/ Workplace Woes - Roze Knows

Boss says "bah humbug" to holiday party
I'm like a little kid when it comes to Christmas but our department head won't allow a holiday party! How should I approach Mr. "Bah-Humbug?"

11/29/2005

Employee tired of waiting for boss to make decision
I'm reluctant to ask him if he has an answer for me for fear of getting him mad and negatively affecting his decision. When is the right time to ask him?

11/22/2005

Unfriendly receptionists may be bad for business
I get complaints that the ladies at the front desk just don't give off positive vibes to our customers. I'm debating on whether I should say something to their boss.

11/15/2005

Team player worried that boss ignores feedback
My new boss doesn't seem to value my feedback. It seems that it's either his way or no way. How do I deal with this?

11/08/2005

Co-workers see telecommuter as a burden
She thinks nothing of pumping one of us full-time employees for all the info she's missed from the office meetings. It takes up way too much of our time.

11/01/2005

Business owner wants to promote employee health
I'd like to reward my employees for taking care of their health, with one caveat, I have a limited budget. Can you give me some ideas?

10/25/2005

Employee feels pressured to participate in office party
I don't want to participate in this stupid office activity, but I'm concerned that the boss will look at me negatively if I don't. Please tell me what I should do about this.

10/18/2005

Worker wants to expose fellow employee as two-faced fraud
I'm disgusted with a coworker of mine because she's not going to our colleague's retirement luncheon. This woman needs to be revealed for the fraud she is.

10/11/2005

Subcontractor burned by CEO of small outfit, has nowhere to turn
I'm an independent contractor and three hours before the federal government's fiscal year ended, I received a termination e-mail from the government contractor I was working for. I never thought he would do something like this.  Any thoughts?

10/04/2005

Worker frustrated when e-mails are ignored
When I have more than one question in an e-mail, people don't answer all of them.  All these questions are important; otherwise, I wouldn't be asking them. Is there anything I can do?

09/27/2005

Tyrant in the office has staff walking on eggshells
We refer to this executive assistant as the 'Little Bulldozer' behind her back, but she's about as approachable as a cold fish. What should we do?

09/20/2005

'New guy' won't learn the ropes from veteran
There is so much he needs to know and do. I'd be happy to give him all the help he needs if he would just make a decent effort to help himself. What would you do if you were me?

09/13/2005

It's better not to put certain workplace feedback in writing
I'm all about telling the truth, but I'm not sure how to handle this situation. I don't want my truthfulness to bite me in the butt. Any suggestions?

09/06/2005

Is company legally obligated to pay for unused vacation time?
If an employee has earned vacation time but leaves the company, is the employer obligated to pay for those unused vacation hours?

08/23/2005

Catty co-worker causes conflict in medical practice
I don't want to confront my co-worker because it will cause WWIII in the office. I want to talk to my boss and let him know what is going on. What do you think I should do?

08/09/2005

Job seeker beginning to panic over inability to find the right position
I'm beginning to panic about my inability to get hired. I've bitten the bullet and I'm willing to take jobs beneath my education and experience, but my initial effort has turned out far from what I was hoping for. Do you have any suggestions?

08/02/2005

Summer intern is 'worthless'
All he does is surf the Internet and schmooze with the higher-ups. I think something should be said, but we are hesitant because his dad is a good friend of one of the top people in our company. What would you do?

07/26/2005

Temp worker not measuring up
This woman is not doing her work. She is ALWAYS gabbing on the phone. She's supposed to be doing stuff that supports my position, but it either doesn't get done on time or just sits in her in-box. I don't know if I can take her another day, much less 10 weeks.

07/20/2005

Person hung up on bad phone etiquette
I've had it with people either never returning my calls or returning them so late that it's absurd.

07/12/2005

'Cubicle Creep' gives office neighbors fits with telephone habits
I'm one of those workers stuck in cubicle hell. There are five of us in a pretty small space, and there's one guy who is a big idiot, to put it mildly. Any ideas?

06/28/2005

Employee tempted to report woman who plays games on computer at work
I am always catching her playing solitaire on her work computer various times of the day. Every time I see it, it makes me sick to my stomach. What do you think I should do?

06/21/2005

Manager wants salesperson to wear skimpy clothes
I think I can sell cars without having to look like a sexpot, but I'm scared I will lose my job if I don't do what my boss wants. What should I do?

