Scent Of An Employee....Wooahhhhh!!!

It's true, we have a nation of stinkers, and if you've ever worked with someone who has poor hygiene...whether it's bad breath, body odor, or too much perfume or cologne-- you know how distracting it can get-- to the point that it becomes unbearable to function and interferes with your work performance.

Handling workplace body odor issues is the pits for co-workers. This is just as embarrassing for the manager because they have to confront the employee and it can be a touchy situation. Poor hygiene can alienate an employee from their peers and cause productivity problems. It might be easier to ignore at first, but when it adversely affects performance it’s time to take action.

If you work next to the stinky offender and confronting your co-worker is your only option, I would suggest the conversation at the end of the day. This way the employee doesn't have to sit there feeling self-conscious for the next several hours. There is no way out of this being an awkward situation. No matter how gentle or non-judgmental you go about it, the individual will be offended to some degree. Avoid meeting the individual in tight and closed areas. Suggest meeting in a conference room or outside instead of your cubicle for better air circulation. If you work next to the person you may suggest to your supervisor that you work at home or you need a window. Another option is to claim that you have allergies upon hire. Have you come across any foul offenders???

Cover Letters Attached to Resumes

Before you even lift the pencil, type on the keyboard and write your cover letter, research the company you are targeting first. Check out their facts and figures and within the body of your cover letter, talk about how you can contribute. It shows them that you’ve taken an interest and you’re not sending them a generic cover letter based on yourself only. And most importantly, be persistent. Check back with them periodically, and even if you don’t fit the position, ask for an informational interview. Then they can get to know you and see what else they can offer.

Does Your Boss Act Unilaterally?

Bad bosses -- whether control freaks, jerks, micromanagers, or bumbling fools -- can be found in all organizations. Pop culture loves to make fun of them, but bad bosses are no laughing matter when you have to face him or her every working day. And, unfortunately, with the state of the economy, there are probably more overworked and undertrained bosses than ever.

This is one of the most common problems employees face: You've been working for a few years with the same employer and suddenly your boss sets forth new rules, new policies, or a new shift schedule. What do you do? Accept it and say, "no problem", or do you rant and rave about the injustice? If you accept it, does that give your employer the license to push your envelope? If you cry foul, will you be labeled "the difficult one"? In this economy, how can you argue with your employer? If your employer likes you and your work, he/she wants you to be happy and wouldn't want to make your life difficult in the workplace. Don't be in denial, if your employer is not happy with you, then he/she can make your life at work a bit tough. What is one to do? Swallow hard, maybe reevaluate your priorities, but insist that it is only temporary, and more importantly, have your boss put your new directives in writing with parameters. Make sure your current situation will have a beginning and end date, and then both you and your boss will mutually address the problem. Other bad boss problems like bad breath or body odor...i'll save for another time.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz at Work!

You're staring at your keyboard or you're a security officer sitting at your station and just for what seems like a split second, you actually close your eyes and fall asleep at work!!

All of a sudden you hear your co-workers giggling in the background...as you "snap to", your supervisor is standing over you ...you're busted!!

"I was working smarter - not harder. "

"I wasn't sleeping! I was meditating on the mission statement and envisioning a new paradigm! "
"This is one of the seven habits of highly effective people!"

"I was testing the keyboard for drool resistance."

These are just about the best excuses I've heard, but if you're having trouble staying awake at work, take a look at why. The reasons can range from not enough sleep, a shift change, actually being ill, partying too much, a fight with a spouse or significant other, etc.

These circumstances, however true, can put a blemish on your record or cause your separation. My motto is, better be safe , than sorry...To prevent this from happening, give yourself an extra day off or notify your supervisor first of your situation. Do yourself a favor and call in sick or use a personal day. Unless you can be 100%, why bother risking a great work record?

So, You Think You're The Next Conan O'Brien?

