Blog

Frontline Supervisor: Bullying in the Workplace

Q. What are the most common bullying behaviors in the workplace? I would like to know what they are so I am more likely to spot them or believe employees when the come to me with complaints.

Frontline Supervisor: High-Conflict Employees

Q. Employees in conflict can be very disruptive to the work group. I have no problem making a referral to BJC EAP, but supervisors should attempt to resolve conflicts first. The question is how early to step in, right? Also, does a “formula” exist for doing it right?

Frontline Supervisor: Dealing with Employees’ Personal Problems

Q. In supervisor training, we are strongly warned not to ask employees personal questions or discuss employees’ personal problems. I find this a difficult task because it makes me appear cold. Can you discuss this a little more?

Frontline Supervisor: Substance Abuse and the Workplace

Q. One of our reputable employees was hospitalized and later shared his story of addiction to heroin. I was floored. The employee never showed any symptoms and didn’t look anything like a street person. There was an absenteeism problem, but I never dreamed it was drugs. Is this rare?

Frontline Supervisor: Employee Morale & Motivation

Q. My employee does not like her job, but she is good at it. I don’t have another position for her, and she doesn’t want to quit. Her morale is not very good. Sometimes her attitude is poor. Is there a way to help her feel more joy in her position?

Frontline Supervisor: Becoming a Better Manager

Q. My boss called me a stress-monger after some of my employees complained about my hard-charging style. I am not as bad as these employees have made me out to be. If others get stressed because I push them to excel, why is that my problem?

Frontline Supervisor: Alcohol & Your Employees

Q. I will be confronting my employee about the smell of alcohol on his breath in accordance with our reasonable suspicion policy. Can you offer any quick tips prior to my meeting?

Frontline Supervisor: Stress and the Workplace

Q. Every workplace is different, so specific strategies for managing stress vary, but what should we focus on as managers to help employees reduce stress? How do we come up with a list of things to try?

Frontline Supervisor: How to Deal with Downsizing

Q. How can I support employees who remain after downsizing? Many relationships were lost, and grief and anger exist. Will this situation eventually right itself? Perhaps I should make myself scarce because I represent management, the target of their anger.

Frontline Supervisor: Performance Appraisals

Q. Some of my employees have not had performance evaluations in several years, including some of my more difficult workers with attitude problems. I'm sure some connection exists between the lack of an evaluation and their behavior, but shouldn't self-control reign in mature workers?

12345678