What is the best way to approach my boss, who is also owner and president of our small company, about morale and office environment? I work in a very small construction-estimating firm, consisting of eight in-house staff members, and have been here for four years. The environment has taken a drastic turn for the worse, with more than one employee, including myself, looking for other employment. The entire office seems to have the same complaints: no company gatherings either inside or outside the office, lack of communication from the president and owner, meetings that office members are left out of, etc. If the saying holds true that ''management sets the tone,'' I feel like the entire office is becoming infected.

I have to assume that for the first four years, the environment was positive, upbeat and even fun. The first thing that comes to mind is that perhaps the company may be seeing a decline in business orders. The construction industry has been losing jobs for the past several months, which is usually an indicator the industry is slowing down.

That could be affecting your company's future profitability and making your boss very concerned about the future of the company.

It is certainly worth having a conversation about your observations and concerns with the boss. I would approach him when he is alone. Share with the boss that morale has gotten bad and that all employees are hungry for information, whether it is good or bad news. The boss may be willing to share some of the issues he is grappling with and perhaps was so wrapped up in these issues that he failed to see what was happening.

The boss may not be willing to talk and may dismiss you and your concerns. But at least you tried to reach out, and that will make you feel better. I like the strategy that you are also looking around for other opportunities. We spend so much of our time at work that it is important to enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work.

For seven months, I have been employed in a ''temp-to-hire'' capacity. I have enjoyed the situation, and my job performance has been excellent. A manager has communicated to me that they intend to offer me a full-time position. The company would save money doing so. However, he indicated my salary would not increase significantly, and in the month or so since the ''process'' has started, I have not received any further information. How long is reasonable for me to be patient, and is there a way I can make my eventual impatience clear without threatening my situation?

It is entirely appropriate after a month's time to inquire of your boss where the company is in the process of extending an offer. I would also ask when you could expect the actual offer. If that is acceptable to you, you should continue to perform well and wait for the offer.

If the offer does not come through in a reasonable amount of time, I might ask the temp agency for reassignment, in the hope that you land in another company that's willing to hire you full time.

I do want to caution you about your logic of saving the company money by hiring you full time and perhaps, though you didn't state it, your disappointment about making approximately the same salary that you are making now if you are hired full time. Adding a full-time employee is expensive. Benefits can run 20 to 25 percent of salary.

The company might be trying to maximize your stay on the temps payroll before putting you on full time with benefits. In any event, you have the right to know that, and it is perfectly appropriate to ask.

I graduated from college one year ago and decided to defer graduate school for a year, to save money. I have worked full time for eight months, and my employer does not know I intend to start school in the fall. I'd like to continue working part time while I attend grad school. I am not sure when and how to approach my employer. Should I give them two weeks' ''notice'' that I would like to renegotiate my position? I'm afraid that if I ask too early, they will find a replacement. I know I could do my job's key elements in 20 hours, since I am often bored. How is the best way to communicate that?

Speak to your employer immediately. Explain that you have decided to go to school but would like to work 20 hours a week. Tell them you're confident you can do the job in 20 hours. If the employer hesitates, you might say, ''Let's try it out. If you're not happy with the job I am doing, I will train my replacement.'' This should be a win-win: You keep your job; the employer saves on costs.

That depends on the job and the type of reference with whom you are speaking. For example, if the job involves meeting tight deadlines, make sure you ask each reference how the individual did meeting deadlines. Of a customer, you might ask, ''Did the candidate deliver the product or service when he said he would? If there was a problem, did the candidate contact you immediately to apprise you of the delay?'' Incidentally, customers, colleagues who worked with the candidate, and former bosses make excellent references.

Think about key aspects of the job. Ask questions about these things, to ensure the individual's talents match the skills needed to do the job. However, there are some key questions everyone wants to ask, such as, ''If you had to do it all over again, would you hire this person?'' Responses will tell volumes about the candidate.

I'd suggest listing five to eight key questions and leaving room for the responses right on the paper. At the top of the page, leave room for the candidate's name, the reference's name, his or her relationship to the candidate, and the date. One caveat: Make sure you ask each reference the exact same questions, so you can compare the responses.

Joan Cirillo is the executive director of Operation A.B.L.E., a nonprofit organization that provides employment and training opportunities to adults age 40 and older.

Got a question for the Job Doc? Tell us what hurts and we'll try and find the remedy for your career woes, every Sunday in the BostonWorks section of the Sunday Globe. E-mail your questions to or mail to Job Doc, The Boston Globe, PO Box 2378, Boston, MA 02107-2378. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.