How Not to Handle Sexual Harassment
Feb 28, 2009 Problem Behaviors
∞ I have a new theory for handling those who engage in sexual harassment. Rather than involving HR and investigations and disciplinary actions and zero tolerance policies, let’s introduce a “Long Walks on the Beach” section into our corporate newsletters. Those unfortunate lonely hearts who feel they need to make a pass at their co-workers [...]Speaking of taking advantage…
Feb 27, 2009 Uncategorized
∞ … of the new unemployment plan… Is anyone else seeing employees say or do things that are the equivalent of jumping up and down and shouting, “FIRE ME!” I’ve seen this twice now, and I just don’t understand it. I mean, I know I said in an earlier post that I was considering it, but [...]Best Practice Bingo
Feb 26, 2009 Miscellaneous
∞ Let’s take a minute today to discuss best practices. Although this phrase is on the list of buzzwords that tend to make me cringe, I find that people get annoyed when you call it “just plain common sense.” Seems feathers get ruffled when someone shoves a foot in front of peoples’ “action steps” by [...]“Stimulus” Makes Me Laugh
Feb 25, 2009 Co-workers, Problem Behaviors
∞ Why yes, I am twelve. Thank you for asking. I had some issues today maintaining my compusure while the news and the economy were discussed in the office. Given that people higher up on the food chain than me were hanging around for this discussion, I eventually had to excuse myself on the pretext of [...]On Fitting In
Feb 24, 2009 Co-workers, New Hires
∞ A reader writes: Since two weeks ago I’ve been working with a fun and creative team in marketing. I see myself as a good fit because we have a great time in the office and seem to be working really well together so far. I really have no complaints about my co-workers. But I’m afraid [...]Drama Queen Can’t Wait for Homecoming
Feb 23, 2009 Problem Behaviors
∞ A reader writes, in part: I co-manage a group of 12 people in a small office. Our office hours extend beyond the normal business day so management shifts overlap somewhat and we each typically deal with our own ’set’ of employees. Normally things go off without a hitch - we’re all relatively mature, [...]Sadistic Job Search and Housekeeping
Feb 22, 2009 Job Hunting
∞ I stumled on an old (okay, in Internet terms, ancient) article over at Mashable called 70+ Tools For Job Hunting 2.0. Most of the services listed are still hanging around, though, so I thought I’d toss it up here in light of yesterday’s topic. Don’t let the “2.0″ put you off - there are [...]Will Work for Food
Feb 21, 2009 Job Hunting
∞ We will return you to your regularly scheduled sadism shortly. The hot topic of the day seems to be the flood of applicants on the job market. Laurie at Punk Rock HR published a reader question yesterday that deals with the anger and bitterness of those trapped in the job search throng. Laurie indicated that [...]Addressing the Economy
Feb 20, 2009 Employee Relations
∞ Just a quickie tonight, for managers whose employees are feeling the pinch: don’t avoid the topic unless you’re forced to keep mum. My managers have done a fantastic job of keeping people secure in their positions without embellishing or inflating. I don’t anticipate any reduction in force in my neck of the woods this year, [...]HR is Not Your Foster Mommy
Feb 19, 2009 HR
∞ I got an email today that isn’t exactly a question, and wasn’t very complimentary either. Someone dislikes the references I’ve made to consulting and/or working with Human Resources when dealing with various issues. This email was reminiscent of some of the gripes I’ve heard from managers in the past, which all boiled down [...]