06/14/2005

Recent college grad can't find work
I didn't have a job while I was in school. I focused on my education and I was involved with quite a few extracurricular activities. It makes me want to stay in school. What do you think?

06/07/2005

Co-worker pouts for days when mistakes are pointed out
I have tried to nicely tell her about her errors, and when I do, she just bristles at me, gives me a look and doesn't talk to me for several days. This is so frustrating. I don't know what to do.

05/31/2005

Manager who grabbed worker around neck can be charged with assault
Earlier this month, my manager put his hands around my neck and started shaking me like a rag doll. Nothing has been done about this except that my hours have been reduced and I get treated like dirt by my coworkers.

05/24/2005

Wife suspicious of husband who travels often with business partner
My business partner's wife doesn't like him traveling out of town because I'm also there. His wife's issue with me is putting a strain on our working relationship. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

05/17/2005

Employee hired for one job, then given another
It took me a while to find this job. I'm not doing much of anything but answering phones. I need this job but I'm also miserable not doing what I was hired to do. What should I do?

05/10/2005

Worker says eight is enough
I'm concerned that my prompt departure at 5:00 PM may have a negative impact on my reputation with my boss, because many of my coworkers hang around after 5 because he's still there. Any suggestions?

05/03/2005

Boss tired of employees' sloppy attire
The guys will often wear T-shirts and if they wear proper shirts, they are often not tucked in. And the young ladies often wear tops for going clubbing, not for coming to work. Any suggestions?

04/26/2005

Supervisor fed up with apathetic employees' mistakes
In our line of work, we can't afford to make mistakes. I feel like these employees do just enough to get by, so their jobs aren't in jeopardy. I know I need to do my part. Any thoughts?

04/19/2005

Workers can't respect boss with no guts
My buddies and I are sick of him not having the guts to stand by what he requests us to do. We would respect him a lot more if he would take ownership for the work he has us do.

04/12/2005

Delivery drivers need tips too!
It is really sad to see what our drivers make in tips. They have to use their own gas and the price of that now is so high!!! People just don't tip anymore.

03/29/2005

"Off the cuff" remarks may not be sufficient basis for lawsuit
The owner of the business, my boss, retired and his young son has taken over. I could tell before he took over that he had a negative attitude about those of us who are over 50. As much as I hate to rock the boat, I feel that I need to protect my interests and my livelihood.

03/22/2005

Nervous boss making employees uncomfortable
He has bitten his fingernails down to their nubs. He always has to go to a chiropractor for stress-related back problems, and whenever he's sitting, one of his legs is constantly shaking. It's really hard for those of us who work for him to be around him.

03/15/2005

Woman disappointed with boss' attitude about maternity leave
My boss has known for at least seven months that I'm pregnant and will be taking time off. All he wanted to know was whether I had someone to handle my work. What an inconsiderate boob!

03/08/2005

Rivalry between managers leads to rude and childish behavior
I wonder if he treats me like dirt because he thinks his work is more important than mine. We seem to never agree on how things should be done. I avoid him all the time, and when I do talk to him, I know I have an edge and a negative attitude.

03/01/2005

Job seeker freezes up during interviews
I do my homework before I go into an interview and learn about the company, but my brain turns into mush when I get into an interview situation. Do you know some good questions I should ask?

02/22/2005

Employee about to retire has bad case of "Short-Timer's Attitude"
I don't want to be disrespectful of this senior employee, but some of us have had enough of him. His lunch hours go way beyond an hour. He never seems to be around when you need him, and he complains a lot about how things used to be better when he was in the prime of his career.

02/15/2005

Employee furious after project yanked during medical leave
My boss was very nice. He told me that all my work would be waiting for me when I got back. Well, my boss lied. When I got back to work, one of my big projects had been reassigned. I was livid!

02/08/2005

Worker feels office Valentine's Day party is a bit much
I'm a team player but sometimes my boss takes this concept a little too far. Now she's announced that we're having a Valentine's Day party. Give me a break.

02/01/2005

Employee fears exposure to disease at work
We addressed this matter with management who has failed to provide us information or show any concern. What steps do I need to take to protect my health?

01/25/2005

"Acting supervisor" causing problems for employee
My acting supervisor has a negative attitude towards me, even though I do my job very well. I'm worried that this guy could make my life miserable and mess up my career in some way. What do you think I should do?

