Do you have the Boss From Hell? Is he/she an Insatiable Narcissist? Is one of your coworkers a Veteran Hack or Spineless Sycophant? If so, this podcast is for you.This week, Aaron and Wendy interview Vicky Oliver, who wrote the book 'Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots: 201 Smart Ways to Handle the Toughest People Issues.' And in doing so, she provided employees everywhere with a reference guide for the various categories of horrible bosses, exasperating coworkers and just about every office problem in existence. She identifies issues, gives solutions and helps you figure out how... view article details

If you work with a lot of Gen Xers or older millennials, you’ve probably heard a co-worker pay homage to the 1999 cult classic “Office Space” which continues to provide catharsis for anyone facing workspace woes. But, believe it or not, cubicles weren’t invented as some sort of practical joke. Organizations have tried to adapt their physical workspaces over time to maximize productivity and minimize distractions. And now, with the added foil of remote work opportunities, there’s a balance organizations must seek both in and out of the office. Does the “Open Office” Really Work? According to re... view article details

You work hard. You deserve your vacation. Yet in a world where we're all shouldering more and constant connectivity is par for the course, leaving the office behind can seem difficult, if not impossible.Yet with a little preparation and follow-through, work doesn't have to ruin your vacation.This article explores 12 tips to a restorative, relaxing, and work-free vacation you can truly enjoy.1. Consider timing If you prepare taxes for a living, don't schedule your vacation during the first two weeks in April. Pick a time of year when your workload and the demand on your time is reasona... view article details

Office Holiday Parties Can be Minefields With its booze, year-long pent-up emotions towards co-workers, the specter of organizational politics, various inter-office rivalries and the 'secret' cubicle farm romance everyone knows about, the annual company holiday party has all the explosive potential of an open fire in a dynamite factory.That hasn’t slowed the party train yet. New data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement consulting organization, indicates more companies are holding holiday celebrations this year. Despite economic uncertainty, 72.4% are planning to p... view article details

"Politics" is Not a Dirty Word The politics of Obama, Romney & Co. are on everyone’s lips these days as the challengers and incumbents in the race for the highest office in the land battle it out on a global stage. Alas, the commentary’s rarely positive.  These days the term politics has become a four-letter word for many, in part because it represents a fraternity that spends more time defending itself than abiding by its dictionary definition: activities which are associated with government. The word has evolved to mean: the relational dynamics associated with influencing and govern... view article details

Dear Heather,Over the past three years I’ve developed a friendship with a co-worker. We’ve weathered a lot, both at work and in our personal lives. I respect him tremendously and appreciate how easily we’ve been able to relate to one another through administrative upheavals, divorces and the like. There has always been an underlying spark in our relationship, but we’ve been careful not to ignite it, as I am technically his superior (he’s an adjunct teacher in a separate department and could probably teach elsewhere). I’m also recently separated and still in the process of sorting through the e... view article details

Got your eye on a cute coworker? You're not alone. Roughly half of all Americans have hooked up with a colleague, with a third of those admitting to steamy episodes in the office itself.  It's no surprise, given that most of our waking hours are spent at work.The good news is: A quarter of these office romances lead to long-term commitment or marriage. The bad news: Many more end up on the rocks. Here are some simple guidelines to help you navigate love without losing your cool at the office.1. Choose wisely First and foremost: Do not randomly hook up with a colleague at the company C... view article details

Dear Annette,Please tell me what to do about coworkers' kids in the office. I could understand if people brought their children in when there was an emergency, but everywhere I look there seems to be some toddler. The noise and distraction are affecting my work. I can't get away from it because we are all in cubes, but I need some way to tell my coworkers that the office is not a daycare center!RattledDear Rattled,It's not surprising that today's office has become so alluring to the young, with its bright colors, foosball table, and all the soda you can drink.I myself have only recently recove... view article details

If you're an American working in an office in the United States, 'casual Friday,' efficient office lunches that allow you to chomp away while simultaneously negotiating deals, and canvassing cubicles to sell your child's Girl Scout cookies are all par for the course.Workers from other countries, on the other hand, might find these traditions rude, offbeat, or just plain weird. This article explores unique traditions, habits, and cultures from workplaces around the world.1. They're no slackers Tired at the end of a 40-hour workweek?South Koreans work 45+ hours per week -- on average se... view article details

Your bedroom closet redo might have happened during a last-minute quest for clothing donations at tax time. But now it's easier to get dressed for work and less likely that you will grab the navy blue jacket to wear with your black pants.Hold that thought. Mull it over as you sip your coffee, chiding the driving faux pas of your fellow commuters. Could this spring cleaning moment have other applications? What if you were to clean and organize your workspace? Here are some de-clutter tips that might just get you promoted. Or at least help you find your daily planner. Do a drive by Chec... view article details