Do you have any advice on how to manage employees who become distracted by March Madness and their brackets? Besides, it’s illegal gambling — can’t I be held accountable?
Not unless you have a nickname like “Johnny Bagels” or “Nicky No-neck” and are taking a piece of the action. And considering an estimated $3 billion is wagered on the NCAA Tournament, getting “a little taste” could be a nice living. Look, unless everyone’s watching the games on their mobile phones hidden in their laps during meetings, or staffers are being shaken down in the lunchroom on payday — it’s simply the normal office betting pool. I’d order some wings and turn on the television in the conference room. You will score big-time with your staff. Besides, I’m not sure why everyone is wasting their time — since I’m going to win the Sports Illustrated $1 Million Dollar Bracket Challenge.
I have a new boss who wants to end the work-from-home arrangement I was hired into five years ago. My performance appraisals have always been stellar — I am always plugged in and productive. Do I have any recourse, since this arrangement was a condition of my employment?
If you don’t want to work in the office, your most likely recourse is to look for another job — unless, of course, there is some contract that specifically prevents your employer from changing this work-from-home arrangement (which is highly doubtful). Since this would be a material shift in the working conditions that were the basis upon which you were hired, you’re likely eligible for severance if you choose not to accept the change. But before you pound the pavement looking for a new job, try crafting a persuasive pitch for your boss to continue the arrangement temporarily, so you can have an opportunity to demonstrate just how successful the arrangement has been — and will continue to be.