I used to ask my employees “how’s it going?” just as a polite way to say hello. I’ve noticed recently that people are starting to answer honestly. It’s making me feel uncomfortable when they reveal too much info about their personal lives. How can I tell staff that they should keep their private lives, well, private, without sounding like an uncaring boss?
Maybe just try saying “hello” next time, instead of feigning interest in how they are really doing?
We’ve all been there.
We greet each other with a warm, friendly “Hi, how are you?” expecting a response of “Great, thank you. How about you?” to which we reply similarly.
But so many workplace pleasantries and norms have been disrupted by the pandemic and remote work.
As the workplace has become less formal and more familiar, more people are comfortable sharing their true whole selves at work.
Plus, the reality is that more people aren’t doing so well now — and the more people tend to share, the more uncomfortable it can be.
As a boss, you want to show that you care, but if you feel it’s all too much info, maybe you can show support by also suggesting that the employee seek assistance through the company’s benefits resources.
My boss said that in a couple of years, my job will be replaced by AI. That’s fine with me, but was I just fired? Can I collect unemployment insurance?
I was going to say, “Let me ask ChatGPT that question,” but that’s so overused already.
Unless your employer has given you official notice of your termination with a specific date and the benefits that you are to receive, you have not been fired.
More likely, your boss is playing prognosticator, like everyone else is now, and is opining on the future of work as a result of the latest technological advancement.
Your job may indeed be in jeopardy, so it’s good to have a heads up.
But despite what sounds like your eagerness for that outcome, I doubt that the unemployment office will approve your request for benefits at this time.
Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg Weds. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. Email: GoToGreg@NYPost.com. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @GregGiangrande