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Job Doc
Is it legal to set a deadline for expense vouchers?
Q. My husband started working for a company two-and-a-half months ago. He recently signed its new employee handbook in which it states the company policy is to not reimburse any expenses submitted more than 30 days after the last day of travel. Is this legal? My husband has just submitted several thousand dollars worth of expenses past this 30-day limit. ... (Boston Globe, 11/2/08)Check out past "Job Doc" features:
Firing the right way important, if tough
Q. I work for an investment firm selling institutional pension products to large institutions. One of my senior staff members is not performing anywhere close to where he should be. We have had several conversations about what he needs to do to get his sales on track, but nothing has helped. I really think I need to replace him with ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I work for an investment firm selling institutional pension products to large institutions. One of my senior staff members is not performing anywhere close to where he should be. We have had several conversations about what he needs to do to get his sales on track, but nothing has helped. I really think I need to replace him with ... (Boston Globe)
Coping with boss's relative can be a high-risk venture
Q. I'm a manager of a healthcare services firm, and am plagued by employee complaints regarding an employee who is a relative of a very senior manager. While this person was a manager, the feedback was awful - she was described as punitive, she micromanaged staff, would minimize others' views, and was protected by senior management. She was moved to ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I'm a manager of a healthcare services firm, and am plagued by employee complaints regarding an employee who is a relative of a very senior manager. While this person was a manager, the feedback was awful - she was described as punitive, she micromanaged staff, would minimize others' views, and was protected by senior management. She was moved to ... (Boston Globe)
Presidential race complicates office politics
Q. I work for a small nonprofit agency. Our boss has made no secret of her support of one of the presidential candidates, and has even asked the staff to join her at a fund-raising event for her candidate. She says that unless this candidate is elected, our funding is in jeopardy. We all feel pressured to go to the ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I work for a small nonprofit agency. Our boss has made no secret of her support of one of the presidential candidates, and has even asked the staff to join her at a fund-raising event for her candidate. She says that unless this candidate is elected, our funding is in jeopardy. We all feel pressured to go to the ... (Boston Globe)
Reining in high turnover starts at hiring
Q. Seven months ago I was promoted to associate chef of a large restaurant in Framingham. One of my responsibilities is the hiring of new employees. Having been in the restaurant business for many years, I believed that I was a good judge of people and that I knew the type of experience and attitude that would make a good ... (Boston Globe)
Q. Seven months ago I was promoted to associate chef of a large restaurant in Framingham. One of my responsibilities is the hiring of new employees. Having been in the restaurant business for many years, I believed that I was a good judge of people and that I knew the type of experience and attitude that would make a good ... (Boston Globe)
Learn to move beyond disappointments
Q. I was a temp working in an accounting department. I was told that my assignment was over, and yet I kept getting checks from the temporary agency as if I were still on the assignment. I called the temp agency several times to tell them that the assignment was over and I should not be paid, but I continued ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I was a temp working in an accounting department. I was told that my assignment was over, and yet I kept getting checks from the temporary agency as if I were still on the assignment. I called the temp agency several times to tell them that the assignment was over and I should not be paid, but I continued ... (Boston Globe)
School job means summers off, but no unemployment
Q. I am an hourly employee at a private school. I work nine months out of the year, but my pay is prorated so that I am paid at equal intervals throughout the year. My questions are: Since I am not a salaried employee, shouldn't I be paid for the hours I work during the school year? More important, if ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I am an hourly employee at a private school. I work nine months out of the year, but my pay is prorated so that I am paid at equal intervals throughout the year. My questions are: Since I am not a salaried employee, shouldn't I be paid for the hours I work during the school year? More important, if ... (Boston Globe)
Stand up, dress up, smile for phone interview
Q. A human resources representative from a company where I'd really like to work called to schedule a telephone interview. I've never been interviewed over the phone before, and I'm nervous. I don't want to blow it, because I really want this job. Please help! (Boston Globe)
Q. A human resources representative from a company where I'd really like to work called to schedule a telephone interview. I've never been interviewed over the phone before, and I'm nervous. I don't want to blow it, because I really want this job. Please help! (Boston Globe)
