/ Workplace Woes - Roze Knows

03:13 PM EST on Tuesday, November 8, 2005

Dear Roze:

There’s a woman in my office who works part-time and telecommutes 17 of her 20-hour workweek. I have no problem with her being part-time and with her working from home but it’s what she does in the three hours that she’s in the office that kills me. She thinks nothing of pumping one of us full-time employees for all the info she’s missed from the office meetings. I understand why she wants to know all that’s been going on, but I don’t think it’s my job or any of my coworkers’ either. It takes up way too much of our time. What do you think? How can we handle this?

-Not my Job in VA Beach

Dear Not my Job in VA Beach:

I consider this a management issue. Regardless, your office needs to establish procedures that will insure that any employee who misses a meeting, regardless of the reason, will be able to acquire the information he/she missed. Notes should be taken during each meeting and these notes should be posted in a common work area of the office or emailed to everyone. I suggest that you and a couple of your coworkers develop these procedures and present them to your boss for his/her approval and implementation.

Dear Roze:

We have a receptionist who is a very nice, likeable person. I consider her one of my work friends, but she is way too social in her job. It aggravates me that she often “holds court” around her desk, which I think is completely inappropriate and unprofessional, especially when visitors come. I see her let the phone ring way too many times or put someone on hold so she can talk to someone who comes up to her desk or so she can continue a conversation she’s already having with someone at her desk. Fortunately, I don’t have visitors but I do have people who call in for me and quite a few have complained about being put on hold or the phone ringing for a long time before the receptionist picks it up. I don’t like conflict and prefer not saying anything, but I can’t ignore my clients’ complaints. What should I do?

-Aggravated with Receptionist in VA Beach

Dear Aggravated with Receptionist in VA Beach:

I suggest that you have a friendly talk with the receptionist and let her know about the complaints you have received. Firmly but tactfully suggest that she limit her personal discussions, emphasizing that the visitors and calls coming into the company are her priorities. If you continue to receive complaints, talk to the receptionist’s immediate supervisor. Be sure you advise this person that you tried to remedy the problem on your own.

Dear Roze:

To put it simply, I have a hot boss. I’m attracted to her and I’m pretty sure she’s attracted to me. I want to ask her out, and I’m pretty sure she wants me to ask her out, but I’m smart enough to realize the possible negative repercussions if things turn out bad. I’m willing to take my chances but there’s a small part of me that has some concerns. We’re both adults. I don’t think there are any company rules against this kind of thing. It’s not easy to meet women who have the whole package – looks, brains, sense of humor, etc. when I spend most of my life working. I don’t want to pass this up and I would be sure to be discreet and I’m sure she would be too. So, what do you think I should do? I’ll move forward with caution.

-Digging my Boss in Norfolk

Dear Digging my Boss in Norfolk:

I think you should resist this strong temptation. If, however, you feel compelled to ask your boss out, I recommend that you only go through with it if you are able to confirm that you will not be breaking any company policies. And even if it were allowed, I would request a transfer before moving forward.