Talk To The Work Wiz

To Give Notice Or Not...That Is The Question.

2010-02-08T23:26:00.002-05:00

There are many reasons to justify quitting a job without notice.

1.) Ongoing harassment
2.) Fear of physical threat.

But in either scenario, always try to preserve your job before quitting. Contact your supervisor, HR and call the 1-800 numbers, if available. Document, document and document. I can't emphasize this enough. This will help in your claim for unemployment benefits. Under these circumstances, quitting without notice is widely accepted. However, in order to collect unemployment benefits, generally, it is necessary to fulfill two criteria, 1) show good cause to quit and; 2) try to preserve your job before quitting.

Now, where there's no harassment or physical threat at the workplace there are two schools of thought. 1) Quitting a job should come with sufficient notice because it will give your employer a chance to make a competitive offer. But how likely is that, especially in today’s economic climate? If the new job doesn’t pan out, the employee would then call his former boss up and plead and beg for their job back. The employer would likely say, “Sorry, I’ve already accepted your resignation and/or I’ve already replaced you.” The other school of thought and preferred method is 2) to leave without notice. It goes like this: It’s Friday, you’ve got your paycheck and you leave. Now in this scenario, let’s say before you start your new employment, you receive a telephone call that the new employer has changed his mind and takes back his offer of employment. Now you want your old job back. If you haven’t given notice, the employer has no direct evidence that you quit. If you haven’t given notice, perhaps you can say I was sick, (wink, wink). At least you haven‘t conveyed your intentions to your former employer and collecting your unemployment benefits is more likely. Did you quit your last job without notice?

Turn Your Part Time Job Into A Full Time Job

2010-02-02T13:09:00.002-05:00

In an article by Anita Bruzzese, CEO (Martha Finney) says, "You’ve got to demonstrate that even as a temp, you’re a great fit for the company. Smile, be friendly and treat the job like it’s permanent and you own it. Treating it with respect sends out the right signal.”

I disagree, smiling and being friendly isn't going to get you that full time job. Either your co-workers will think you just came from the dentist or you're some kind of a freak. Just be yourself.

Of course a CEO wants you to be dedicated, because they're paying more money for you to be there than the other full time workers. And Alexandra Levit, a business/workplace author and WSJ columnist comments, "make sure you've been doing a great job in the position".

If you're only there for a day or a week, with another co-worker constantly monitoring your progress, how much control can you have to show your employer what you're capable of doing for the company? (Of course, it depends a lot on what kind of job you have, but generally, the person who is monitoring you isn't the one who hired you.) Typically the other full time co-workers are watching you.

Now here's how a temporary employee becomes a full time employee. 1) Show the employer the numbers. Show the employer that you can save the employer money by keeping you on full time. Your presence reduces overtime by the other workers; 2) Show the other co-workers that you fit in with them, that your personality matches theirs. Make the other co-workers your disciples; 3) Don't be a threat to your co-workers, don't show them up.

Was there a full time job that you wanted after working for the company as a temporary worker?

Employers' Policies That Don't Make Sense!

2010-01-21T07:27:00.006-05:00

Have you ever wondered why employers' policies don't make any sense? That's because they make their own rules and policies. Here are three of my favorites:

1) You must produce a doctor's note when you return to work if you're sick, otherwise your absence is unauthorized. This is General Motors policy. According to this policy, if you have the flu, you have to spend $40 for the doctor to say, get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. Do you really need to go to the doctor and pay $40 to hear this? Oh, I forgot, you need the doctor's note to give to your supervisor, because your employer doesn't trust you.

2) If you call off twice in 30 days, you're fired. (Calling off for those of you out there who don't know what "calling off" means, it is notifying your supervisor that you're sick, or you have an emergency and you won't be coming in.) This is a Dunbar Armored policy. Is that 30 calendar days or 30 business days? So, if I have 2 separate emergencies, which I have no control over, you're fired. That's a hell of a thread to be hanging from.

3) A three (3) to five (5) day bereavement policy is standard in most employee handbooks. If you lost your child in a devastating accident, would that be enough time to regroup, gather your thoughts and get back to work? This is how employers deal with employees who are hit with unforeseeable and isolated crisis. They don't care about the practicality of their rules, they have a business to run.