Do your co-workers consider you the jokester of the office? Whether trying to lighten the air, make people laugh or seek revenge, office pranksters will always plot their practical jokes. Light-hearted banter and joking in the office is helpful for keeping stress low and spirits high. Unfortunately, crude humor can sneak up and morph into inappropriate and offensive
joke-telling over time. These antics may seem innocent and somewhat childish, but not necessarily to some of your co-workers who may consider your jokes a form of harrassment. Most supervisors are well-schooled on the ins and outs of traditional harassment--what it is, how to prevent it, and what to do if it occurs. So, know when to draw the line...as most comics would say "know your audience"...if what you're going to say seems off color -it probably is. Your next captive audience may be Human Resources.

Sex, Lies and Videotape

Dating a co-worker can be a slippery slope. Not to say you can't find Mr. or Ms. Right at the workplace, but it's not the norm , and there are hidden dangers. If you're secretly dating your co-worker, you should anticipate future problems. Letting cupid lead the way at work can cloud judgement. Have you found yourself covering up for your lover's lack of work productivity, or even punching in and out on the time clock for your paramour if they're late? And, what if other colleagues find out your secret?...they may start accusing favortism, especially if one of you is in a supervisory or managerial position. What if your co-worker is promoted and becomes your boss? What if you break-up?...will you have to face that person every day? Have I "turned you off" yet? Getting over a broken heart is difficult enough even in normal circumstances, but when you have to see your "ex" every day -that's just darn right uncomfortable. Bottom line, check your company's dating policies, and stick to the bars or online dating.

In addition, to matters of the heart, there's the matter of relatives. Try not to work with them for the same employer for similar reasons.

Now, on to Videotape. Some companies choose to have surveillance cameras. You may think it's Big Brother, but companies claim it's for their worker's safety, and also to protect their bottom line. They can turn up in warehouses, the parking lot, near the timeclock, and on office floors. Be careful and mindful...they could be your reckoning.

Wait A Minute...I Didn't File For Unemployment Against This Employer!

This is a common statement from my clients. Unfortunately, claimants don't get to choose which employer is involved in their claim for unemployment benefits. Typically, an employee voluntarily leaves Employer "A" at no fault of Employer "A". The employee finds another job with Employer "B". After a few days or weeks on the job with Employer "B", the employee is fired or Employer "B" notifies the employee they have changed their mind and there is no job available. The employee files for unemployment and the employee finds him/herself confronted with Employer "A" at an unemployment hearing. Claimants don't have a beef with Employer "A" and can't understand why they're involved. Why isn't Employer "B" involved? One reason is that when you file for unemployment, the starting point for your claim begins about 45 days before your file date. Essentially, Employer "B" is not in the system when you filed your claim. Claimant's don't realize that Employer "A" is already in the system and is a base period employer contributing to, or paying unemployment taxes toward the unemployment fund. Their unemployment rate will be affected or may be affected in the future if your claim is successful. Has this happened to you?

Obtaining A Job With A Criminal Background

Do you have a criminal record? Everyone deserves another chance, but when you re-enter the workforce you need to protect yourself as you rebuild your work history. When your employer/supervisor hires you and you do have a felony conviction, take note...Often times when an employee tries to transfer to another department or to a higher paying position with another supervisor down the road, suddenly the felony is once again at issue months or years down the road. In order to prevent trouble following you after employed, make sure there is some sort of notation by your employer in your file acknowledging that you disclosed the felony. If not, the employer can always say they didn't see it on the application and it’s their policy not to hire convicted felons, causing automatic termination.

