Humor

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

	Our manager read or heard that one way to improve the atmosphere is to add a joke at the end email messages. I don't think this helps the atmosphere at all. What do you think? Read Ken's Answer
	One of my co-workers e-mails me far too many jokes and stories every day, to the point that some days I receive ten or more from her. I know she means well, but I would like her to stop. How do I tell her without hurting her feelings? Read Ken's Answer
	We had a heavy lunch at one of our conferences, and afterwards I half-jokingly suggested that it was time for the company to implement a nap policy. One of the vice presidents sneered at me and shook his head, and my own manager made a crack about sleeping on the job. Did I violate some corporate rule? Read Ken's Answer
	One of my good friends at work is sort of a goof-off and a clown. The other day, my manager came down very hard on me and said that he has seen us fooling around too much and he wants it to stop. I don't spend that much time with him, and I'm not sure how to handle what the manager said. Read Ken's Answer
	I am the newest and youngest person in this small company, and on Fridays we all meet with the president. When I discuss what I have been doing, he always has a cutting little remark about me that he thinks is funny. My manager says to forget about it, but it bothers me. Should I say something to the president? Read Ken's Answer
	I received an e-mail joke that was not in the best of taste, but I wanted to forward it to a few select friends who work here. I got distracted and somehow sent it to almost everyone. I apologized and was reprimanded by management, but I feel like my future here is wrecked. Is there anything that might help? Read Ken's Answer
	I've been with this company for about a year, and I enjoy most of the work. My problem is that the people I work with talk about work and nothing else. Some humor or casual conversation would be nice, but it doesn't happen. This place is no fun, and I am wondering if that is enough reason to leave. Read Ken's Answer
	I had a report stored in the documents file in my computer, and my manager asked to see a copy of it. When I tried to access it, I couldn't find it. I went into a complete state of panic. It turned out that a couple of co-workers had moved the report as a joke. I blew up at them and they said I have no sense of humor. I got the report to my manager, but I am still upset. Do I have a right to be? Read Ken's Answer
	I overheard one of my supervisors tell a joke to three co-workers, and within earshot of several others, including myself. It involved a made-up Chinese name followed by an inappropriate term for someone of that descent. I confronted him at the end of the workday and he apologized, but went on to say that several people in the office occasionally use offensive terms toward other races, and that that he could do nothing about it. His advice was that I should get accustomed to it. I'm lost as to what to do next. Read Ken's Answer
	One of our best hourly employees has been cheating on her timecard. This is a violation of our company policy, and we have terminated employees for this. It would be difficult to replace this person, and since she is a good employee, I would like to give her a warning, but other managers say I should terminate her. Whose side would you take? Read Ken's Answer
	Our company goes through a reorganization every couple of years. There is one manager who never sees eye to eye with me, and he recently said in a half-joking way that if I ever end up working under him, I will not be working here for long. I just heard through the grapevine that I may be reporting to him very soon. What should I do? Read Ken's Answer
	My manager teases me often, such as by "ordering" me into his office and pretending he's upset when he isn't, calling me by several wrong names, and even making fun of my car. Afterwards, he laughs and says he was kidding. I don't think it's funny. He knows how I feel, but he doesn't stop. What can I do? Read Ken's Answer
	I made a funny comment in our lunchroom, but several people took it the wrong way. My manager called me in and said it was a form of sexual harassment. I never intended it to be taken that way, but now there's a note in my file about this incident. What should I do? Read Ken's Answer
	I am in sales and most of our internal communications are through email. I sent my manager a brief note regarding plans for my territory, and I included a fairly creative suggestion. He responded with a short one-liner that was his attempt at humor, but it essentially dismissed me and my suggestion. How should I deal with him? Read Ken's Answer
	Our company has taken many steps to deal with and prevent illegal harassment. The other day, my supervisor told an offensive religious joke but said it was okay because he was joking about his own religion. I’m not a member of his religion, but I thought the joke was offensive, and I’m sure most people of his faith would feel likewise. Is he right? Read Ken's Answer