Office Life

Articles by this author

18 appropriate punishments for people who don’t keep their calendars up to date Ladders Contributor

Congratulations! You found that one-hour block in the next two weeks when everyone’s calendar is open. You send the meeting invite only to have Ben decline. “I’m actually out of the office that day,” he says. “Could you find another time?” But Ben, you wonder, how will I find another time if your calendar bears no relation to your actual availability? Here are some appropriate ways to punish Ben and colleagues like him who don’t keep their calendar up to date. Read More

What are the advantages of working for a bad boss?Bob Sutton

This piece focuses on the topic we kept coming back to: the idea that, well, bad bosses aren’t all bad. We all had suffered through bad bosses, and had seen them do all kinds of damage. BUT during the course of the conversation, we started realizing that a bad boss (especially the kind who doesn’t really have the power to hurt you very much) can be a great thing in some ways. Read More

What we can learn on how not to dismiss coworkers from 'Arrested Development' interview Monica Torres

When your coworker rallies up the courage to share a story about being verbally abused by another coworker, your job is to listen and be respectful. You want them to know that you support them, and find their experience to be valid, even if their recollection of events does not match your own. Read More

Science explains why the office window seat is so coveted Monica Torres

Getting the seat by the office window is a coveted prize, and now science backs up why we want it so much. According to a new daylight study conducted by Cornell University’s Dr. Alan Hedge, our proximity to natural light can boost our productivity. Read More

15 proven ways to get people to take you seriously Shana Lebowitz

If you want coworkers and friends to take you seriously, you’ve got to think seriously about the image you’re projecting — from your outfit to your speech to your body language. Read More

Scientists have coined a name for surfing the internet during work hours: ‘cyberloafing’Monica Torres

When the workday drags on, we may turn to the wonders of the world wide web for a spark of entertainment. Now, scientists in a new study, have a term for it: “cyberloafing,” or personal use of the internet during working hours. Read More

Survey: These are the best companies to intern Monica Torres

When you’re an intern at a company, you want to know that you fetching coffee and doing entry-level grunt work will one day pay off. At Indeed, data scientists found out where that hard work and effort was rewarded, releasing a list of the top-rated workplaces for interns in 2018. Read More

How to identify your potential boss’s managing style before you accept the job Sami Allen

While you’re likely to find out what kind of leader your boss is after your first few days in the office, it doesn’t help to discover their managing style isn’t compatible with you after you started. If only you could know these things beforehand … oh wait, you can! … Read More

8 Benefits of Decluttering Your Workspace Riya Sander

Clutter everywhere might seem like a joke sometimes, but it can actually have a detrimental effect on your productivity at work. An organized workspace is more than just a pretty area; it can have effects that benefit you on a psychological level, too. Read More

Must Reads

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The 12 best people to pick as job references

You want to pick people who have worked alongside you and think highly enough of you to sing your praises to a hiring manager.

I did 8 rounds of interviews and still didn’t get the job

“I’ve interviewed with Google twice now, and when people ask me why I don’t work there, I respond, ‘I can never seem to get past the eighth interview,’” says Steve Silberberg, who is now the founder of Fatpacking, a weight-loss backpacking company.

Myth busted: 5 ageism stereotypes that need to be broken

In the last few months, older social media personalities have been gaining traction on sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tock. They’re called Grandfluencers, and they’re here to debunk pervasive ageism myths….and make a little cash doing it.

The simple eye contact trick you should use in every conversation

“When two people are having a conversation, eye contact signals that shared attention is high —that they are in peak synchrony with one another.”

How to deal with ‘The Great Resignation’ when you are a manager

Managers are worried about maintaining the talent required to keep the doors open, but they are not asking the right questions.

The flu shot may protect you from severe COVID-19 infection

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The best exercises for flabby arms — workouts you’ve never heard of

You can tone your arms with these five workouts, and we have video to show you the right form.

7 things you should never ask your boss

There are some things you should just not ask your boss — these 7 questions are things you should stay clear from in conversation.