01/18/2005

Be selective when joining professional associations
I feel a lot of pressure to join various business associations, sometimes because of the person who asked me and often because I don't want to miss out on any business opportunities. How should I deal with this?

01/11/2005

To MBA or not to MBA?
I've done some research and found that three people who have gotten the jobs I applied for all have MBAs, and I don't. I don't think an MBA will make me do my job any better, but it appears that those three letters are holding me back. What do you think?

01/04/2005

For new year, resolve to improve morale in workplace
I suggest that both employers and employees embrace five key items in their treatment of others and in the performance of their jobs, and the 2005 workplace should be a better place.

12/14/2004

Will Reservist's job still be there after military duty?
Some people have told me that my brother in the reserves has no guarantee of having a job when he returns from active duty. Can you give me any insight into this matter?

12/06/2004

Shopper infuriated by inconsiderate retail employees
This is the busiest month of the year for retail and this store's employees are incompetent and absolutely disinterested in what they're doing. I think the consumers' attitudes are often justified and this incident proves my point. What do you have to say about this?

11/30/2004

Employee feels pressured to attend office Christmas party
Especially during this time of year, I prefer having my weekends with my family versus the people I see all week. I don't think I should have to get approval or explain to my boss why I won't be attending the office Christmas party. What do you think?

11/23/2004

Boss relies on office "snitch" instead of dealing directly with employees
He always goes to the employee in our office who he knows will spill the beans. I'm upset with my boss and my coworker, but I'm not sure how to handle this situation. Any suggestions?

11/16/2004

"Boss' pets" get preferential treatment, irritating co-workers
This better treatment includes being allowed to get to work late, leave work early, being assigned the plum assignments, and ignoring the company dress code. Can we do anything to improve our situation? We just want to be treated equally.

11/02/2004

Manager who runs tight ship looking for ways to loosen up
I think my stiffness and rigidity may be having a negative impact on employee productivity and retention. Do you have any ideas as to how I may be able to improve this situation?

10/26/2004

Sneaky boss takes credit for employee's work
I am working for a guy who has taken credit for a couple of my ideas, but he's real sneaky in the way he has done it. There are office rumors that he got a bonus because of these ideas. What do you think I should do?

10/19/2004

Employee feels pressured during United Way drive
I don't think an employer has a right to know if or to whom I give money, for charity or any other purpose. But if I don't give to the United Way I am discriminated against.

10/12/2004

Redhead offended by boss' stereotyping cracks
Just because I'm a redhead doesn't mean I have a hot temper or that I'm easily angered, but for longer than I care to remember my boss has regularly made unjustified comments about my temperament and work style based on the color of my hair.

09/28/2004

Bank executive upset over tellers' revealing clothing
Their dress and behavior promote sexual harassment because some of our male employees assume these young ladies are looking for a certain kind of attention. Any suggestions?

09/21/2004

Woman can't stand her business partner
I have done a lot of introspection, and I know in my heart that it's not me that has caused all these problems. I can't think straight and don't know what to do. What do you think?

09/14/2004

Office flirting is getting out of hand
I think two of my coworkers are physically attracted to each other, but they try to disguise their true feelings with their constant banter. Should I say something to our supervisor?

09/07/2004

Teacher worried that new aide is too old for the job
The principal advised me right before school started that I'll be getting a new aide who is in her 60s. My previous aide was half her age. I'm worried that this new aide will not be as helpful.

08/31/2004

Manager wants to turn sales hotshots into a team
These guys are not working together as a team, and I think if they did, our sales would be higher and the work environment in the office would be more tolerable. Any recommendations?

08/18/2004

Woman ridiculed for having a positive attitude
She sarcastically calls me "Miss Perky" and "Bubbles" and tells others to call me those names. I don't deserve to be treated like this.

08/10/2004

Fired employee still waiting for last paycheck
I have not received the money I earned before this happened. Shouldn't they have already paid me?

08/03/2004

Woman chilled by too much air conditioning in office
Now don't get me wrong, I like my air conditioning with all this heat and humidity, but our office is so cold you can hang meat in it.

07/27/2004

Sales manager is a moody tyrant
Everyone in the office always knows who he's not happy with because he makes no effort to hide his displeasure.