How to help boss clear his cluttered mind
Q. My boss is a well-intentioned guy who always seems harried and overwhelmed. I've been working for him for five months after being transferred to his department where I was hoping to learn about a different area of the company. I have been with this company for eight years and this is my first transfer. (Boston Globe)
Q. My boss is a well-intentioned guy who always seems harried and overwhelmed. I've been working for him for five months after being transferred to his department where I was hoping to learn about a different area of the company. I have been with this company for eight years and this is my first transfer. (Boston Globe)
Opt-out policies can have disadvantages
Q. The Massachusetts nonprofit of which I am treasurer has several salaried full-time employees. We have personnel policies that cover health insurance, but no written policy should an employee opt out of our health insurance plan. (Boston Globe)
Q. The Massachusetts nonprofit of which I am treasurer has several salaried full-time employees. We have personnel policies that cover health insurance, but no written policy should an employee opt out of our health insurance plan. (Boston Globe)
Whistle-blower may have to broaden horizons
Q. I was a whistle-blower in my old company, and I am now being blackballed in my industry. I had a substantial management job in a high profile organization. Although the wrongdoing was acknowledged, I was censured for having brought the issues to light. I know many people in the field, and I'm well-liked and respected. Since I left, I ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I was a whistle-blower in my old company, and I am now being blackballed in my industry. I had a substantial management job in a high profile organization. Although the wrongdoing was acknowledged, I was censured for having brought the issues to light. I know many people in the field, and I'm well-liked and respected. Since I left, I ... (Boston Globe)
Use caution when it comes to terminations
Q. If an employee has provided two weeks' notice that they are terminating their employment with our company, what are our financial responsibilities toward them for the next two weeks? I understand we are responsible to pay any vacation time owed. However, if we choose to release the employees of their duties immediately, are we required to pay them for ... (Boston Globe)
Q. If an employee has provided two weeks' notice that they are terminating their employment with our company, what are our financial responsibilities toward them for the next two weeks? I understand we are responsible to pay any vacation time owed. However, if we choose to release the employees of their duties immediately, are we required to pay them for ... (Boston Globe)
You get more mileage from some firms
Q: I am sometimes required for my job to use my personal vehicle to drive inventory from my location to another location, approximately 12 miles round trip. My company will not pay gas mileage for this trip, saying that they will pay only if it is over 30 miles. Now I do this trip an average of twice a week. ... (Boston Globe)
Q: I am sometimes required for my job to use my personal vehicle to drive inventory from my location to another location, approximately 12 miles round trip. My company will not pay gas mileage for this trip, saying that they will pay only if it is over 30 miles. Now I do this trip an average of twice a week. ... (Boston Globe)
State can help with Internet job search
Q. I have been laid off from my job at a telemarketing company in Bridgewater. I received two weeks of severance pay and I am now collecting unemployment insurance. My problem is that I cannot afford to buy my own computer and I realize that having access to one is necessary for doing a thorough job search. (Boston Globe)
Q. I have been laid off from my job at a telemarketing company in Bridgewater. I received two weeks of severance pay and I am now collecting unemployment insurance. My problem is that I cannot afford to buy my own computer and I realize that having access to one is necessary for doing a thorough job search. (Boston Globe)
Fear of unemployment can be a good motivator
Q. I work for one of the investment companies in town and I am just waiting for the shoe to drop. I am sure there will be a huge layoff. We lost tons in the mortgage crisis. I am sure my job is in jeopardy. I am paralyzed. I don't know what to do if I do get laid off. ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I work for one of the investment companies in town and I am just waiting for the shoe to drop. I am sure there will be a huge layoff. We lost tons in the mortgage crisis. I am sure my job is in jeopardy. I am paralyzed. I don't know what to do if I do get laid off. ... (Boston Globe)
Former inmates face employment challenges
Q. A relative was in and out of corrections facilities for about 10 years for breaking and entering, driving under the influence, etc. Now, at age 37, he has been out for 1 1/2 years, has a great girlfriend, an apartment, and has had several good jobs, plus he has stayed out of trouble. As soon as an employer checks ... (Boston Globe)
Q. A relative was in and out of corrections facilities for about 10 years for breaking and entering, driving under the influence, etc. Now, at age 37, he has been out for 1 1/2 years, has a great girlfriend, an apartment, and has had several good jobs, plus he has stayed out of trouble. As soon as an employer checks ... (Boston Globe)
First stop in hunt for job should be at grad's alma mater
