Here are five answers to five questions:
1. Survey asked how my boss communicates about her mental health
A company-run training program is asking for feedback on my supervisor’s managing style. I was asked to rate how well she communicates about her mental health, which I found uncomfortable. I suggest responding with a high rating if her communication style works for you, or a N/A. In the free response section, mention that everyone deserves privacy around their health at work.
Employers should focus on promoting mental health in non-invasive ways, such as offering mental health coverage and employee assistance programs, rather than expecting managers to share personal mental health details.
Related:
forcing employees to talk about their feelings isn’t good for our mental health
2. Can I wear a brace to avoid handshakes?
If you’re uncomfortable with a firm handshake due to a hand injury, wearing a hand brace is a good solution. You can also simply explain your injury to avoid handshakes. People may look puzzled, but it’s not a big deal as long as you’re warm and matter-of-fact about it.
Related:
chill out with the bone-crushing handshakes
3. I end up doing more work than my less organized coworker
If you and your coworker often handle entire assignments individually, consider switching off who takes full assignments to avoid organizational issues. If that doesn’t work, speak to your manager about assigning projects to one of you, not both. You could also request recognition and compensation for the extra responsibilities you’re taking on.
4. My coworkers want me to tell them why a colleague was fired
Dealing with curious coworkers after a colleague’s termination due to misconduct is tough. Firmly redirect them to management for any questions and avoid engaging with inappropriate inquiries. If the behavior persists, consider involving HR for additional support.
5. Candidates say I didn’t call for our scheduled phone interview, but I did
When candidates claim you didn’t call for a scheduled interview, politely mention that you did call and suggest a reschedule if you’re still interested. Consider including instructions in your confirmation emails on what to do if they haven’t heard from you at the scheduled time to avoid misunderstandings.
