Negativity spreads like a virus through the workplace, causing low morale, high tension, and greater dissatisfaction, which can all lead to an increase in turnover....
Question: Telephone screening and taking messages are a very important part of my
job, but I am terrible at getting a name right when someone calls.
Does anyone...
Unexpected and unexplained events can spark rumors that, if ignored by HR and management, will take on a life of their own. But there's an art to dealing with rumors and...
How can you tell when trivial issues are poised to turn into major headaches? From conflict management experts Gayle and Nabil Oudeh, here are some warning signs to...
Q One of our employees has just filed a complaint with the company claiming that she has been sexually harassed. We are concerned that if we discipline the alleged...
A Sarasota doctor’s office employee who knew she was about to be fired shot and killed her office manager, then went home and killed herself on her patio ...
When it comes to discharging an employee, be careful not to simply accept a supervisor’s opinion of the employee’s performance. If the supervisor is...
Nearly half of U.S. employees say their employers have not set clear performance goals for them. Solution: Encourage supervisors to use these six steps to create a...
Process every employee complaint without commenting on its merits or on the potential consequences of making the complaint. Remind managers to do the same. Never make...
What’s a manager to do when faced with conflicting accounts of an argument between employees? An important part of that answer is to resolve it quickly, before the...
Question: I
have an office mate who is very nosy. We have different positions. I
have a lot of traffic flow with vendors and other employees who ask me
for help or...
Question: Last
spring, the company hired an AA. She conducts her personal business
loudly so it echoes down the hall, slams doors and comes to my desk in
the front...
"Logic bombs" and sabotage aren't the makings of a James Bond film. They're problems any employer can face in this electronic age. Sometimes, employee malice is to...
Question: A
younger woman (early 20s) is working our switchboard. She has stolen
from people before but no one has been able to catch her in the act.
(She’s...
Question: I work in at a college and have a situation: One of my co-workers is very
sensitive to smells (perfumes, colognes, etc.) and is often relocated to other...