Q. My daughter has been searching for a job within the community economic development field for nine months without success. She has been networking within the field, but as a new graduate from a master's degree program, she does not have actual experience. She has had many interviews, but has not been chosen for a position. I am wondering if ... (Boston Globe)
Q. My daughter has been searching for a job within the community economic development field for nine months without success. She has been networking within the field, but as a new graduate from a master's degree program, she does not have actual experience. She has had many interviews, but has not been chosen for a position. I am wondering if ... (Boston Globe)
Arrested worker needs to be dealt with fairly
Case of arrested worker stirs many questions Q. I own a small business with eight employees. Last weekend one of our employees was arrested for possession of guns without a permit. The police found the guns hidden in his apartment which he shares with a roommate. He called in on Monday to inform us of this and to say that ... (Boston Globe)
Case of arrested worker stirs many questions Q. I own a small business with eight employees. Last weekend one of our employees was arrested for possession of guns without a permit. The police found the guns hidden in his apartment which he shares with a roommate. He called in on Monday to inform us of this and to say that ... (Boston Globe)
Knowing risk level key to making tough decision
Q. The company that I have worked for the past 32 years has been sold to a much larger corporation that is in a similar type of business. This sale occurred three months ago, and I was just told that I had a choice about whether to continue working with the new ownership. They have told me that I can ... (Boston Globe)
Q. The company that I have worked for the past 32 years has been sold to a much larger corporation that is in a similar type of business. This sale occurred three months ago, and I was just told that I had a choice about whether to continue working with the new ownership. They have told me that I can ... (Boston Globe)
Most employees can be terminated at any time
Q. Can an employer terminate your employment for any reason? I worked for an automobile dealership for five years. I was a supervisor in the transportation department. I recently received an increase in pay and all of my performance reviews were excellent. The dealership recently hired an additional employee into our group so business was not slow. This termination was ... (Boston Globe)
Q. Can an employer terminate your employment for any reason? I worked for an automobile dealership for five years. I was a supervisor in the transportation department. I recently received an increase in pay and all of my performance reviews were excellent. The dealership recently hired an additional employee into our group so business was not slow. This termination was ... (Boston Globe)
Care package not way to handle smelly problem
Q. I have an employment situation that I sincerely do not know how to handle. I am an office manager in the accounting department. There are 19 full- and part-time employees here whom I supervise. Several of the employees have come to me complaining about one particular employee. This accountant has been with the company for several years and is ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I have an employment situation that I sincerely do not know how to handle. I am an office manager in the accounting department. There are 19 full- and part-time employees here whom I supervise. Several of the employees have come to me complaining about one particular employee. This accountant has been with the company for several years and is ... (Boston Globe)
Tough to bridge temp-to-perm wage gap
Q. I recently accepted a temp-to-perm position at a major biotech company. I worked with the recruiting agency to determine my hourly rate and the duration of my position. I was told that I would be temporary for three months and that two weeks prior to the conclusion of my temp assignment, I would be offered (or not) permanent employment ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I recently accepted a temp-to-perm position at a major biotech company. I worked with the recruiting agency to determine my hourly rate and the duration of my position. I was told that I would be temporary for three months and that two weeks prior to the conclusion of my temp assignment, I would be offered (or not) permanent employment ... (Boston Globe)
Method, speed key to recording event
Q. I have been a supervisor for almost a year, and I now have an employee whose performance is problematic. My boss is telling me that I have to document these problems. I guess I have been fortunate in not having to do this type of documentation before, and I realize that I am not sure how I should be ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I have been a supervisor for almost a year, and I now have an employee whose performance is problematic. My boss is telling me that I have to document these problems. I guess I have been fortunate in not having to do this type of documentation before, and I realize that I am not sure how I should be ... (Boston Globe)
Unfair yes, but firms must pay to attract new talent
Q. I am an attorney who has been working at the same small firm for over two years. I am at about a third-year associate level. In January, I received a significant raise. We just hired another associate, to begin next week. He graduated law school two years after I did and has not had a full-time job since graduation. ... (Boston Globe)
