The Best Doesn't Always Win If only competition in the workplace mirrored the simplicity of Olympic swimming. Whoever does the best job and touches the wall first, wins. It's the winner who goes on to earn bonus money via endorsements, and your smiling face lands on a box of breakfast cereal! If only it were as easy as slamming that completed report in the boss’ hand and stepping right up on a big corner office desk for a playing of the National Anthem and an instant raise and promotion.But there’s no winning buzzer in your department (just the occasional annoying ringtone), and somet... view article details

Q. As a salaried exempt supervisor, I have been given more than 40 hours of work per week, had pay cuts, and not been treated well in general. Now my employer is requiring all the salaried exempt employees to use the time clock. My understanding is that when you punch a timecard, you become an hourly employee. Is that true?A. Use of a time clock does not make a job nonexempt. A job's exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is based on a number of criteria, such as job content, scope and responsibility, latitude, and the job's impact on the organization.Before a job changes exemption... view article details

Dear Annette,What exactly is 'business casual'? I usually wear suits, but I feel overdressed now that my company has instituted this new, more relaxed dress code. Any hints?Too formal in PhillyDear Formal,Hosts and fashion police like to throw out dress code terms and phrases as if they were an actual Thing. But most of these combinations of words are made up, virtually meaningless, just thrown together to get someone off the hook. 'Semiformal.' 'Cool casual.' 'Relaxed retro.' 'Country club.' And at auditions, 'Wear something you can move in.' I hate when I get dressed in the morning and can't... view article details

Q. When accepting a part-time position in an office and asked about salary requirements, what is the appropriate thing to say? How can you compare a part-time to a full-time salary? A. In any negotiation, always try to get the other party to say a number first. That's as true for part-time work as for salary work. Part-time salaries are typically based on full-time salaries divided by the number of hours worked. Some companies pay part-time employees a discounted rate, that is, less than the equivalent full-time salary. Also, benefits are typically lower for part-time employees. Research the... view article details

'Is nothing sacred?!?' According to author Jake Breeden, the answer is no.Breeden is the author of 'Tipping Sacred Cows: Kick the Bad Work Habits that Masquerade as Virtues,' and joins Aaron as this week's guest on Salary Talk. At first glance, Breeden's book seems more than a little bit counter-intuitive. After all, it seems backwards to criticize people who are full of passion and creativity on the job. But too much of a good thing can -- and certainly does -- work against you professionally, Breeden argues.While everyone knows and has plenty of criticism for the 7 Deadly Sins, Breeden talks... view article details