07/13/2004

Can my employer cancel my dental insurance?
I just found out that my employer is canceling the dental insurance we have. Is there anything I can do?

07/06/2004

Can my employer reclassify my job?
The company I work for decided to change the workforce, which includes job codes. Is it legal for a company to take money from employees?

06/29/2004

Employer tired of dishonest workers
I'd like to know if there is a way for me to weed out dishonest people as they go through the hiring process without having to spend a lot of money. It is critical that I have employees I can trust.

06/23/2004

Supervisor tired of employees' sloppy paperwork
I am finding that many of my employees are very cavalier about paperwork. Their reports are poorly written and just plain sloppy. How do I put an end to this situation?

06/15/2004

Help! My boss is addicted to meetings!
He holds meetings to prepare for meetings, and meetings to go over the meetings we have had. All they do is keep us from doing our jobs. Is there anything that can be done about this situation?

06/08/2004

New boss doesn't like the way female employees dress for work
I am told that the previous boss had no problem with the way these women dress. How do I deal with this problem without coming off as the office ogre?

05/25/2004

Business owner working from home rattled by constant interruptions
I thought there could be no downside working from home, but I was mistaken. My family and friends are constantly calling me. How do I keep peace with my family and friends and stay on top of my work?

05/18/2004

Employee resents extra duties, ready to confront boss
I'm being taken advantage of and it's really bothering me. I want to address this issue with my boss. What should I say to him?

05/11/2004

Short-timer attitude has supervisor at wit's end
She's retiring next month and appears not to care anymore. Before all this mess, she had been a really great employee. This situation has me unglued. How should I handle it?

05/04/2004

Introverts vs. extroverts: can they work together?
Just because I'm an introvert, they assume that I am either too timid, or they think I'm aloof. I am so tired of being misunderstood.

04/20/2004

Employees find it hard to ignore talk from neighboring cubicles
Instead of calling employees into his office, my boss discusses problems at their cubicles. The rest of us can hear everything and feel very uncomfortable.

04/13/2004

Should job seeker select friend or ex-boss as a reference?
I've never actually worked for this man, but he's a top executive and we know each other because we run in the same social circles. My other potential reference is someone I worked for, but he's just a middle manager. Who should I ask to be my reference?

04/06/2004

Woman worries that spotty resume hurts her job prospects
I graduated from college with excellent grades, but my work history is full of part-time, low paying jobs with no connection to one another. How can I put the best face on this when interviewing with a potential employer?

03/30/2004

Can newly promoted manager supervise his old buddies?
I know I can do the job, but I'm concerned about the men and women who I am now the boss of taking me seriously and respecting my new position of authority.

03/23/2004

Boss regrets dating secretary's daughter
Since I broke it off, my secretary has made my work life very difficult. I'm tired of her exhibiting a negative attitude every time I ask her to do something, and I'm fed up with hearing how rude and unhelpful she is to the women who call me.

03/16/2004

Pregnant co-worker doesn't appreciate jokes about her eating habits
Although I have never been pregnant, I consider myself a sensitive person. I did not mean to hurt her feelings. I resent the way she's blown this incident way out of proportion and gotten other people involved. What should I do?

03/09/2004

Overzealous job applicant annoys manager
We have received over 100 resumes for this position. I am ready to toss his resume in the circular file. Am I overreacting? What do you think?

Small business owner tired of customers who won't pay
I own my own lawn care service, and I work hard for the money I earn. However, I have quite a few customers who dont pay me on time, yet they sure expect me to take care of their lawns ASAP. Its driving me crazy. They are taking advantage of my good nature. Their late payments make me late in paying my bills. I have no cushion to fall back on. Is there anything I can do to ensure that I get paid on time?

Dear Roze:
I work in a department store where there is a lot of drama and confusion. I need to know if I should quit or stay there. I am not treated fairly and the manager and assistant manager don’t listen to me or handle certain problems.

Police officer tired of city politics, ponders career change
I've worked since 1994 as a police officer in Hampton Roads. I'm frustrated by the city government’s perception of our value, and the way we are treated. I am also tired of our daily work conditions.

Co-worker wearing scented oils is stinking up office
One of my coworkers loves to wear scented oils from the health food store. Many employees have asked her supervisor to advise her that individuals are getting sick from her scented oils’ strong aromas.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]