Q. I am an attorney who has been working at the same small firm for over two years. I am at about a third-year associate level. In January, I received a significant raise. We just hired another associate, to begin next week. He graduated law school two years after I did and has not had a full-time job since graduation. ... (Boston Globe)
Opportunities abound for translators
Q. I've spent a lot of time on the Net looking for a job as an interpreter in America. I'm an English graduate, I've been a journalist for 23 years in radio, TV, and print journalism. Would you please help me? (Boston Globe)
Q. I've spent a lot of time on the Net looking for a job as an interpreter in America. I'm an English graduate, I've been a journalist for 23 years in radio, TV, and print journalism. Would you please help me? (Boston Globe)
Most Mass. workers entitled to meal breaks
Q. My question is in regard to lunch breaks. Is a business required to provide a lunch break to a salaried employee who is scheduled to work a nine-hour day? Is there a Massachusetts law that regulates this? (Boston Globe)
Q. My question is in regard to lunch breaks. Is a business required to provide a lunch break to a salaried employee who is scheduled to work a nine-hour day? Is there a Massachusetts law that regulates this? (Boston Globe)
Face-to-face needed with co-worker over bid to gain boss's favor
Q. I have a problem with a colleague with whom I work with quite often. We are engineers in the same department and we are frequently paired to do projects or assignments. Although he is very good technically, he will go off on his own and behave as if we are not working together. This happens even after we have ... (Boston Globe, 4/4/08)
Q. I have a problem with a colleague with whom I work with quite often. We are engineers in the same department and we are frequently paired to do projects or assignments. Although he is very good technically, he will go off on his own and behave as if we are not working together. This happens even after we have ... (Boston Globe, 4/4/08)
Headhunter's behavior atypical of how they treat job candidates
Q. Recently, I was called by a headhunter about a particular job. I spent a long time on the phone with this person and he said he would call me back in a few days to make plans to meet. That was several weeks ago. I never heard back from him. Is this typical? I was so unimpressed with this ... (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
Q. Recently, I was called by a headhunter about a particular job. I spent a long time on the phone with this person and he said he would call me back in a few days to make plans to meet. That was several weeks ago. I never heard back from him. Is this typical? I was so unimpressed with this ... (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
Different noncompete document may hurt bid for job at new firm
Q. Last June, the biotech company I worked for negotiated a deal to be acquired by a competitor. In September, we were acquired, our plant was closed, and we were discharged. My company offered us two months' severance pay under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. Additional severance pay was offered if we signed a "release." As one of ... (Boston Globe, 3/16/08)
Q. Last June, the biotech company I worked for negotiated a deal to be acquired by a competitor. In September, we were acquired, our plant was closed, and we were discharged. My company offered us two months' severance pay under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. Additional severance pay was offered if we signed a "release." As one of ... (Boston Globe, 3/16/08)
Develop a strategy to deal with lawsuit, demotion but don't forget recent record
Q. Several years ago, my supervisor accused me of terrible, illegal conduct and demoted me. I sued and won. The lawsuit was quite public - if you Google my name, it is one of the first things that comes up, so any prospective employer is likely to find it. I have had a very positive employment record since then with ... (Boston Globe, 3/9/08)
Q. Several years ago, my supervisor accused me of terrible, illegal conduct and demoted me. I sued and won. The lawsuit was quite public - if you Google my name, it is one of the first things that comes up, so any prospective employer is likely to find it. I have had a very positive employment record since then with ... (Boston Globe, 3/9/08)
To cut down on turnover, find out why employees leave
Q. I supervise a large call center for a hotel chain. We hire really eager people and take the time to train them well and after a relatively short time they leave us to go to another job. This causes the turnover rate to be very high. Management is concerned about the high turnover and my boss has asked me ... (Boston Globe, 1/6/08)
Q. I supervise a large call center for a hotel chain. We hire really eager people and take the time to train them well and after a relatively short time they leave us to go to another job. This causes the turnover rate to be very high. Management is concerned about the high turnover and my boss has asked me ... (Boston Globe, 1/6/08)
Several laws protect pregnant workers injured on the job
Q. I suffered an on the job injury when I was 32 weeks pregnant. I was ordered out of work by three different doctors. It has now been almost eight months and I continue to be out of work from injury. However, I recently found out that when and if I am cleared to return to work, I do not ... (Boston Globe, 1/20/08)