The Unemployment Blues

Have you been pink slipped? Now that you're unemployed it can be an overwhelming feeling. You're not a failure and you're not alone. You're the victim of the nasty economy which will take some time to turn around before more jobs are created and employers begin to hire again. There are at least 10 million unemployed workers out there, and a lot more you don't hear about. The government statistics don't include a great deal of others, like those who've exhausted their unemployment benefits, those who never applied for benefits, those who don't qualify, etc. Since there are no jobs to be had, what does one do? The first thing is to file for unemployment benefits. Don't wait, go directly to your state unemployment website and apply, but beware! From the moment you fill out the application, everything you write and say to someone can be used as evidence at a future unemployment hearing. Although it may seem simple enough to do, and you know the reasons for your separation better than anyone, you are still in a court of law. No matter how informal this all seems to be, it would be wise to seek help in the process from the get-go.

Do I Give My New Employer References?

Large companies have a policy that they will only give out your dates of employment or if you signed a separation agreement with a neutral reference clause, that's all a prospective employer is going to receive. The "mom and pop" companies is where the problem lies. Obviously, you can never know what your employer or co-worker will say about you. Having said that, there are companies out there like Global Verification Services or Document Reference Check who contact your former employer and record your employer's comments about your separation, work performance, etc. You're the best employee in the world when you're working for the employer but when you're gone and the employer stumbles on something that was misplaced or done incorrectly, you're the one they blame and you're not there to defend yourself. Suddenly, the phone rings from a prospective employer wanting a reference and guess what, you're a horrible worker and you don't get that glowing reference you expected. So what do you do? Prepare the prospective employer with the worst. Tell the prospective employer the problems with the former employer and let them decide. The truth will set you free..

File for Unemployment Benefits Even If You're Working!

Are you saying to yourself... Are you kidding? Why would I want to do that? That's crazy....before you say anything further, just hear me out. Wouldn't you like to know if your employer is paying their unemployment taxes? Perhaps your salary is less than the benefit you would be receiving each week, then guess what, you'd be entitled to the difference. What's the worse that can happen? The Department of Labor gives you a record of your work history, confirms who your employer is, who is contributing to your unemployment and tells you that you're not eligible....and you have peace of mind.

Are You A Big Talker?

Have you ever been warned or fired for cell phone use at the workplace? Cell phones are used at home, in the car, at the beach in the market, and at work....uh...no, not generally permitted at work. If your supervisor catches you on your cell phone you can be written up or fired. How do you prevent using your cell phone at work? Well, don't bring it with you to work, which is not very realistic. How about setting it to vibrate and answering the call during your break. Not a bad a idea, except sometimes when you start talking on the phone you can lose track of time and you risk being caught talking on the cell phone past your break period. But what if it's an emergency and you need to speak to the caller? Always inform your boss you are expecting an important call, give them notice. Better yet, prepare your own document, and have the employer check off "approved" with their initials. If the emergency can take place at any time, on any day, bring up the topic when you are hired. Make a notation in the employer manual or on your application for hire and make sure your employer initials acceptance. Generally, employers don't mind an employee using a cell phone, what they mind is when an employee abuses the privilege during working hours. Oh, and by the way, if you're not a big talker but a big text messenger, the same rules apply.

Vacation Approved

You've worked for months and gosh darn, you need a break! It's called vacation, and everyone in the workforce deserves time off for a job well done. So, how is it suppose to work? How do you request time off? First, read over your employee manual for procedure. If it doesn't address it or there's no manual, contact your supervisor. If your supervisor gives you a verbal "OK", don't automatically assume it is approved. The best way to insure your worry-free trip to Hawaii is to get the approval in WRITING, from someone who's authorized to do so. Often times, circumstances change between the time you requested time off and the start of your vacation. Be sure to get your approval before you've purchased your airline tickets and made hotel reservations. Otherwise you may run the risk having your employer on the eve of your vacation tell you , "Can you go next month, we just don't have coverage." So, be sure to get your time off in writing... a copy for you, a copy for your supervisor...then all you have to worry about is not missing your flight home!