Have you come across a few impractical policies at work?

Exit Interviews

2010-01-13T20:58:00.004-05:00

Have you ever filled out an exit survey or attended an "exit interview"? My next question is Why? You've already been fired. What possible reason would you have to do it? Do you think the employer cares what you think now? The employer didn't care enough to find out what you thought while you were working there. Are you still being paid by the employer? uhh...no, you've been FIRED!. Oh that's right, you quit and you want to make sure you get your paycheck. Wrong again! You've already earned your pay.

What is an Exit Interview?
An exit interview is typically a meeting between at least one representative from a company's human resources (HR) department and a departing employee. The HR rep might ask the employee questions while taking notes, ask the employee to complete a questionnaire, or both.

What's the Purpose of an Exit Interview?

Human resources departments conduct exit interviews to gather data for improving working conditions, (so they say) and retaining employees (so they say). However, the true purpose is to help employers avoid costly litigation down the road, caused by "disgruntled" employees. In other words, your comments and the notes an HR rep takes or gathers during your exit interview might be used against you in court, should you decide to sue your former employer. Exit interviews are for the employer's benefit only. In most cases the employer uses the information against you at an unemployment hearing or at a future Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claim.

Must I Submit to an Exit Interview?

No. It's your right to decline an exit interview. A reputable employer will respect your decision. However, a not-so-reputable employer might resent that you didn't participate and file a "would not rehire" or similar adverse notation in your personnel records.

Should I Participate in an Exit Interview?

I question the usefulness of an exit interview. A better time to conduct such a meeting is while an employee is committed, not while he or she is on the way out the door and concerned about burning a bridge. If you do participate, at your own peril, I would advise giving "generic" responses only or at least think carefully before responding.

There are risks for departing employees which include the information falling into the wrong hands and ruining references, the employer revealing negative information during a background check, and, the employer submitting either positive or negative information as evidence in a lawsuit.

Some things to consider before participating in an exit interview:
• As a departing employee, will you benefit from an exit interview?
• Is the exit interview anonymous or must you sign a questionnaire or the HR rep's notes?
• Is the reason you're leaving any of the company's business or an invasion of your privacy?
• Why did your employer wait until you're leaving to ask your opinion?
• Will the HR department really use your comments for improvements or are they just trying to find out the "real" reason you're leaving?
• Might an exit interview burn a bridge, ruin a reference or cause an adverse background check for you?
• Might you sue your former employer down the road?

Have you filled out an exit interview and lived to regret it?

Dazed and Confused?

2010-01-05T09:21:00.002-05:00

Does your job offer an Employee Assistance Program? These are employee benefit programs offered by many employers, typically in conjunction with a health insurance plan. EAPs are intended to help employees deal with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health, and well-being.

If you find yourself missing work too often due to a hangover, coming to work late, or in the bathroom a little too often, you should admit to a problem and consider entering a program. Frequently, employees wait until it's too late...when they're told they have to take a drug test.

Read your employee handbook to know the company's procedure. The time to confide is BEFORE you're tested for drugs, alcohol or marijuana. Don't wait until you've been randomly called to be tested or after you've been tested, it will likely be too late.

Are You A Fantasy Football Player?

2009-12-16T09:27:00.001-05:00

Do you spend time at work managing your fantasy football team?

If so, you could be one of the millions of people costing employers as much as $1.1 billion weekly in lost productivity during the National Football League season.

According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas , the Chicago-based employment research firm that tracks corporate office trends, participants spend 10 minutes per day, or almost an hour a week, drafting players, setting rosters and plotting strategy at the office. A conservative estimate of weekly lost productivity ...about $500 million .

So what's a boss to do?

Nothing.

Employers should see fantasy sports as a positive influence in the workplace.The potential damage to morale and loyalty resulting from a ban could be far worse than the loss of productivity caused by 10 minutes of online team management. Companies that not only allow workers to indulge in fantasy football but actually encourage it by organizing a company league are likely to see benefits... and happier employees.