Q. I suffered an on the job injury when I was 32 weeks pregnant. I was ordered out of work by three different doctors. It has now been almost eight months and I continue to be out of work from injury. However, I recently found out that when and if I am cleared to return to work, I do not ... (Boston Globe, 1/20/08)
Protect your privacy by withholding SSN until it's necessary
Q. I was very interested in the first item of your Job Doc column of Oct. 14 about filling out an employment application when going in for a first interview. My question is about providing my Social Security number to any place I apply. I have been to interviews where they ask me to fill out my complete work history, ... (Boston Globe, 1/13/08)
Q. I was very interested in the first item of your Job Doc column of Oct. 14 about filling out an employment application when going in for a first interview. My question is about providing my Social Security number to any place I apply. I have been to interviews where they ask me to fill out my complete work history, ... (Boston Globe, 1/13/08)
Be ready to handle interviews that venture beyond the resume
Q. I have been looking for a different job for a couple of months and noticed that I am being asked questions in interviews that seem totally unrelated to the job that I am applying for. I have been asked questions such as, what do I like to do in my spare time when I'm not working? What were the ... (Boston Globe, 2/3/08)
Q. I have been looking for a different job for a couple of months and noticed that I am being asked questions in interviews that seem totally unrelated to the job that I am applying for. I have been asked questions such as, what do I like to do in my spare time when I'm not working? What were the ... (Boston Globe, 2/3/08)
State CORI reform would help ex-offenders get work, housing
Q. I hope you can help me. I was born in Puerto Rico but came to this country when I was young. I got into trouble about five years ago and spent four years in prison. I was determined to turn my life around when I got out of prison. An organization that helps ex-offenders, EPOCA (Ex-Prisoners and Prisoners Organizing ... (Boston Globe, 1/27/08)
Q. I hope you can help me. I was born in Puerto Rico but came to this country when I was young. I got into trouble about five years ago and spent four years in prison. I was determined to turn my life around when I got out of prison. An organization that helps ex-offenders, EPOCA (Ex-Prisoners and Prisoners Organizing ... (Boston Globe, 1/27/08)
'Degree fatigue' may be opportune time to assess future moves
Q. I have a question about career paths. Ever since graduating from high school in 2000, I've worked full time in the finance industry (mostly back office work) around Boston while attending night school. Fast forward to present day: I'm three months away from graduating cum laude with a BS in management information systems. I've looked into a lot of ... (Boston Globe, 2/17/08)
Q. I have a question about career paths. Ever since graduating from high school in 2000, I've worked full time in the finance industry (mostly back office work) around Boston while attending night school. Fast forward to present day: I'm three months away from graduating cum laude with a BS in management information systems. I've looked into a lot of ... (Boston Globe, 2/17/08)
Personnel file may help in unemployment claim fight with ex-company
Q. When I filed for unemployment, the company gave a different reason for my termination and is now fighting my unemployment claim. This change in story also has me wondering what they are telling any prospective new employer about me when I list my past employment on applications. Can they legally tell me one reason for the termination and tell ... (Boston Globe, 2/10/08)
Q. When I filed for unemployment, the company gave a different reason for my termination and is now fighting my unemployment claim. This change in story also has me wondering what they are telling any prospective new employer about me when I list my past employment on applications. Can they legally tell me one reason for the termination and tell ... (Boston Globe, 2/10/08)
Interrupting employee may not be aware of need for boundaries
Q. I am a manager of a small office administration group and I have been the manager here for four months. The problem I have is with one of the employees in our office who often interrupts me. This employee comes into my office to ask a question or to tell me that something has happened and he does this ... (Boston Globe, 3/2/08)
Q. I am a manager of a small office administration group and I have been the manager here for four months. The problem I have is with one of the employees in our office who often interrupts me. This employee comes into my office to ask a question or to tell me that something has happened and he does this ... (Boston Globe, 3/2/08)
Nonprofits may have need for baby boomers to fill key roles
Q. I am 57 and have been out of work for 13 months now. I was director of operations for a small manufacturing company in the western part of the state. I am having a really hard time finding similar work. Manufacturing seems to be a dying breed and no other industry thinks my skills are transferable even though I ... (Boston Globe, 2/24/08)
Q. I am 57 and have been out of work for 13 months now. I was director of operations for a small manufacturing company in the western part of the state. I am having a really hard time finding similar work. Manufacturing seems to be a dying breed and no other industry thinks my skills are transferable even though I ... (Boston Globe, 2/24/08)