Stealing Food Not To Be Confused With Its Distant Cousin Stealing Time

For those of you who work around food, either cooked or not, its tempting to taste and sample. Even if you're a cook, or you serve behind a deli, or make sandwiches at a fast food restaurant; it's not always ok. It still could be employment ending. The five second rule at home does not apply at work. We should all know that if you drop food on the floor that it is not to be sold by the employer or if you work for a fast food restaurant and someone returns a hamburger because it has onions on it, you don't put it back on the rack. Be careful not to take that item and stick it in your knapsack to take home at the end of your shift because although it's trash, it's still the employer's trash......Now ripping open a candy bar and taking a bite and returning it to the shelf is a whole other story and we'll get into security camera video later.

Stealing Time!

We've all done this, but to what extent? Do you steal time at work? What is it? Stealing time is answering emails, shopping for that new pair of shoes, booking that vacation, or even checking movie times while working. So how much is too much? Generally, you are not allowed to do this without authorized consent, although just because your co-worker does it, doesn't give you the green light to jump in. In some cases it's standard practice to see personal email opened on desktops at work... even the boss does it. But if that appears to be the practice, fall in line and don't abuse it. What's absolutely off-base...porn.

Doing Your Co-Worker's Work Can Be Counter Productive

If your co-worker "drops the ball" so to speak, and you find yourself picking up their work load, this may prevent you from completing your own duties satisfactorily. Beware, you may view it as an opportunity to "shine", but it could cost you...with a below average work performance evaluation . Sometimes it's best just to focus on your own work, and find other ways to prove to your boss that you're worthy of a raise. Has this happened to you?

Abusive Boss

In these current economic times, a lot of bosses are under stress just like you. Did you work for a yeller, thrower, slammer or something else? How did you avoid your boss' tirade? If you're lucky enough to be working, how do you avoid your boss' abuse?

Did You Lose Your Job By Going To The Michael Jackson Memorial?

Have you asked for time off to attend a baseball game, family function or Michael Jackson's memorial and your employer refused your request causing you to call in sick instead? What was the result?

Staffing/Leasing Companies- The Big Deception

It's like being married and finding out your wife isn't who you thought she was and learning about her at the divorce proceeding. A similar situation happens to employees across the country every day without their knowledge. Employers turn their employees over to staffing/leasing companies to avoid paying unemployment taxes, worker's compensation and payroll. Staffing/Leasing companies will do this for a fee. (Here's how it works: If the employer was paying $10.00 per hour for the secretary or IT professional, instead the employer pays the staffing/leasing company $14.00 per hour for the same employee.) The employer accepts the arrangement and in a split second, the employee is fired from the employer, picked up by the Staffing/Leasing Company and then the employee is leased back to the employer. The Staffing/Leasing company becomes the employer. And, at an unemployment hearing the (former) employer becomes the witness for the Staffing/Leasing company and swears that the employee was aware of the switch and aware that they had 72 hours to report to the Staffing/Leasing Company for re-employment. The employer will swear up and down that the employee was notified about the switch at some Monday meeting and the employee even signed off on the paperwork. Unfortunately the employee did not read the fine print and had no knowledge of what occured. Sound familiar? Let's hear your experience.

Requesting A Leave of Absence Can Be Tricky Without Knowing A Return Date

During these economic times, requesting a leave of absence can result in separation of employment. Typically when an employee asks for a leave of absence the employee doesn't know the return date or during the leave of absence, the employee needs to extend it. Have you ever faced these issues?

During These Economic Times, Employers Are Looking For Any Excuse To Fire You.

If you're sick and your employer wants you to come in anyway, don't refuse the instruction. If you're an executive and your boss wants you to wash windows or sweep the bathroom, don't refuse to do it. Has your employer overstepped your terms of employment?

Absences and Tardiness

Were you written up or fired for being late or absent at work? Were your reasons for being absent or late legitimate? Share your reasons in this discussion.

Human Resources and Their "Open Door" Policy

In the workplace Human Resources considers themselves an "open door" department. In most cases what employees don't realize, it's to protect the employer. Tell me your experience. What's your human resource experience? Have they helped you or fired you?