You're Not Alone

2009-12-15T22:10:00.004-05:00

A New York Times Poll reveals the depth and trauma of joblessness.
Call it what you want — being laid off or downsized, getting dismissed or fired, receiving your pink slip or your walking papers, losing your job hurts and it can have a profound effect on your emotional well being. Among a variety of life-altering events, such as death in the family, divorce, and serious illness, losing your job ranks among the highest in stress-causing situations. However, I always say, the best time to be out of work is when everyone is out of work, which is now!

The official unemployment rate is 10.2%, however, unofficially 25% of America is out of work if you count those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits, students without a work history, employees on strike, disabled employees, retired workers, etc.

If you suddenly find yourself out of work...

1. Apply for government unemployment benefits right away. I can't tell you how many times people hold off applying because they think they're going to get a job right away. The delay may cause your benefits to be affected.

2. Determine how long your financial resources will last.

3. If you had your health benefits paid for by your employer, find out if you can still maintain those benefits through COBRA(The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act).

4. Career Check- if layoffs are rampant in your field you may want to consider a change in a field that is growing. You may need some professional advice.

5. Take this forced "time off" to spruce up your skills...update your resume, and network with contacts.

Most of all, understand it's a difficult time for everyone, not just yourself, so try not to get overwhelmed with self-pity. Maintain a daily routine that includes looking for work, going to the gym, and even taking time for friends and family. Get support for how you're feeling through internet discussion groups, and try to keep forging ahead. In time, things will change... they always do.

Absences, Tardiness and Excuses

2009-12-11T12:39:00.003-05:00

We've all made up one or two excuses why we're late to work....I just wasn't "feelin' it" this morning.....I was up all night arguing with God...a raccoon stole my work shoe off my porch. Perpetual lateness can be problematic in the workplace. In fact, Twenty percent of workers said they arrive late to work at least once a week, according to a February 2009 CareerBuilder.com survey of more than 8,000 workers. Twelve percent said they are late at least twice a week.But how do you deal with being late can make the difference in keeping your job or getting a pink slip. Know your employers Policy! Make sure you follow protocol as to who receives the message. If there's no policy, ask questions before the inevitable. Typically, the answering machine is NOT the best medium... find a reliable human being. If you're going to be late -Call Ahead...Give an ETA ..Call in and leave a message with the receptionist, or co-worker, if that is acceptable. Make sure you follow protocol as to who receives the message. Follow employer guidelines regarding tardiness,but remember excessive or perpetual lateness can result in losing your job! Problems arise when your employer has an important deadline and is expecting you. If your excuse is legitimate, you still may need a note. An employer can fire you for lateness or absenteeism as long as they don't violate your federal or state protected rights. Normally, however, the employer will give you a warning before you're discharged, allowing you to straighten up your act, but it's certainly not required. So before you say, "my route to work was cut off by a presidential motorcade", buy two alarm clocks, and prioritize...after all, if you don't get to work, you don't pay the bills.

Are You A Party Crasher?

2009-12-02T09:19:00.007-05:00

Most recently the "Party Crashers" at the White House claim they were invited guests. Some analysts cry, "no harm no foul", because a crime wasn't commited and no one was hurt. What does this have to do with the workplace? Have you ever violated company policy and made the same claim? Have you ever used your laptop in your company vehicle while driving and not incur an accident? Are you a secretary and perhaps you mailed the incorrect information to the wrong party, or did you forget to pay for an item at work before consuming it? So, does that old saying, "no harm, no foul" apply to you, or did you get fired? Did you make mistakes at work and did it cause you to be fired when it should only require a reprimand???

Munch-A-Bunch?

2009-11-25T08:34:00.008-05:00

Ever work in a restaurant, fast food place or even behind the deli in a grocery store and your stomach begins to rumble? You feel weak and you have no money in your pocket to buy a snack outright. You can't ask Dave or Linda for a loan because you hit them up last week and still haven't repaid them, so you grab a couple french fries, take a slice of cheese or confiscate a sandwich that was returned by a customer. But oh no, the video is running or your supervisor or co-worker saw you do it, what next? In some instances you can swallow but in other situations, it may be your last bite. In all situations it's against company policy and you'll likely be fired for stealing, but if your job consist of testing the food for consumption or your supervisor gives you permission (make sure it's in writing) then you could get away with it. Have you ever had the urge???

Is Safety Your Call?

