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Furniture

Here are the questions filed under this category. To read Ken's advice on any item, click on the link "Read Ken's Answer."


When I returned to my office from a meeting yesterday, my desk chair was missing. I was told that a particular employee needed it for a meeting down the hall. This was a big aggravation and waste of time for me. I told her I was upset, but she did not seem to think it was a big deal. What should I do next?
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Does it mean anything when a new manager does absolutely nothing to personalize his office? There's nothing on the walls, and the shelves only have company materials. His desk has a company computer and phone, and that's it. His office looks like it belongs to a visitor.
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Several months ago, one of my associate's desk drawers was jammed. No one could open it, but I have a small set of tools in my office. I went over, unscrewed part of the drawer, and got it open. The problem is that since then, I have become the informal office handyman. This is a major interruption, but it is hard to say no. What can I do?
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I just went for my third interview at this company, and I met with the president for a few minutes. I was surprised to find that his office is tiny and a dump. There were papers scattered all over the floor, and his desk was very small and messy. My conversation with him was pleasant enough, but I'm wondering about a president who works in such an unprofessional office. Is this a reasonable concern?
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My office is configured with my computer facing the wall, and the door is directly behind me. If I am on the computer when people enter my office, they generally say something and I turn around. However, when my manager comes in, he says nothing. I don't know when he's here, but if I happen to turn around, there he is. This gives me the creeps. Any suggestions?
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What do you think about a new employee who is constantly redecorating her office? She keeps moving the desk and chairs around, bringing in different pictures for the wall, and even adding and removing throw rugs from one week to the next. We are not in the decorating business, but she seems to think she is.
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We just hired a new person for telephone sales, and she brought in a huge number of stuffed animals and put them all over her work area. I don't like how it looks, and I am concerned that they will prevent her from finding important paperwork and files on her desk. What is the best way to get her to take some of these things home?
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Whenever I meet with one particular employee in my office, he keeps looking down at papers on my desk that he should not be reading. I don't want to confront or embarrass him, but I would like this to stop. What do you suggest?
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I just changed offices, and my new one needs more light. I asked my manager if I could bring in a small lamp for my desk. He said he does not want the clutter, and all of the lighting meets the required minimums. How can I change his mind?
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My job entails a lot of time sitting in front of a computer. Our company just purchased new chairs for our department, I don’t like mine. I cannot get it to adjust the way I want, and what I really want is my old chair back. I told our manager, and she said to give the new chair some time and it will be fine. Can you help?
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My job entails a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, and our company just purchased new chairs for our department. I don’t like new chairs at all. I cannot get mine to adjust to what I want, and what I really want is my old chair back. I told this to our manager, and she said to give the new chair some time and it will be fine. Can you help?
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