/ Workplace Woes - Roze Knows

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?

Newly promoted manager nervous about public speaking duties
I was just promoted to a supervisory position in my company. Along with this promotion comes the added responsibility of giving presentations to employees within the firm and to many of the firm’s clients.

Manager is worried that someone is looking through his day planner
I have 20 project managers and one administrative assistant reporting to me. I take pride in my management style, part of which is an open-door policy. Recently, I’ve noticed that someone is going through my daily planner.

Worker can't decide best way to handle giving Valentines at work
I’d like to give out valentines to a few of my coworkers. Even though there are only 12 of us in the office, I really don’t want to give one to everyone, but I have a feeling if I don’t, some feathers will be ruffled. What do you think I should do?

Woman enraged that client complained to her boss about slow work.
I have been an account executive for a financial consulting firm for over 4 years, and I have been the top performer in my department for the past three years. Recently, one of my department’s analysts received a phone call from a woman who works for one of my accounts.

Sales person who left job missed out on big bonus. Now what?
I worked in a small sales office of approximately 40 people. I decided to leave my job and take another one that is geographically closer to my wife’s family. Before my departure, I identified and developed a big new client for my company. I spent over two years getting this company’s business, but the deal was not solidified until shortly after I left.<

Government worker enjoys his autonomy, but a new boss is coming to town.
I'm a veteran state employee, and work in one of my agency's satellite offices with only 6 other guys. We require little oversight or direction from our boss. However, my agency is placing a supervisor in our office. How should we handle this situation?

Woman feels boss favors her younger co-worker
I’m 61 years old and have been working for the same company (a small factory with about 45 employees) for 11 years. The plant supervisor is a young guy who has set up our department on a piece work rate where we get paid hourly.

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?

Worker feels her boss has no a clue about her job
My boss has no concept of how long it takes, or all the steps involved, in getting the job done. How do I educate him without offending him?

Nephew tired of uncle's mean spirited supervision on the job
I worked with my uncle doing plastering for about 3 months. He started pushing me down and slapping me in the back of my head. I told him I didnt think I needed to work for him anymore and he agreed.

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.

Working with son in small business causing friction
I own a small business. My only child works with me in a sales capacity. He and I are constantly arguing over pricing issues. I feel like our disagreements hurt my relationship with my son.

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.

© 2005 Rozanne R. Worrell

"Workplace Woes-Roze Knows"® is written by Rozanne R. Worrell, who is not an attorney. Her answers about workplace issues should not be considered to be legal advice.

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