2009-09-28T08:28:00.008-04:00

It seems like an easy answer but it's not. So you're a truck driver and you're assigned tractor 32 but you believe the brakes are not working properly.

Let's back up, (sorry, no pun intended) you know the brakes aren't working properly after the last time you drove the vehicle. Another common situation is when the truck doesn't have the proper licensing which could jeopardize your Commerical Driver's license. Do you drive the vehicle?

Let's take another scenario. You're a foreman and you're told to cut rebar without training or adequate safety gear.. do you proceed?

These are just a few examples of the problems employees encounter daily across the country.

The simple answer to the truck driver is contact your supervisor and have the truck sent to the garage. Things get a little complicated when the mechanic from the garage says there's nothing wrong with the brakes or the dispatcher says the licenses ARE updated. However, the weigh station says, technically the licenses the truck has are sufficient but if you get pulled over by the police, your CDL license is at risk. The next action is to contact the owner and explain the problem. This could be problematic because the owner doesn't want to be bothered, that's why they employ supervisors- to fix the problems.

Let's tackle the rebar cutter's situation. Whatever you do, don't walk off the job and wait until the problem is resolved. If you are told to go home, come back to work at your next scheduled shift. Don't wait for your employer to call you, they likely won't. Chances are they will have found another uninformed worker to do your job and you will be considered to have abandoned your job. Has this happened to you???

Are You A Trickster?

2009-09-25T11:30:00.006-04:00

I have been finding that since the employer has been cutting back, the employee has been devising, scheming and adapting to the new economic environment at the workplace. The employee is coming up with new ways to increase their hours for a bigger paycheck or increasing their bottom line. One way is to offer to open the business for the employer. If the business opens at 9:00 A.M. the employee may punch in at 8:30 A.M. and over a week's time that employee has added 3 hours to their paycheck. When a delivery driver receives 5 packages from one location, he/she may log them in separately over a period of time instead of at the same location. As a result, hours on the time card would be increased. And, employees are embelishing their travel and expense sheets. But beware, the employer is saavy and knows the tricks too. What ways have you come up with to adapt to the current economic climate??

Did You Lose Your Job Because You Lost Your Childcare?

2009-09-24T12:28:00.003-04:00

Many employees across the country have problems with finding childcare and unless it is resolved in a hurry, it can cause you to lose your job. Typically employees will use up their vacation, sick time and personal days to cure the problem. Your employer is not interested in giving you "more minutes" like a cellular telephone company to help you find childcare. During these economic times, your employer is only too happy to see you use up your time in this way. Recently, an employee of the Department of Children and Families told me her supervisor recommended that she stay home to be with her children. Have you experienced childcare problems and how did you resolve it?

Who's Watching Me?

2009-09-03T21:37:00.002-04:00

Sad to say, too often it's your employer! In this age of technology,companies have become very intrusive, creating paranoid reactions among employees. Workers worry whether the boss is monitoring their e-mails, instant messages, and virtually every keystroke and mouse click.

Depending on the nature of your work and the state you live in, many companies are well within their rights to control the flow of information coming in and out of their business. Ideally, employers are upfront about their policies, posting warnings that employees’ telephone and computer activities are being monitored. But some companies do all this in complete secrecy and even deny such activities when confronted.

Typically, employee monitoring is done on a need-to-know basis — that is, when an employer suspects a worker is doing something they shouldn’t be. This could range from innocent goofing off — watching videos, online shopping — to more serious activities that could compromise the well-being of the company or its equipment.

What many companies don’t realize is the negative impact spying has on employee morale and workflow. A happy worker is always more productive, but when they feel Big Brother is watching their every move, it casts a negative shadow over the entire workplace.

I Have Nowhere Else To Go!

2009-08-27T21:53:00.004-04:00

Due to the current economic climate, a number of employees are sticking it out, tolerating the horrible treatment of their employer and suffering at the workplace because it's better to be employed than looking for a job that doesn't exist. Are you miserable and trapped at work???

