Question: "My CEO asked me to look into the feasibility of requiring employees to be 'tobacco-free' off the job as well as during working hours. He thinks we could save a lot on health insurance if none of our employees smoke. Has anybody done this ... or considered it?
What issues do I need to consider before I make a recommendation on how we should proceed?" — Anonymous

Question: “We have a co-worker who is nearing 80 years old. Her performance is starting to slip, and we’re too busy to cover for her when she creates more work than she accomplishes. Is there an alternative to termination?  We’d like to help her depart with dignity, but there are no indications toward that end.” — Caroline

Question: “I’d like to update my Microsoft Office skills. If I have limited staff development funds, but would like to get some advanced training, which program would be the most beneficial to me and the company? In other words, what’s the best bang for the buck?” — Anonymous

Question: “One of my co-workers is jealous of me. I am young but very valuable to this company, and I get along with everyone but her. Lately, she’s been snooping around my desk, even though there is no reason for her to be at my desk. Any suggestions as to how I should handle this nosy and annoying co-worker?” — Anonymous

Question: “What would be a few good agenda items to discuss at our next administrative professionals meeting?  No one really wants to say anything, and therefore, the individual departments do not share any new ideas or updates on their activities. Do you have any sample agendas to share?” — Victoria

Question: "I have hard copy files labeled under "Dr." Do I file first under “D” or do I file under the doctor's name?" — Anonymous
 

Question:  “A friend who works for a local law firm has been asked to lay off some people. One employee has threatened that if she walks others will go to. How should my friend handle the situation?” –Tori

Question: “I need to create work-order forms for various tasks (project details, requesting copies, deadline requirements) for many different employees. Can anyone provide examples of forms/templates that I can use?” – Ruthann

Question: “I feel that a new administrator doesn’t think I am right for my current position even though I’ve been in it many years. I’ve never had a bad review until he came. He micromanages everything I do and is never happy with the results. I hate to leave the company and give up the current benefits and start over. Age is a factor as I am near retirement age. How should I handle this?” -- Sandi

Question: “There have been some tense moments in the office recently because of rude and loud outbursts among three employees. Any advice on how to lighten things up and bring the office back together? -- Tori

Question: “I know my office co-worker chats on Facebook most of the day. I now have proof when another  co-worker stopped by the office and mentioned that her posts are usually between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Now that I have proof, do I say something to the co-worker or do I bring it up to the boss? I am usually not a tattletale, but there are times when I am overwhelmed with work and I know she’s chatting on Facebook and not getting her work done.” -- Judy Gonzales

Question: “When people fill in for me during lunch, they often rearrange the desk. How do I let them know that my desk is not community property?” -- Anonymous

Question: “I was on medical leave, and when the doctor extended the leave, my employer was no longer able to accommodate my medical leave. When looking for a new job, how do I answer: "Why did you leave your job?" I really don't want a prospective employer to know I have a medical condition.” — Anonymous

Question: “Is there a law that a company cannot disqualify a candidate because of a felony charge?“ — Irma
 

Question: “We have an employee currently on maternity leave who comes into work to check her e-mails, make work calls etc. This person has paperwork signed that she is on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave for 12 weeks due to pregnancy complications.  She is currently in her third week of leave.  How should this be handled?  Are there liability issues? We do not have a doctor’s release yet for this person.” — Anonymous 

Question: “Due to a reorganization, an administrative assistant that I have worked side-by-side with for 10 years was reassigned from Operations to HR. She still continues doing most of the work she did previously, even though I should now perform most of those duties. She had no choice in the reassignment and doesn’t feel secure in her new position. How should I tactfully tell her that I should now handle the duties for the Operations department?”  — Mary

Question: “Due to the economy, we are looking for ways to host a cost-effective holiday party for our employees.  In the past, we have been accustomed to nice venues with large scale professional entertainment, open bar and a nice dinner buffet for our employees and their spouses (about 135 people).  We have three offices and have provided hotels for those who have driven in from other parts of the state. Should we host a party for employees only?  Change bar service to three complimentary drinks only? Consider appetizers vs. a sit-down buffet style dinner?    Consider giving employees gift cards and skip the party? “ — Rhonda

Question: “I am developing a training class for administrative support staff on achieving workplace success in a changing environment. I’m having difficulty locating information on how staff can boost their self-confidence and motivation and feel more empowered during economic uncertainty and organizational change. Can you suggest resources? — Linda

Question: “What steps are you taking to advise your employees about the upcoming flu season?  Are you  handing out policies or a general flier urging hand washing or staying home when ill? — Dl

Question: “I work in health care, and our employer is forcing us to get the flu shot, even those who do not have patient contact.  If we refuse, we could be terminated.  The only exception is those people who cannot get the flu shot for medical reasons.  Is this legal?” — Anonymous

My boss wants me to spend a good chunk of money on something that I think is unnecessary during a time when our department is being watched for excessive expenditures. I'm the one who buys everything and has the credit card. But I want to make sure this purchase doesn't come back on me. Is there a protocol or common form that I could have him sign to show that he's responsible?  -- Linda

I have a new boss and she is so unorganized. She has piles and piles of papers and complains that she can never find anything. How do I get her to organize her desk? -- J

Question: “The Gregg Reference Manual says to use a comma to set off abbreviations that follow a person’s name, such as “Jane Doe, CPS.”  I recently proofed a newsletter where some names did not have commas.  When I brought this to the attention of the person submitting the information, she said that other newsletters didn’t use commas. Has this grammar rule changed or are people just getting it wrong.  Should you still use the comma?” — Diana

Question: “An employee placed a recorder in a meeting but none of the participants were aware that she was recording the session. She later confessed to me that she recorded it. What should I do?”  — Amanda
 

Question: “My manager wants to have an employee appreciation event. The problem is half the staff would be unable to attend during the workday due to the nature of the business. I suggested that we select who attends based on performance indicators. HR says we ‘can’t do that because employee appreciation is not the same as rewards and recognition.’ The HR department suggested that we draw names so everyone has a chance to attend. I disagree. Why should poor performers be rewarded?” — Nancy