am at home now with physical therapy and a visiting nurse. I expect that I will be able to return to work … Continued