10 Best Reasons For Being Late To Work

2009-08-24T22:04:00.004-04:00

My top 10 favorite excuses for being late to work from my clients:
1) I was chillin'.
2) I couldn't find a band-aid after cutting myself.
3) I thought there was a 1 hour grace period.
4) My wife wouldn't let me out of bed.
5) It was raining.
6) I accidentally locked myself IN my house.
7) I was waiting for the cable guy.
8) My interview for another job ran late.
9) My favorite episode of "Will and Grace" was on.
10)My toe nails weren't dry from my pedicure.
What are your excuses??

Should I Stay Or Should I Transfer?

2009-08-19T20:50:00.005-04:00

Your spouse has been offered a great job in Atlanta and your company has a store located there as well. It seems the "stars are in alignment" and you put in for a transfer. You contact the Atlanta store and the supervisor says there is an opening, and the job is yours. You and your spouse pack your bags and you're off. When you arrive in Atlanta you learn the supervisor you spoke to has disappeared and his replacement tells you there is no opening available. You contact your former store and they know nothing, but you can't return to your former position because you resigned, and has since been filled. Your only option is to file for unemployment benefits. At least you think there is some financial relief as you look for a new job. Not so fast....The problem is you resigned for personal reasons from your former store so you can't collect unemployment benefits. Has this happened to you??

Insubordiate Subordinate!

2009-08-07T18:39:00.007-04:00

In an ideal workplace setting, every employee would be enthusiastic, efficient, easy to get along with, and extremely self motivated. Of course that describes you," I'm the perfect employee", you say.

But one day your manager has accused you of being late to work, absent without authorization, a poor performer, using profanity, etc. Your supervisor brings you into his/her office where you are presented with a counseling notice. You read it and completely disagree with its contents. You are asked to sign it. It’s painted with lies and distortions of the truth so you refuse to sign and walk out. You have just become an “insubordinate subordinate”. This would be grounds for dismissal. “WAIT A MINUTE!! Insubordination? What did I do wrong? I’m not going to sign something that is fabricated.” This may be true, but what you should have done was “land your plane!” Just kidding, I love that line from the movie “Top Gun”. What you should have done was write on the document that you disagree with the document and then sign it. In that way you’re covered until your next write-up! Have you experienced a write-up???

Battle Speed, Attack Speed, Ramming Speed

2009-08-05T09:14:00.006-04:00

I was reading Julie Jargon's article in The Wall Street Journal this morning that Starbucks has an idea how to make their employees more efficient. The notion is to make them work faster and as a result more customers will be served. This idea reminded me of the movie "Ben Hur". Do you remember when Charlton Heston was chained to his seat with the other slaves rowing in the bowels of the Roman ship? The captain ordered the slaves to change their rowing speed at the beat of the drum. What Starbucks is suggesting is not too far from what the Roman captain did in that 1959 movie. I can hear it now when I walk into Starbucks for that latte...Order Speed, Mixing Speed, Spilling Speed!!! My question is whether current employees agreed to these working conditions when hired? What do you think??

I Wasn't Put On The Schedule So I'm Fired, Right?

2009-08-04T09:54:00.004-04:00

Not so fast. Maybe just wishful thinking by an employee who's fed up with their job. I regularly hear this reason for separation from employment. This is not to say it's not a valid point, but the question is whether it's enough to infer that you are no longer an employee? The simple answer is no, it's not enough. The mere act of taking an employee off the schedule doesn't necessarily mean you're fired. It could mean that you've been scheduled on another day, or you're merely suspended or you're to come in and talk to your supervisor. I know the "buts". For instance, "But, my entire name has been erased from the schedule and that always means you're fired, since I've been working there." Or, "But, they didn't call me." It could be a mistake by the schedule person. There are a whole host of reasons why your name is not listed or you are not scheduled. Don't assume it's because you've been fired. Always get confirmation from your supervisor of his/her intentions before you determine you've been let go. Has this happened to you?

Bank Teller Loses His Job After Chasing Down Bank Robber

2009-08-04T09:36:00.002-04:00

Did you hear about the bank teller who chased down a bank robber and was fired? You can check out the video on the website. What do you think about this? Was Key Bank right in firing him? What's your opinion? ....Then I'll give you mine.

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

2009-07-30T11:40:00.008-04:00

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

2009-07-28T11:22:00.000-04:00

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?

2009-07-27T21:00:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-07-20T23:09:00.008-04:00

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?