Dear Evil Skippy:
My faith is an important part of my life and I like to share my beliefs with others. When is it O.K. to talk to a co-worker about religion? I am afraid of getting into trouble under the harassment rules.
– Mr. X
I Asked A Job Applicant Out For Coffee
Dear Evil Skippy:
I manage a group of customer service representatives and just had a few days of employee interviews. During a break on the first interview day, I ran across the street to Starbucks. While I was there, an attractive young lady in line behind me struck up a conversation. It was a long line. By the time I paid, I thought we had hit it off so I asked her if she would like to meet another time for coffee when we could talk more. She liked the idea and we exchanged phone numbers and I said I would call her in the next day or two. As you may have seen coming, she was the next candidate who I interviewed. We chuckled about the coincidence and proceeded with the interview. At the end, I said (nicely) we would have to forget about the coffee. When she agreed, she also replied that she hoped I was not going to torpedo her resume just so she wouldn’t be hired and would then be free for the date. I thought she was joking, but now I wonder if I am being set up. What do you think?
– Brad
My Boss Won’t Let Me Quit
Dear Evil Skippy:
I flew all the way to Boston to quit my job, but my boss refused to accept my letter of resignation! To be fair, it was very unexpected. I love my job, and I do it well. I’m just ready to move on to something else. My boss wants me to “think it over” over the next few weeks. Ev (can I call you Ev?), I’ve thought it over for several months and I’m not going to change my mind. How can I convince my boss that I’m serious about wanting to leave?
I’ve thought of a few possibilities, but perhaps you can help me by thinking up a few more.
- Call up my immediate supervisor, and while talking with her suddenly start speaking in tongues. The problem is, the only other language I’m any good at is German, and she’s from Germany, so that might not work.
- Convince my manager that the real reason I’m quitting is to become a Country & Western singing sensation. Ask for his professional advice as I burst into a rousing rendition of “Take This Job and Shove It.”
- Interpretive striptease at the upcoming all-employee meeting.
I could really, REALLY use your advice. Help me Evil Skippy, you’re my only hope.
– C.S. (Not My Real Name)
My West Coast Co-Workers Torment Me With Weather Updates
Dear Evil Skippy:
I live and work in Boston. My company also has offices on the west coast in Seattle. As you know, we have had a wild winter here. We are all pretty tired of the cold, ice and digging out of snow. My colleagues on the west coast keep sending us weather updates about their wonderful balmy weather and it is driving me crazy. What can I do to make them stop?
– R.M.
Should I Match Up My Two Compatible Co-Workers?
Dear Evil Skippy:
I have two co-workers who I know would be great for each other. I think I should try to set them up. Before I do, I want to make sure that this would not count as harassment or something that would get me into trouble with management.
– D.F.
My Boss Stressed Me Out By Telling Me Not To Be Stressed
Dear Evil Skippy:
A few weeks ago, our office had a mandatory training program about how to manage and avoid stress in the workplace. Because of attending the program, I became pressed on some imminent deadlines. Today, my supervisor told me that I needed to implement some of the methods we learned in the training session because I was “obviously stressed.” He said he might issue a performance improvement plan if I don’t “calm down.” Please provide me with an evil plan to use if he says it again.
– Carolyn
Should I Keep My Co-Workers’ Dating Relationship A Secret From The Boss?
Dear Evil Skippy:
A co-worker told me that she is dating one of our other co-workers and asked me to help her keep it a secret from management. If you were my boss and you found out I knew about this without reporting it, would you think less of me?
– T.L.
Why Don’t You Censor Obscene Comments?
Dear Evil Skippy:
Why don’t you censor the letters from readers who use obscene language? The recent use of the “F” word was unnecessary.
– L.G.
What Counts As An Appropriate Workplace Hug?
Dear Evil Skippy:
I am a gregarious, physical person. I am also a hugger. I think if people hugged more often, the world would be a better place. My boss recently told me that a few people are uncomfortable with my hugs and I need to be more careful about hugging in the future. What counts as an appropriate work place hug?
– Friendly
Weight Loss Competitions In The Workplace — Yay or Nay?
Dear Evil Skippy:
What do you think of those wellness programs where different departments at an office compete to see which one’s employees lose the most weight over a certain period?
– Assistant H.R. Programs Manager
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